Tour of California Stage 5

I didn’t tune in for much of the race today, even though I generally enjoy watching individual time trials; but “watching” them on a computer by reading a play-by-play really stinks! Most of the information is either advertising or a single sentence stating “this rider started” or “this rider finished with this time.” Live video coverage is far superior! So, if anyone at Versus is listening, could you please carry the Tour of California live in 2009? Or could someone convince Adobe to make some TourTracker software that works on all computers, not just PC’s? I know at least one race fan that would really appreciate it.

Route: Solvang - Solvang
Riders remaining: 105
Distance: 15 miles
Climbs: None

The photos of Solvang on the Tour website look like the town should be situated in the Netherlands, what with the windmills dotting the skyline and the thatched roofs adorning some of the buildings. The picture itself, and the fact that Sunset magazine named Solvang one of the “Ten Most Beautiful Small Towns in the Western US,” made me curious enough to visit the city website. After reading a little there, I checked a local real estate website to see if any Danish-architecture homes were available in the area, just out of curiosity. Sadly, the homes for sale there look just like the homes for sale here in Connecticut and at the same outrageous prices --- $499,000 for a standard American ranch with a miniscule kitchen (and that was the cheapest house listed on Realtor.com). I guess I won’t be moving anytime soon. I may visit, though, if I can convince my daughter to add Solvang to the itinerary of our summer trip.

My favorite race moment: since I didn’t “see” much of the race, I would have to say the finishing podium --- two ex-Posties (Leipheimer/VandeVelde) and a Scotsman (Millar). How could I not be pleased with that! From what I understand, Levi Leipheimer put in a stunning performance, coming in almost 30 seconds ahead of David Millar who, by all accounts is a time-trial specialist. Congratulations Levi!

Stage 5 Standings
- Levi Leipheimer (Astana)
- David Millar (Slipstream-Chipotle)
- Christian VandeVelde (Slipstream-Chipotle)
- Gustav Varsson (CSC)
- Fabian Cancellara (CSC)

General Classification
- Levi Leipheimer (Astana)
- David Millar (Slipstream-Chipotle)
- Christian VandeVelde (Slipstream-Chipotle)
- Gustav Varsson (CSC)
- Fabian Cancellara (CSC)

My husband has the day off tomorrow. Maybe I can convince him to fire up his PC so I can watch the race live. I am sure you will hear about it either way. :-) See you later.