Saturday, April 23
I decided to skip my Ovarian Cycle ride and go with Will, Sarah and some guys from the Cycling team to the Brasstown Bald stage. We all met up at 630am. After stopping in Roswell to let the Malloy's dogs out, we arrived at Brasstown around 9am and began our walk up (Sarah wasn't aware that we were going to be hiking :-p).
On our way up the mountain (spray paint from previous year)
We had checked the weather forecast, but as it turns out it was wrong. But, actually it wasn't that cold walking up. We ended up hitching a ride with someone up to the parking lot, where it was really cold. Then we headed up to the very top of the moutain where we met up with Colin, Pete and Richard. It was very foggy and humid (and cold) - Will was wearing shorts and Sarah had flip flops on :-p. We stayed in the tower for a long time because it was so cold outside. After awhile of trying to warm up and dry off we headed on down the mountain to claim our spot. We found the perfect place... it was a switchback where we could see the road below us (the plan was to get two glances of the cyclists). We stayed there for awhile, trying to decipher what a man was spray painting onto the road. After half an hour people walking up said "oh look, a strong arm" and after another 20 minutes Pete says "hey, the thing going through the arm that looks like a needle is a lance!" Anyway, as we got colder and colder we decided to walk down the mountain to find a warmer place. We ended up at the foot of the mountain, which was a pretty good spot. Since we were only about 1/2 mile away from the car, Will, Sarah and I went to go sit in the heat for awhile. We sat until we thought the riders were getting close, then headed back to the foot of the moutain where Colin was waiting. After more waiting (and waiting) and laughing at Ted from the Cycling team for showing up in a garbage bag on his bike, the minute car finally came through. At this point it was after 5pm. It was totally worth it, though. I was completely awestruck as the riders came through. I didn't really get a great view because I was looking through the camera and shivering, but now I have video! We headed down the road to watch the peloton pass, then got in the car, got some food and headed home.
Will and I turned right around and headed back to Startime in Roswell for Emily and Ben's Bday Whirly Ball thing. It was a lot of fun, but the combination of being up since 530 am and alcohol put me out like a light. We ended up staying in Dunwoody that night.
Sunday, April 24
As miserable as Saturday was, Sunday was that wonderful. We woke up after lots of sleep, played with Alden and Kaya a bit, then headed up to Haynes Bridge. Turns out it's only 15 minutes away from my parents house. We pulled into the parking lot just minutes after a car of guys from the Cycling team and headed across the street. While waiting for the trailer to be ready we wandered around the other trailer displays and even got to watch a BMX bike show. It was incredible to see guys upside down in mid-air!
Maaxis BMX Show
We also got to try a GE power test... first one to light up the top light wins a GE t-shirt!
Will and Reuben competing
Turns out the bike will was on had a lower resistance so it made it difficult to win on that one (which probably contributed to me beating Pete from the cycling team)
After that we headed to have lunch in the GE trailer (Will and the Cycling Team got VIP passes after agreeing to help with a GE Curriculum thing this summer). We had a VERY yummy lunch... red meat, chicken, cake, and they were even serving alcohol (although I stuck to the sweet tea). We watched some of the race on the jumbo tv thing, went around to get more free stuff (yay for free water bottles) then finally headed up to the top of the trailer to watch the race.
Will and the view from our VIP Seats at the GE trailer - finish line behind
The cars finally started coming through and the excitement was the same as Saturday... except much warmer and more comfortable!
And the gap closes...
Sunday was also better because the riders rode the circuit 6 times... which means 6x more viewing than Saturday (although they were going much faster). We even got to see the gap between the leaders and the peloton close to nothing. After the race finished, we watched some of the awards. It was interesting to see the two girls who ended up being Tour Hostesses. I was correct - one of them was a blonde. But, it occurred to me that they probably wanted the epitomy of an American girl to be standing there... and I am not it.
At one point - after they both kissed the first award winner - Will informed me that I "am glad" that I wasn't one of those girls otherwise I would be in trouble! :-p
We didn't say for the whole ceremony so that we could try and beat traffic. We did get to pass by the Discovery Team giving autographs and their team car as well, though.
Discovery Channel Team - Best Team
Will in front of the Discovery Channel Car
All in all, it was a truly incredible, fun weekend. I am glad I chose to spend all weekend doing that. It was fun to see all the famous (more or less) cyclists, to spend time with Will around his guy friends, and to just indulge in my new fascination of the sport. I can't wait til next year (where I will ride up Brasstown before the cyclists do) and I hope to make it to some of the larger European races later in life. For the mean time though, I am completely motivated to get back on my bike (after abscence due to sinus infections and senior design) and begin working towards racing some on my own. I'm not exactly sure how to describe all that I feel... I can only say that I am fascinated, awestruck and ready to dive in!
And I owe all of it to Will - his passion for everything that he does is inspiring and he has just been amazing. He is patient enough to not only let me intrude on his one "guy thing" but also answers all the questions I have. I am truly blessed to have someone who is so giving and inspiring.
