Ride with Contador in California

[BroDeal]

Tuesday. Sausalito.

 

[mewmewmew13]

I saw that tweet today! He sounded relaxed and friendly...
would be interesting

 

[Maxiton]

Wish I still lived there. Sounds fantastic. If anyone goes, please take lots of pictures and post them here. A little video for YouTube would be nice, too.

 

[Publicus]

Wish I still lived there. Sounds fantastic. If anyone goes, please take lots of pictures and post them here. A little video for YouTube would be nice, too.

I think I'll make it out, but I can't promise on the photos.

 

[Boeing]

I have to believe there is more love for the dude in So Cal than No Cal. What gives

 

[rides like a girl]

I have to believe there is more love for the dude in So Cal than No Cal. What gives

Agree with you...but still trying to reorganize my work schedule for a road trip...outside chance to get work schedule to cooperate with a trip north.

 

[The Hitch]

Wow, sounds awesome. wish i was in cali

I think I'll make it out, but I can't promise on the photos.

Youll regret it if you dont.

 

[RedheadDane]

On Twitter he asked people to come shoot him.

Okay, it was due to the magic of Google Translate... just looked rather funny...

 

[oldborn]

Just for the ice breaking intro approach him with burger: No problemo Alberto it is Clen free

P.S. Bring us some pics for sure, that is gonna be nice ride

 

[Parrulo]

Wow, sounds awesome. wish i was in cali

indeed. i very jelly of you socal guys.

please ask him to attack you on a climb and tell us how it feels to see him rocket away

 

[LaFlorecita]

*envies the ppl over there*

 

[Maxiton]

I think I'll make it out, but I can't promise on the photos.

Awesome (for you ), but I agree with the Hitch on the photos, you'll regret it if you don't.

I have to believe there is more love for the dude in So Cal than No Cal. What gives

I doubt it. As popular as cycling is down here, NorCal-Nevada really is the seedbed of road racing in North America.

Just for the ice breaking intro approach him with burger: No problemo Alberto it is Clen free

P.S. Bring us some pics for sure, that is gonna be nice ride

Somehow I think that joke would get lost in translation.

 

[mewmewmew13]

Awesome (for you ), but I agree with the Hitch on the photos, you'll regret it if you don't.



I doubt it. As popular as cycling is down here, NorCal-Nevada really is the seedbed of road racing in North America.



Somehow I think that joke would get lost in translation.

Yes, you would NOT want to show up with a steak hanging around your neck.
Seriously, I think it would be a lot of fun to go ride with him. Whatever he has done or not I think he seems like a pretty nice person.

 

[Publicus]

Meeting at Mike's Bikes in Sausalito, CA at noon to do the Paradise Loop (not sure which version (there are several)). I guess I'll have to borrow my wife's camera--can't see lugging a digital SLR that whole way.

 

[craig1985]

Heard AC already has a restraining order against durianrider just incase if rumours are true that he will make an appearance.

 

[Angliru]

Meeting at Mike's Bikes in Sausalito, CA at noon to do the Paradise Loop (not sure which version (there are several)). I guess I'll have to borrow my wife's camera--can't see lugging a digital SLR that whole way.

Thanks Publicus! I look forward to your shots of Alberto! I too envy you and the rest who are going.

I once had the chance to go to the WC road races when they were in Hamilton, Ontario, but the group that I was going with all backed out and to this day I regret not simply going there solo, considering it wasn't that far of a drive. That would've been the closest I'd have ever been to watching the sports elite live. So Publicus, you have a heavy burden on your shoulders. Knock over a couple of bodyguards and get those shots!

 

[Maxiton]

Meeting at Mike's Bikes in Sausalito, CA at noon to do the Paradise Loop (not sure which version (there are several)). I guess I'll have to borrow my wife's camera--can't see lugging a digital SLR that whole way.

I used to ride the "extended version" of Paradise Loop. If I remember correctly, it was about 40-45 miles if you just include the bit that begins and ends at Mike's Bikes, and there's only one bit of any real climbing, which begins, I think, down the street from the shop. After Alberto drops you on that little mountain, you'll have the rest of the ride to catch back on. Can't wait to see the pics.

 

[Publicus]

I used to ride the "extended version" of Paradise Loop. If I remember correctly, it was about 40-45 miles if you just include the bit that begins and ends at Mike's Bikes, and there's only one bit of any real climbing, which begins, I think, down the street from the shop. After Alberto drops you on that little mountain, you'll have the rest of the ride to catch back on. Can't wait to see the pics.

