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.
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