This One is Done

I am glad this one is done. Is it neurotic to ALWAYS wake up an hour before the alarm, just to make sure there is no initial FUBAR? This morning I pulled that one off and was up at two. There was a time (college) where that was lights out time, today it was lights on. Ahhh, the value of an education!

Seattle to The Dalles was an easy 250 miles. The Mazda 3 rolls smooth at 80 with live Dead and Phish well past max. There is something about being on the road pre-sunrise that lightens the load to workable tolerances. As I mentioned a couple posts ago, a guy could get used to this. I can see where the wolf has slept by the silver moon.

Hit the staging area in time to hook up with the RD and Media Director, meet my moto pilot, explaine to the USA Cycling officials (again) what we need to shoot (and how) and go. This time it was for 80 miles behind Nate on his screaming blue Yamaha following the Pro Men. Through some very scenic countryside and orchards high above the Columbia. You will just have to wait until Monday to get a peak but please rest assured VBA, that this stuff is bueno bueno. As total transparent disclaimer from the fess-up files, today was the first time since I started doing this in 1999, that I was actually (a little) scared on the bike. Technical switchback descents at 60mph with two hands on the camera will do that to even the toughest of us.

So I am happy now back in my room, downloading, charging, relaxing, blogging and enjoying a $4 Taco Del Mar veggie burrito and an extra pale Rolling Rock.

Tomorrow morning we shoot the 11 mile Time Trial near Mt. Adams and the twilight criterium in Hood River. A double dip of delightful Northwest flavors.

It hit 72 here today, so riding season seems to be unofficially official. Ride 'em if ya got 'em folks, let's get out there and have some fun.

I am glad, however, that today is in the (b)log.

Pix: As if the RCVman doesn't have enough to do when shooting from the back of a speeding Yamaha without back rest, he can, when necessary, grab an IPhone jpeg or two, with the Canon XH A1 runnin'. DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!