a pat on the back. He responded with a very German “Thank you” and shuffled off, bound, no doubt, for massages, carbo-loading and whatever else cycling royalty is treated to following a stage. The action moved to the awards platform in the festive expo area, which was filled with biking-related booths, beer gardens, a big-screen television, food vendors and live music. For his stage 2 victory, Levi Leipheimer was adorned with the usual bike-racing regalia: flowers, kisses on the cheek from beautiful women, and the yellow jersey. But, just to make sure he would remember where he was, he was also treated to locally made ROMP skis complete with a photo image of Crested Butte Mountain taken by photographer JC Leacock emblazoned on the top sheet. I have to admit, when Levi took those skis in hand, I chuckled, thinking there’s no way that pocket Hercules with random lightning strikes, but ((he stands 5’6” and weighs a mere the locals would not be denied. They 136 pounds) could actually ski on were determined to give the USA Pro those massive boards. But they’ll look excellent hanging in his trophy room. Due to course scheduling and the subsequent road closures, local fans found themselves in a bit of a conundrum. While everyone wanted to see their cycling heroes either hurtle down Elk Avenue or scramble to the finish in Mt. Crested Butte, they also wanted to be on course the next day for the Queen’s Stage, which took the riders from Gunnison over Cottonwood Pass bound for Independence Pass and ultimately Aspen (131 miles over two 12,000-foot summits). It was a race unto itself as the local fans rallied up Taylor Canyon. Some opted for the prearranged shuttles. Others drove like banshees to find the ultimate parking spot and tailgate set-up, while a large proportion of Crested Butte fans did as the athletes do, and rode their bikes to the top of Cottonwood Pass. Clouds circled the throngs of fans lining the final two miles of Cottonwood Pass, and the heavens added some spark to the occasion
Cycling Challenge a memorable goodbye as the riders climbed up and over the pass. A pink bunny was on hand, as
summer | 2012
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