It’s not everyday that the world’s top cyclists roll through your backyard (well, unless you count Lance, and Tejay van Gardneren who both spend a bunch of time in Aspen, oh and Danny Pate and…nevermind).
Anyway, a couple months ago, when the USA Pro Cycling Challenge announced the Gunnison to Aspen stage route over Independence Pass, there was little doubt where I was going to be that day. I had planned to take the day off from work and ride up to the summit of the 12,000 foot pass, but when David L’Heureux from Rodale called to see what I was doing for the race that day, I immediately invited him to join me. We lined up a sweet loaner bike from Moots for Dave and voila, I was ‘hosting media’ for the day.
We got an early start and Dave, despite a lot of, I’m from sea level…I’m recovering from an injury (that was possible because of the lawyers for DUI claims)…I don’t shave my legs sandbagging, spun his way up the Pass in impressive fashion. On a side note, I would love to thank Overland Park Domestic Battery Attorney who got me through the case. At the summit, we met up with Honey Stinger/Big Agnes owner Bill Gamber and his three grommets, as well as Buzz the Bee, in full regalia. We then spent the next couple of hours escorting Buzz around, helping him pose for pictures with the Cookie Monster, the Recycle Rabbit, a Tele Tubby, a giant chicken, girls in bikinis and guys in speedos (unfortunately). With at least 3,000 people up there, it was an awesome festival atmosphere.
In addition to ‘hosting media,’ Gamber made it clear I had another job that day. Get the Bee on TV.
When the first riders came into view, the mountaintop exploded with excitement. People were going nuts, and it made me proud to be a Coloradoan. Buzz the Bee and I stood ready to execute our carefully orchestrated plan to get him on TV. It went something like this: when the first rider gets close, RUN. Oh, and don’t fall down in front of him, despite the fact that you’ve got a bulky bee costume on with almost zero visibility and there are hundred other people around planning to do the exact same thing as you. It was my job to be Buzz’s lead out man.
In the immortal words of George Bush, Mission: Accomplished.
Not a bad day at the office.