He dropped me in the parking lot. I wish I were kidding, but alas, I am not a world class cyclist. He's not as thin as I thought, but even for a group ride he was serious. We only ended up going just shy of 36KM, so it wasn't the extended version. I'm guessing he finished it just shy of 45 minutes--well ahead of my 1'06 (in my defense I got caught behind two lights and well, as I said, AC wasn't playing around).

I actually did the ride on my lunch hour, so I'm still grinding away at the office. I'll post my few pictures a little later today (no, I didn't get one of me and him--just not my thing (same way about autographs)). Still, one of the coolest things I've ever done.

 

[mewmewmew13]

He dropped me in the parking lot. I wish I were kidding, but alas, I am not a world class cyclist. He's not as thin as I thought, but even for a group ride he was serious. We only ended up going just shy of 36KM, so it wasn't the extended version. I'm guessing he finished it just shy of 45 minutes--well ahead of my 1'06 (in my defense I got caught behind two lights and well, as I said, AC wasn't playing around).

I actually did the ride on my lunch hour, so I'm still grinding away at the office. I'll post my few pictures a little later today (no, I didn't get one of me and him--just not my thing (same way about autographs)). Still, one of the coolest things I've ever done.

VERY COOL Publicus!! We are so glad you went!
I am surprised that he rode it fast. But maybe it wasn't close to fast from his perspective.
I remember a few years ago a great article on Ivan Basso...he came to ride at lunch hour out at Pearl Izumi near Boulder. Lots of wannabes and local fast guys came out, ready to show off. Ivan marched out covered with every article of clothing that PI made and did a slow, friendly social ride! The other guys froze!

Can't wait for your pix...THnx! nice job

 

[Parrulo]

He dropped me in the parking lot. I wish I were kidding, but alas, I am not a world class cyclist. He's not as thin as I thought, but even for a group ride he was serious. We only ended up going just shy of 36KM, so it wasn't the extended version. I'm guessing he finished it just shy of 45 minutes--well ahead of my 1'06 (in my defense I got caught behind two lights and well, as I said, AC wasn't playing around).

I actually did the ride on my lunch hour, so I'm still grinding away at the office. I'll post my few pictures a little later today (no, I didn't get one of me and him--just not my thing (same way about autographs)). Still, one of the coolest things I've ever done.

*bows down to the great Publicus who has had the honour of riding with contador*

post some pics when you can and go a little further into detail on this story please

 

[Maxiton]

He dropped me in the parking lot. I wish I were kidding, but alas, I am not a world class cyclist. He's not as thin as I thought, but even for a group ride he was serious. We only ended up going just shy of 36KM, so it wasn't the extended version. I'm guessing he finished it just shy of 45 minutes--well ahead of my 1'06 (in my defense I got caught behind two lights and well, as I said, AC wasn't playing around).

I actually did the ride on my lunch hour, so I'm still grinding away at the office. I'll post my few pictures a little later today (no, I didn't get one of me and him--just not my thing (same way about autographs)). Still, one of the coolest things I've ever done.

Awesome, that's just fantastic. I too was thinking of the Basso article where he rode casually, so I thought that might happen here, too. Apparently, Contador didn't get the memo, though as Parrulo said, for him this doubtlessly was casual.

I just read an article about Merckx at his son's fondo. Merckx, 68 years old, rode the "short" loop (45 miles) at an average speed of 24 MPH (38.7 KPH). And I got the impression that he didn't want to drop his daughter-in-law, who was riding with him.

These guys, old or young, are just on a whole 'nother level from guys like us (or even from our domestic pros). It's fantastic that you got to do the ride.

Now, in addition to posting the pics, I hope you'll do a little write up, too.

 

[rides like a girl]

I stopped crying about him not coming to So Cal and made the drive after work last night. Actually boss let me off early so I could go home, prep the bike, make hotel reservations, pack a bag, etc. Got to Mill Valley at midnight. So glad the ride was at noon today!

Brought my ex-boyfriend in theory so I would have company when I got dropped. That didn't work out, he dropped me too trying to measure himself with AC. I got to the ride early in hopes I could get an autograph, not like Publicus, have no issues getting autographs. No photo with him, not my thing. I got him to shake my hand, laugh at my Spanish and sign my Giro jersey! No I won't wash that glove!

I was looking at all the people, large amount, 60-80? People of all walks of life, young and old. A couple young riders (13-14?), a kid with training wheels. Saw a complete Leopard Trek kit, Jobiwan? A RadioShack jersey, Astana jersey, HTC jacket, 2 Livestrong shorts, bunch of No Cal riding teams. Local TV cameras and newspaper cameras were there. Cycling media too, Cyclingnews and Velonews.

