The Tour Hag

My sister-in-law is a crazy fan of Professional Cycling

Over the years Suz has traveled to the Tour de France, Dauphine Libere, Giro d' Italia, Tour de Suisse, Tour of California, and probably a few others. She is the fan that knows all the tricks. She knows the names, the history, recognizes all the riders, knows how to jump the barriers, and somehow scores the schwag. Suz has the personality to make the riders laugh with her comments and friendliness. She is also not shy about getting her photo with the riders, which has resulted in some great Fan Pictures over the years.

In honor of my sister-in-law Suz, who is a Physical Therapist, and has helped me tremendously these past 3 weeks as I recover from a broken pelvis - I give you Suz:

and some other guys

 

George Hincapie

 

Christian Van de Velde

Chris Horner

 

Erik Zabel

 Mark Cavendish

 

Frank Schleck

 

Iñigo Landaluze 

with Mr And Mrs Landaluze on top of Mont Ventoux

 Fabian Cancellara

 Alberto Contador

"Johan honked" - Suz at the Tour of California in Santa Barbara 2009

Okay so she had some bad taste in cyclists over the past 10 years -

Floyd Landis

but she had a lot of fun!

Suz being a fan at the 2005 Tour de France on Plat d'Adet 

and being a TDF fan in Montpellier, France

Suz with Phil Ligget, Paul Sherwen and me at the Bulldog Coffee Shop in Solvang, CA in 2009

Suz gets a smile from Johan Bruyneel and Dirk

and she married a great guy, my brother Straw

Thanks Suz!
Suz is currently training our nephew Kenny to follow in her footsteps ... the next post will be a progress report on Kenny learning the ropes ..... it is worth waiting for

* Post post note: I forgot to mention, Kenny grew up calling Suz MOAS (Mean Old Aunt Suz), they have a special bond those two. 

Post post Tuesday, November 9, 2010  A Cycling Fan in training

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Image of the Day: George Hincapie

Picture of the Day

From my image files of the 2009 Tour of California. This is George Hincapie warming up for the ITT in Solvang, California. 

 

George Hincapie at the ATOC Image by: PedalDancer.com

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Route of the 2011 Quiznos Pro Challenge Announced

Stages and Host Cities of the UCI Pro Tour in Colorado

Update 12/08/11: 2012 USA Pro Cycling Challenge announced

Mark your calendars a huge race is coming to Colorado! From August 22-28, 2011, Colorado will play host to the best cyclists in the world. A 7-day stage race will be passing through these towns in the Rocky Mountains:

Update August 2011: The race name has been changed to USA Pro Cycling Challenge. Please read information for fans provide by PedalDancer.com at USA Pro Cycling Challenge Fan Page or specific Details at: Fan information for the USA Pro Cycling Challenge
 

Quiznos Pro Challenge Route 2011: USA Pro Cycling Challenge Route 2011

The 2011 Quiznos Pro Challenge Stages
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    August 22 - Stage 1, Prologue time trial, Colorado Springs
    August 23 - Stage 2, Salida to Crested Butte, mountain-top finish
    August 24 - Stage 3, Gunnison to Aspen, mountain stage
    August 25 - Stage 4, Vail, time trail, former Coors Classic stage
    August 26 - Stage 5, Avon to Steamboat Springs
    August 27 - Stage 6, Steamboat Springs to Breckenridge
    August 28 - Stage 7, Golden to Denver

*Official Route and Map and Teams to be announced in coming months  

Press Conference announcement video Quiznos Pro Challenge Host Cities

Quiznos Pro Challenge Official Press Release on Podium Insight
Read more at the official website: Quiznos Pro Challenge

You can read about the Host Cities at http://quiznosprochallenge.com/host-cities/ with information and links on each city. Crested Butte is the smallest city with a population of 1,635. Denver is the largest city with a population of 588,349 people. Breckenridge is located at the highest altitude at 9, 603 ft. Denver is the lowest altitude at 5,280 ft. The stage everyone seems to be talking about is the stage from Gunnison to Aspen. The time trial day in Vail will be pure fun.

