The woman’s crit in downtown Santa Rosa had a great turnout, both racers and spectators. It was raining the entire race, dumping at times. I pushed my new gear a bit too far for comfort...but got some good pics. I can now vouch for the water resistance of Nikon’s. I shot w/ my 70-200mm the entire day, now I can stand on the outside of corners. Sweet. Rachel Lloyd held it down for the Proman Hit Squad, grabbing 3rd place and the appropriate share of the $15,000 booty. Nice work Rachel, we cheer for Lloyd not Floyd.

The men rolled in and we cheered Mancebo like we voted for Bush...blinded by ignorance. Many people asked me why I was booing selected riders, rather than rattle off the various “mistakes” made by the Floyds, Tylers, Lances and the Rock and Republics, I simply explained that because of these guys, the real hometown heros are watching the race at home. Lance has us so good, it’s not even about doping anymore, if you say anything bad about Lance, it’s like talking trash about cancer.

Monday we rode up to the top of the KOM, finding shelter just in-time for the 100 year storm to unleash it’s fury. True to form, BJM manned up for a long one, knowing his hometown was awaiting all along the climb and into the finish. I failed to take any good racing shots, I was banking on my flash...that apparently doesn’t like to get wet. Harsh.