AC must have left after he signed some autographs for us early birds and went for a ride before the ride. After i put my treasures in the car, noticed AC riding up to the back of the shop. He was so quick in an area that most of us were going slow dodging cars and prepping to unclip. I knew he was going to drop me!

A guy from Specialized said AC would do an interview with local media then we would leave, I that clue to take off to get a lead! I had to get a head start! AC rode up next to me as I was talking to my chain...having some issues I think were due to the transport of the bike. He smiled as i was talking to myself, rode next to me for bit, then passed me and I was amazed at the ease of his pedaling, so smooth, seeing it on TV doesn't do it justice.

Shortly after the pass, it was my turn to carry the piano, I started to go backwards! Seemingly everyone passed me. It was about 1/3 of the way. I wanted more pictures and another autograph, so figured AC would be gone if I continued going forward. I have no shame, I turned around when I saw there where no cars to grab hold of to catch me up. Every Phil and Paulism ran thru my head, the elastic snapped! Got back to the start shortly before AC and a small group finished. Got another autograph and waited for the ex-boyfriend to finish.

I thought he would have a bunch of people surrounding him, but I only saw his brother Fran and a couple guys from Specialized. In the end, I don't think he broke a sweat. Glad I made the 6 hour drive each way!

Photos as soon as I get them off the cameras, I had one and the ex had one....and I figure out finally how to post them....have the steps in a message, just need to follow them.

 

[on3m@n@rmy]

indeed. i very jelly of you socal guys.

please ask him to attack you on a climb and tell us how it feels to see him rocket away

No kidding. That's a great promo for cycling in the USA.

 

[Zam_Olyas]

Please the picture. publicus and rides like a girl are already a level above us, they could tell their grand children that they once rode with the Gran contador.

 

[bicing]

He dropped me in the parking lot. I wish I were kidding, but alas, I am not a world class cyclist. He's not as thin as I thought, but even for a group ride he was serious. We only ended up going just shy of 36KM, so it wasn't the extended version. I'm guessing he finished it just shy of 45 minutes--well ahead of my 1'06 (in my defense I got caught behind two lights and well, as I said, AC wasn't playing around).

I actually did the ride on my lunch hour, so I'm still grinding away at the office. I'll post my few pictures a little later today (no, I didn't get one of me and him--just not my thing (same way about autographs)). Still, one of the coolest things I've ever done.

I stopped crying about him not coming to So Cal and made the drive after work last night. Actually boss let me off early so I could go home, prep the bike, make hotel reservations, pack a bag, etc. Got to Mill Valley at midnight. So glad the ride was at noon today!

Brought my ex-boyfriend in theory so I would have company when I got dropped. That didn't work out, he dropped me too trying to measure himself with AC. I got to the ride early in hopes I could get an autograph, not like Publicus, have no issues getting autographs. No photo with him, not my thing. I got him to shake my hand, laugh at my Spanish and sign my Giro jersey! No I won't wash that glove!

I was looking at all the people, large amount, 60-80? People of all walks of life, young and old. A couple young riders (13-14?), a kid with training wheels. Saw a complete Leopard Trek kit, Jobiwan? A RadioShack jersey, Astana jersey, HTC jacket, 2 Livestrong shorts, bunch of No Cal riding teams. Local TV cameras and newspaper cameras were there. Cycling media too, Cyclingnews and Velonews.

AC must have left after he signed some autographs for us early birds and went for a ride before the ride. After i put my treasures in the car, noticed AC riding up to the back of the shop. He was so quick in an area that most of us were going slow dodging cars and prepping to unclip. I knew he was going to drop me!

A guy from Specialized said AC would do an interview with local media then we would leave, I that clue to take off to get a lead! I had to get a head start! AC rode up next to me as I was talking to my chain...having some issues I think were due to the transport of the bike. He smiled as i was talking to myself, rode next to me for bit, then passed me and I was amazed at the ease of his pedaling, so smooth, seeing it on TV doesn't do it justice.

Shortly after the pass, it was my turn to carry the piano, I started to go backwards! Seemingly everyone passed me. It was about 1/3 of the way. I wanted more pictures and another autograph, so figured AC would be gone if I continued going forward. I have no shame, I turned around when I saw there where no cars to grab hold of to catch me up. Every Phil and Paulism ran thru my head, the elastic snapped! Got back to the start shortly before AC and a small group finished. Got another autograph and waited for the ex-boyfriend to finish.

I thought he would have a bunch of people surrounding him, but I only saw his brother Fran and a couple guys from Specialized. In the end, I don't think he broke a sweat. Glad I made the 6 hour drive each way!

Photos as soon as I get them off the cameras, I had one and the ex had one....and I figure out finally how to post them....have the steps in a message, just need to follow them.

Truly awesome!