Breakaway!

The Amgen Tour of California decided that pro-cyclists are not the only ones who should have to suffer through some of the hardest hills in Northern California and the put on the Amgen Breakaway Ride. The ride raises money for cancer (I know what you're thinking: 1) I am not asking you for money and 2) I didn't even do this ride), though I suspect they keep a fair amount for themselves. It's just a guess.
Very very dedicated cyclists Emily and Joaquin trained for and completed this ride, along with pro George Hincapie. 114 miles. A gagillion feet of climbing. And rest stops that had crappy food and no water. Oh, AND, they paid a hundred and a lot of dollars to ride.
I just took a few photos and then went off on a hike.

Can you see the nerves bubbling up from the inside out?


Joaquin is on the the left here. Staring down George. Better watch out, George. Joaquin is after you.
Still had an extra smile for the camera though.
I snuck up on the photo-staging area where on-lookers could go have their photo taken with the pro. I think he looks a little smug, but when you're that fast, I guess you're entitled.
Emily staring down Joaquin, who is staring down George. The pecking order.
Also has an extra smile. Hopefully not the last one of the day.
On your mark.I don't think you can see this very well, but it's all the cyclists as they round the corner of Davis's Central Park and head out for 6-10 hours of riding. It was a pretty exhilerating site, perhaps lost to my Nikon-special.
With the cyclists cleared out, the staging area loses some of its glamour.
Emily at the end. Still standing AND smiling. Remarkable.