Yesterday The Aspen Times reported "The application form says host sites must provide 400 hotel rooms to racers, support staff, race officials and media. Roughly 120 top cyclists from at least 24 countries are expected to participate. Organizers estimated between 500,000 and 1 million spectators will watch the seven stages, with an undetermined number of fans following coverage online or on television."

This is Colorado:

For more information please view the PedalDancer.com USA Pro Cycling Challenge Page for information on the route, dates, cities, and details for the pro race in Colorado in August 2011.

UCI's 2010 Team Rankings

Only 18 ProTeams will be Licensed

The UCI released the ranking of the current professional cycling teams. UCI team rankings are calculated on the results in 2009 and 2010 of the squad's top 15 riders. The top 15 teams listed below are almost assured of a license. The teams in position 16-20 remain in battle for 3 remaining spots.

Along with new team names, sponsors, and contracts, the majority of the reshuffling of riders has been completed for the 2011 race season. To view a list of Riders on each of the new 2011 professional cycling teams, please read my earlier post at: Who's Who in Cycling Wednesday, October 6, 2010,  New ProTeams for 2011 - where is everybody?

1 Luxembourg Pro Cycling Project (ProTeam Licensed)

2 Rabobank Cycling Team (ProTeam Licensed)

3 Garmin-Cervélo (ProTeam Licensed)

4 HTC-Highroad (ProTeam Licensed)

5 Omega Pharma-Lotto (ProTeam Licensed)

6 Lampre-ISD (ProTeam Licensed)

7 Katusha (ProTeam Licensed)

8 Sky ProCycling (ProTeam Licensed)

9 Liquigas-Cannondale (ProTeam Licensed)

10 Saxo Bank SunGard (ProTeam Licensed)

11 Team RadioShack (ProTeam Licensed)

12 Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team (ProTeam Licensed)

13 Pro Team Astana (ProTeam Licensed)

14 Movistar Team (ProTeam Licensed)

15 BMC Racing Team (ProTeam Licensed)

16 Euskaltel-Euskadi (ProTeam Licensed)

17 QuickStep Cycling Team (ProTeam Licensed)

18 AG2R (ProTeam Licensed)

19 Geox-TMC - Not a ProTeam (Professional Continental License)

20 Cofidis Le Crédit en ligne - Not a ProTeam (Professional Continental License)

21 FDJ (Professional Continental License)

22 Saur-Sojasun (Professional Continental License)

23Skil-Shimano (Professional Continental License)

24 Acqua e Sapone

25 Colnago-CSF Inox (Professional Continental License)

26 Europcar (Continental License)

27 Androni Giocattoli (Professional Continental License)

28 Topsport Vlaanderen-Mercator (Professional Continental License)

29 Veranda's Willems-Accent

30 Team Type 1 (Professional Continental License)

31 CCC Polsat Polkowice

32 Bretagne-Schuller (Professional Continental License)

33 Farnese Vini - Neri Sottoli (Professional Continental License)

34 Landbouwkrediet (Professional Continental License)

35 UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling (Professional Continental License)

36 Team Netapp

37 Team SpiderTech powered by C10

38 Caja Rural (Professional Continental License)

39 Colombia Es Pasion-Café de Colombia

40 De Rosa-Ceramica Flamina

41 Andalucia Caja Granada

Post post update: 11/22/10, UCI announce 18 ProTeams for 2011
Post post update: 12/20/10, Pegasus Sports (denied UCI license) 
List of UCI Pro Teams and Rider Rosters for 2011

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Travel Deals

Recommendations on finding the best airfare deals

I thought I would list some more travel tips on planning your next cycling vacation after discussing travel websites with my Mother today.

