Amgen Tour of California Stage 6 Pictures

[cherokeeprogressive]

Took these this afternoon as the Tour of California entered the Big Bear Valley. The first picture is the two stage leaders passing the Big Bear Dam. Second picture is the stage leader leaving the Big Bear Dam. Third picture is the last group (the grupetto I believe it's called) heading up Summit Boulevard in the City of Big Bear Lake, toward the finish line. Today's stage included over 10,000 feet of elevation change and covered 134.9 miles. These be some tough hombres. At the Big Bear Dam, after about 125 miles, they were FLYING.

[Condem]

1. Excellent, cherokee.

You live in some beautiful country. Well done.

[Upton]

2. Did you show up late and leave early?

I mean, that's what Dodger fans do isn't it?

Btw, nice pictures..

[cherokeeprogressive]

4. Not this Dodger fan, but you are correct.

Most times you can see cars still coming into the parking lot after the third inning, and depending on how the game is going, you can see taillights going toward the exit well before the game is over.

Not sure what causes that. It might be the traffic? I don't know.

As for me, you'll find me bellied up to the bar in the Stadium Club two hours before the first pitch, hanging with other fan friends. That's usually where I am until just after the National Anthem. I like it there because everyone stands, and everyone takes off their hat... not so in the stands.

Only a few times have I left the game early. Twice that I can think of, the Dodgers went on to win the game.

Hey, watch us tie the Madres for first place tonight.

[cherokeeprogressive]

6. Cough Cough... Ahem...

Can you say Worst to First?

Can you say 9-1 in the last 10?

Can you say hottest team in BASEBALL?

Can you say Top Ten in EVERY positive sortable team stat in the National League?

I didn't think you could... No matter, I still love you and your fellow Gnat fans for you are BASEBALL fans, and there's no better sport.

[Condem]

3. Been to two bike races in my life. Not a great sport to see in person.

Was that the peloton? Versus has provided excellent coverage. The Tour is shaping up to be quite interesting.

[cherokeeprogressive]

5. Not good in person, no disagreement there. I did make it onto TV though when the Versus camera went

by the dam!

I'm ignorant of bike racing, but from what I think I learned, there's the breakaway group, the peleton, and the grupetta or "laughing group". I was upset because I stayed at the dam too long, and didn't get to the finish line in time to photograph the stage winner going across the finish line. Thank god for TIVO though! It was a pretty exciting finish. I couldn't believe those guys had so much gas left after 135 miles and over 10,000 of vertical climb! I'm not kidding you, when they passed me coming into the valley, they were BOOKIN'!