2009 Tour of California

Sabine & I volunteered at the Solvang time trial stage of the Tour of California for the third year in a row. This year, instead of being out on the course, we decided to work 'Media.' With the Lance circus (and the plethora of top European riders), we had our work cut out for us.

We were less than impressed with the organization (the Tour media folks were late and disorganized), but we did our part. I delivered photocopies the 'official start list' to a couple of the top tour officials (and got ToC swag as a reward, which went to John). We also had some time to visit the team buses (hello, Jelly Belly!!!) and watch the last dozen riders cross the finish line in the media tent.

After Levi pulled off the win by 8 seconds, Sabine & I dashed back to the Media room to help support the press conference. I'm standing in the back of the room (with glass sliding doors at my back), trying to look unobtrusive in my bright orange volunteer shirt. There's a knock on the door behind me, and I turn around and motion the person to go around to the front door.

The guy looks at me incredulously, and turns around and points behind him - to Levi Leipheimer on his bike, arriving for the press conference. DOH! I spend what seems like an ETERNITY trying to get the door unlocked, and mumble a lame 'sorry, man' to Levi when I finally let him in.

The press conference was priceless. David Zabriskie is a riot! Not all smooth and polished like Levi, but goofy and funny and irreverent.

Tommy and Michael were our wonderful hosts in Santa Barbara, and it was a fantastic experience!