Search away 

Search for lowest fares - at various sites
FareCompare.com  Airfare.com   CheapFlights.com  Bing.com  Orbitz.com

How you book matters 

Check directly with the Airline - Sometimes the individual Airlines have private sales. Or matching rates that offer you a better combination of departure and arrival times. Plus rebooking canceled flights is sometimes much easier if you purchased your ticket directly from the airline. 
Clear your cookies - Yes, they know you are returning to check their site again. Clearing your cookies or booking on a different computer can help.
   
Keep it simple - When traveling with a bike, try to limit both the number of connections and the number of airlines you use. This will lesson the cost, and the risk of your bike not arriving at your destination. Allow 2 hours between connections to insure that your bike makes the journey along with you.

How When Where 

Timing matters - When you purchase matters: it is best to buy your airline tickets between Tuesday after 3pm (EST) or Wednesday after midnight, until Thursday before noon.   
What day you fly matters - flights are generally cheaper when you fly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays. Having flexibility in your dates also helps.    
For more information on Airfare Pricing - Understanding Airline Ticket Prices 

Track Prices

Yapta.com has tools to help you track airfares.

Airline refunds 

Get airline refunds AFTER you buy - If the price of your flight drops below what you paid, Yapta.com helps you get a refund for the difference. Currently, a few of the airlines offering refunds include JetBlue, Southwest, Alaska and others.

Plan your seating 

Pick your seat - View the model of your airplane seating layout ahead of time, with warnings about obstructed or good seats. Select your seats upon booking your airfare to avoid sitting by the dreaded kitchens or restrooms at SeatGuru.com

Is your bike worth it 

I can't believe how much it costs - Research ahead of time how much you will be paying to bring your bike with you. It could considerably add to your total airfare. Also consider transportation between terminals or transfers by bus or train. Here is A list of airline luggage rates for bikes. Be sure to also visit the website of any and ALL airlines you will be using to read their oversized luggage weight and size requirements. Try to use only one airline, and try to check your bike box all the way through to your destination to avoid duplicate luggage fees. Expect the airline check-in counter to weigh your bike box, so if you fly Economy, the days of loading extra items into your bike box are over (yes customs also opens bike boxes for inspection).

Read a previous PedalDancer.com post from: Saturday, June 19, 2010
How to pack a bike box for Travel


Happy Travels!

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I was there that day on Luz Ardiden

On a mountain in the Pyrenees

In 2003 I visited France for 3 weeks and followed the Tour de France through the Alpes and Pyrenees. On a warm morning in July I rode from Lourdes up the east side of the Col du Tourmalet, descended the west side and continued the climb up to Luz Ardiden for the finish of Stage 15.

As is typical with many Tour de France mountain top finishes, the road was packed with fans that day and the last three or four kilometers to the top was closed to cyclists. We dismounted and carried our bikes along the edge of the road for a few kilometers, then found a spot on the hillside to rest our bikes and our bodies. We waited. It was a long cold foggy wait that day on Luz Ardiden. But it was a wait well worth our time.

We could see a large screen TV near the finish line and hear the French Tour commentator from where we stood on the hill. The fog periodically blanketed and revealed the screen above us as we stood surrounded in the excitement of the fans anticipating a pack of riders approaching from the switchbacks below. At the very moment the large screen again became shrouded by a cloud, the commentator gasped, and then gasped again, quickly sputtered some words in French, and then in full voice burst forth, "Lance ArmstroNG!, Lance ArmstroNG!, Lance ArmstroNG!".

What was happening? Had he fallen? The buzz in the crowd began to spread that Armstrong had fallen just down the road. We waited, the screen remained clouded over. Suddenly with a crazed angry pedal stroke and a look I will never forget, Armstrong emerged in front of us, the lone rider. Distanced from the other riders, he flew past us headed to the summit 500 meters away. Followed quickly by Ullrich, Mayo, and Zubeldia. I can still remember the unexpected look of pursuit on their faces.

It was later that night that we learned what had happened that day on Luz Ardiden; when a mussette bag had snagged Armstrong's handlebars and brought him to the ground, only to rise again in a panicked fury. I was there that day on Luz Ardiden and will never forget the competitive look of an athlete turned inside out with the raw realization of "I cannot loose".

