AMGEN Tour of California – Palomar Mountain CA

February 26, 2009 | Filed Under Editorial, Personal  by emi | 

My parents, sister and her husband all live on Palomar Mountain, and when they heard that the mountain would be hosting the last 96.8 miles of the AMGEN race for the first year, it was an opportunity and experience I couldn’t miss. The bikers had to race up the gut-busting snow caped mountain reaching a 5,123 foot elevation with 21 switchbacks, and I was shocked at the speed they maintained near the top. Lance Armstrong returned to race and his teammate Levi Leipheimer who won his third straight Tour of California. I had fun documenting the festivities before the bikers came up and I (along with hundreds of others) was thoroughly entertained by some of the characters present. People camped out the night before, pitching tents and staking out spots with chairs and trailers along the side of the narrow road. We had a blast!

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Our mountaintop entertainment!
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This group of guys was hillarious, they covered their hands in yellow chalk, targeting bikers buns as they struggled to the top.

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Along with this officer, the next guy got it good!

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Hundreds of people tried to run next to the bikers, but these two were unforgettable.

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We could see the bikers below on the switchbacks!

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Lance is on the right! He finished 7th in the race overall.

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Thanks to the Stephenson’s for letting us share their reserved spot!

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Comments

11 Responses to “AMGEN Tour of California – Palomar Mountain CA”

  1. john waire on February 27th, 2009 6:19 am

    WOW! truly a cast of characters :) what a great-looking time.

  2. Amy Kuchta on February 27th, 2009 8:37 am

    Great Photos – what an insane group of people! :O)

  3. Kerry Gallagher on February 27th, 2009 10:24 am

    these are such a contrast to your normal wedding shots but i so enjoyed them. i saw the tour de france in london so it was very reminiscent, but no such beautiful background as this! I love the rickety tables with wine bottles- natural and beautiful.

  4. Just me on February 27th, 2009 3:17 pm

    Nice job on the snappies

  5. Tricia Lucia on February 27th, 2009 4:20 pm

    Emi,
    Thanks so much for sharing. It was an incredible day on Palomar and I feel lucky to have been a part of it.

  6. Desiree on February 27th, 2009 7:52 pm

    Love the photos! It looks like it was a blast to be there and catch the fun moments. Thanks for sharing!

  7. Heather on February 27th, 2009 9:11 pm

    These are great! I especially love the solo shot of Holly – great work as always!

  8. Bogdan Mandziuk on February 27th, 2009 9:13 pm

    Thank you for sharing the photos. It was an exciting event for Stephan, my 11 year old son and I. I hope the ride the mountain again next year.

    Bogdan

  9. Jordana on March 4th, 2009 11:25 am

    What an awesome experience! Looks like a fabulous time.

  10. David Sheppard on March 7th, 2009 9:25 am

    These are the best shots I have seen from the Tour. I had to watch the race from another location due to time constraints. I am so glad that someone passed the link along to me. Next time I will get my act together and be on the mountain.
    THANKS!

  11. Emi on March 16th, 2009 2:13 pm

    Hey Guys! Thanks so much for all your comments…I’m so glad you all enjoyed the images! Too much fun!

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