Sort Of Fresh Cascade Cycling Goodness

Just last Saturday the Cascade Cycling Classic featured the premier event (in my opinion): The Downtown Criterium. I always love this event because the action is very close and the pace is very fast.

In the last couple of years, they moved the starting time up earlier in the evening. This is probably a good thing for the riders (except maybe the heat of the race) and it certainly drew the usual crowd. I'm still not thrilled with the simple oval course layout. Too boring at the corners and fast straight sections are somewhat boring too.

I arrived for the conclusion of the women's race, but got to experience the entire men's event. Nothing against the women, it's just one race is usually plenty.

Last year, my stomach was not feeling good, so it made it less fun to hang around. This year the weather was great and it was nice to walk around the whole course, without stomach issues.

I took plenty of photos (as usual), since there is always something to look at and shoot.

Even if you get great shots, there's always a chance to get something different.

Probably the biggest news of this years race was Floyd Landis riding. After being stripped of his 2006 Tour de France win, he wasn't much of a crowd favorite. Z21 had several pieces about him, and the news that ABC was here filming brought extra interest. However, in this particular race, he was just another rider in the peloton.

Towards the end of the race, I camped out in one spot. I used my flash more in this spot and after about 10 laps of the peloton, water came flying a little too close for comfort. I wondered if it was intentional or just coincidence? Hmmm....

Overall a great night, and I've still got plenty to do with the photos from the night. Good stuff.

A Bunch Of Cyclists and A Bunch Of Photographers - The Prologue

The feverish mad cycle of Summer is upon us at last. Every June I anticipate the upcoming heat of July, and the events that come to Bend. Hands down, my favorite is always The Cascade Cycling Classic. Last year my stomach wasn't feeling that great, so I only hung around briefly taking about 200 photos (compared to the previous years 500 photos). Nothing too special either.

In 2008, I was in the zone and got some happy results:

Last year, I watched others get the shot, while I looked forward getting home.

So, last night the 2010 Cascade Cycling Classic kicked off with a prologue race in The Old Mill District. I figured it would be a good chance to warm up for the big downtown race this Saturday. It's sort of like when Darth Vader tests the carbon freeze with Han Solo before trying to get Skywalker, you have to try something to see if it works.

Of course there were plenty of other photographers there with big glass.

I'm sure the same will happen on Saturday. There's too much cycling goodness, not to take a photo or two.

So, unless I eat a bad taco, or hamburger, I'm thinking things are looking up for this years downtown race. Yeah!

You Can't Have Class Without A Classic Bend T-Shirt

Maybe you missed out the first time around, so I thought it would be a good idea to bring these Bend t-shirts back. Maybe in these economic times you aren't driving around in your large SUV, but why not relive the memory. Good times people.

Without further ado, monkeyinabox.net presents (again) the IN MY S.U.V. designer t-shirt series:

It doesn't get any more iconic in Bend Oregon than having an SUV. Oh wait, I meant the iconic Pilot Butte (that tall mound they blast the fireworks off each year). Most of you have even climbed in on occasion. But, have you done it in your SUV? It's truly a breath taking experience. And if you have, buy the shirt:

Shirts for MEN!
Shirts for WOMEN!
Shirts for Paris Hilton!

Nearly burned alive? I think so! For those of us who were around back in the day when this iconic roundabout was first built, remember how hot a topic it was. Sizzling! Smokin! Well, put a large SUV with the Flaming Chicken, and you've got one HOT T-SHIRT!

Shirts for MEN!
Shirts for WOMEN!

Even if you can't drive an SUV, there's one for you. Yes babies, I'm talking to you!

Onesies for the young ones!

While these t-shirts probably aren't produced in sweat shops, there's no promise that the proceeds from the sales will go to anything but more bling for the monkey. That's what the AMERICAN spirit is all about, right?