Lance Armstrong on Luz Ardiden 2003 Tour de France 500 meters from the Finish. Photo by: PedalDancer.com

Did Ullrich wait that day, or did he not? Jan Ullrich, Iban Mayo, and Haimar Zubeldia on Luz Ardiden TDF 2003. Photo by: PedalDancer.com

A moment of surprise (this was the scene down the road)

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The best climbs in Europe in the Grand Tours

The top 30 cycling climbs in France, Spain, and Italy
 

This is a fantastic list of best bike climbs in Europe compiled by Thomson Bike Tours. Definitely one worth keeping. A dream list for those of us who love to experience climbs on a bike, and then sit back and watch the Pros tackle them on TV. Reminiscing and recognizing landmarks at every turn of the climb while saying out loud, "this is where it gets really steep". This is my kind of fun.
 

ThomsonBikeTours.com has now expanded their list to 50. If you would like to request a copy from them, send them your email at this link: Yes I want to tick off the best cycling climbs in Europe. 
 

click images to enlarge

I have completed 14 of the 30. I have a long way to go. This year a number of these climbs will be featured in the Grand Tours. So if you are not able to get over to France, Italy, or Spain to ride these climbs yourself, at least mark your calendars and tune in to listen to the cycling commentators (Phil & Paul of course) describe a few of the most wondrous places to be on a bike, on this planet.
 
Below are the climbs on this list above that are featured in either the 2011 Giro d'Italia and the 2011Tour de France: 

Related posts by Pedal Dancer: An Interview with Thomson Bike Tours
 

Best Climbs in Europe featured in the 2011 Giro d'Italia include:

Stage 14 Giro 

#1 on the list - Monte Zoncolan -
Saturday, 21 May 2011, Stage 14 of the Giro d'Italia
Location: Dolomites, north of Venice, Italy
Description: Very steep climb. #1 on the list. The last and final climb of stage 14!

Profile of Stage 14, 2011 Giro d'Italia

location of Monte Zocolan
for more pictures and maps see Pez Cycling's review of Giro d'Italia Stages 10-15

Stage 15 Giro
 
#25 on the list - Passo di Giau -
Sunday, 22 May 2011, Stage 15 of the Giro d'Italia
Location: north of Venice, Italy
Description: the forth of six passes in stage 15

Profile of Stage 15, 2011 Giro d'Italia

location of Passo di Giau
for more pictures and maps see Pez Cycling's review of Giro d'Italia Stages 10-15 

click images to enlarge 

Best Climbs in Europe featured in the 2011 Tour de France include:

Stage 12 TDF
 
#12 on the list - Col du Tourmalet -
Thursday, 14 July 2011, Stage 12 of the Tour de France
Location: Hautes-Pyrenees, France
Description: the second of three mountain passes over 209km ending on Luz Ardiden
Read PedalDancer.com previous post: Magnificent Day in the Hautes-Pyrenees (Horquettes d'Ancizan) Today I saw the Tourmalet bring a man to tears or More Pictures from the Tourmalet

AND

#24 on the list - Luz Ardiden -
Thursday, 14 July 2011, Stage 12 of the Tour de France
Location: Hautes-Pyrenees, France
Description: the final climb of stage 12, after climbing the east side of the Col du Tourmalet!
Read PedalDancer.com previous post: I was there that day on Luz Ardiden

Profile of Stage 12, 2011 Tour de France

location of Horquettes d'Ancizan to Col du Tourmalet to Luz Ardiden

PedalDancer.com on Col du Tourmalet 2003 TDF

Luz Ardiden 2003 

 click images to enlarge

Stage 13 TDF
 
#22 on the list - Col d'Aubisque -
Thursday, 15 July 2011, Stage 13 of the Tour de France
Location: Midi-Pyrenees, France
Description: a favorite of the Tour de France and often included
Read PedalDancer.com previous post: Dancing on the Pedals on 8% (Col d'Aubisque) or Lac d'Estaing, Col de Borderes, Col du Soulor (Col du Soulor)

Profile of Stage 13, 2011 Tour de France

location of Col d'Aubisque

Col d'Aubisque 2005

Summit of Col d'Aubisque 2010

Stage 18 TDF

#21 on the list - Col d Izoard -
Thursday, 21 July 2011, Stage 18 of the Tour de France
Location: from Italy through Briancon, Haute-Alpes, France
Description: a distant wind swept climb with lots of flies!

PLUS

#4 on the list - Col du Galibier (south/west side) -
Thursday, 21 July 2011, Stage 18 of the Tour de France
Location: near Grenoble, Haute-Alpes, France
Description: a grand climb in a spectacular setting, and mountain top finish 
Read PedalDancer.com previous post:  France Cycling - my ride up the Col du Galibier

Profile of Stage 18, 2011 Tour de France

location of Col Agnel to Col d"Izoard to Col du Galibier

PedalDancer.com on the Col d'Izoard 2007

My brother and I on the Col du Galibier in 2007

click images to enlarge 

Stage 19 TDF
 
#4 on the list - Col du Galibier (north/east side) -
Friday, 22 July 2011, Stage 19 of the Tour de France
Location: near Grenoble, Haute-Alpes, France
Description: following the Col du Telegraphe, a warm-up to the stage finish on Alpe d'Huez
Read PedalDancer.com previous post: Watching the Tour de France, Stage 18 and  Watching the Tour de France - Stage 19

PLUS

#19 on the list - Alpe d'Huez -
Friday, 22 July 2011, Stage 19 of the Tour de France
Location: near Grenoble, Hautes-Alpes, France
Description: all the mystique of the Tour de France in 21 glorious bends
Read PedalDancer.com previous posts:  "21 levels of hell", or 21 steps to heaven or France Cycling - My Ride up the Alpe d' Huez, and also Climbing Alpe d'Huez (2013), plus Climbs of 2012 Tour de France - Alps (2012)

The summit!

Profile climb of the Col du Telegraphe and then Col du Galibier

Riding from the Col du Telegraphe to Col du Galibier to L'Alpe d'Huez

At the summit (pass) Col du Telegraphe

Profile climb of L'Alpe d'Huez

On Alpe d'Huez looking down at the town of Bourg d'Oisans.  
©Photo by Karen at PedalDancer®

21 switchback corners on Alpe d'Huez - they just keep coming!
©Photo by Karen at PedalDancer®

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Cycling Tours in Colorado

Okay let's make this clear

2013 Update: June in Colorado and the big rides begin

What is the Tour of Colorado, Colorado Pro Tour, Bicycle Tour of Colorado, Quiznos Pro Challenge, Transrockies, Ride the Rockies and all the other names in use right now to describe bike events going on in Colorado in 2011? A guide to finding what you are looking for, a list of Colorado bike tours: 

If you are interested in THE new UCI professional cycling race tour to be held in Colorado in 2011 - you want the Quiznos Pro Challenge

Race Name: Quiznos Pro Challenge
Website: http://quiznosprochallenge.com/ 
Dates: August 22-28, 2011
Location: stages and host cities were announced 11/04/10 - see the website or view the PedalDancer.com post on 11/04/10 Route of the 2011 Quiznos Pro Challenge  
Who you will see: the best ProTour Teams and cyclists in the world.
Description: 600 mile, seven day race through the most majestic and treacherous terrain Colorado and the Rocky Mountains have to offer. This is not called the Coors Classic 2011. This is not called the Tour of Colorado. This is not called the Red Zinger Classic. It is equivalent to the Tour of California, but it is called the Quiznos Pro Challenge.
Read a PedalDancer.com previous blog post on the Cities of the Quiznos Pro Challenge for more information.  
In my Opinion: Fun & excitement. The best of the best. Wouldn't miss it for the world!

Don't confuse it with The Tour of Colorado which has been a collection of local amateur and pro races in Colorado since 2008. It is not a stage race.

Series Name: Tour of Colorado
Website: http://www.tourofcolorado.com/ 
Dates: May through August
Location: various cities in Colorado
Races: The series is comprised of the Rocky Mountain Omnium in Glenwood Springs, June 17-19. North Boulder Park Criterium, July 10th. Bob Cook Memorial-Mt.Evans Hill Climb, July 23rd. Sand Creek Air Force Academy Road Race, Aug 14th (Colorado Senior Road Championship).
Who you will see: Local Colorado Category 4-1 racers
Description: The name is Trademarked by Sand Creek Sports. Overall Awards are given for accumulated points in specified local races. Tour of Colorado is a series of existing Colorado races. Some races will be permitted with USA Cycling and some with the American Cycling Association. 
In my Opinion: Just a name. They were hoping to sell the name to the Tour Organizers above, but didn't. The series matters to maybe 20 cyclists in the state who race all these events and have a chance at an award.

If you are a cyclist and interested in riding a week long bike tour across the state of Colorado, you have three choices:

Event Name: Bicycle Tour of Colorado (BTC)
Website: http://www.bicycletourcolorado.com/ 
Dates: June 19-25, 2011
Location: various cities in Colorado, usually a loop route
Route: the 2011 route was announced read: 2011 Bicycle Tour of Colorado - Route Announced 
Who you will see: 1500 amateur cyclists capable of riding 60-100 miles per day.
Description: 463 miles, 7 day fully supported bicycle tour in the Colorado Rocky Mountains over several big mountain passes.
Read a PedalDancer.com previous blog post: Bicycle Tour of Colordo - revisited 
In my Opinion:  Challenging week of long mountain passes and porta-potties

Event Name: Ride The Rockies (RTR)
Website: http://www.ridetherockies.com/ 
Dates: June 11 - 18, 2011
Location: various cities in Colorado, a loop route or point-to-point route
Who you will see: 2000 amateur cyclists capable of riding 60-100 miles per day
Description:  The Denver Post Ride The Rockies is an annual bicycle tour that takes 2,000 cyclists, assisted by more than 100 volunteers, on a 6-7 day ride on paved roads through Colorado's Rocky Mountains each June. 400-530 miles. 
Read a PedalDancer.com previous blog post: Ride the Rockies - revisited 
In my Opinion:  Very social week with 1000's of cyclists of ALL abilities

Event Name: Colorado Rocky Mountain Bike Tour 
Website: http://www.crmbt.com/ 
Dates: August 7-13th, 2011 (4 day or 7 day options)
Location: Glenwood Springs, Hotchkiss,  Grand Junction, Gunnison, Buena Vista
Who you will see: amateur cyclists capable of riding 60-100 miles per day
Description: The CRMBT is a fully supported 493 mile road bike tour that starts and ends in the same location. Seven days of great riding in the Colorado Rocky Mountains begins and ends in Grand Junction.  
In my Opinion:  I have no opinion, I've never done it, don't know anyone who has.

*All of these week-long event rides have options for local hotels or inns, indoor or outdoor camping, or camping services. Local or catered meals. Supported with route maps, Aid Stations, bike repair service, medical services, a clearly marked route, sag vans, and massage tents. Bags are moved every day to the designated daily site, or, may be dropped at various local sites, hotels, etc.. Other services may be available.  

If you want to run across the state of Colorado: 

Event Name: Transrockies Run    
Website: http://transrockies.com/transrockiesrun/
Dates: August 21-26, 2011
Location: Buena Vista to Beaver Creek 
Who you will see: incredibly strong trail runners
Description: 200 teams of two and 50 RUN3 solo runners will take on the Colorado Rockies for a running experience like no other. During the six days of the GORE-TEX® TransRockies Run, runners from all over the world will run, eat and live together as they cover 115 miles of spectacular scenery, fully supported by a dedicated and professional Event Team who will look after all aspects of their food, accommodations and on-course support. 
In my Opinion:  My good friend Monica will be running the event this year. She is FIT!

Interested in other Colorado bike events, check out: PreRace.com

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