Copperopolis Road Race, Apr 11, 2009
April 11, 2009

The Copperopolis Road Race in Milton, California features high winds, 22-mile laps, and 2000 feet of climbing per lap. It's hard enough that Levi Leipheimer races it (okay, as a training ride) and riders like Scott Nydam (BMC) and a few guys from the Bissel Squad showed up for the 5-lap pro race. Sierra Express entered riders Jerome Heiberger, Rick Kalb, and Rusk Whipps (M45+ 4/5); Terry Hundemer, David Barrett, and Dan Goldberg (M35+ 4/5); Duane Strawser and Craig Lindberg (M45+ 1/2/3); Melissa Silva (W4); and Chris Thibodeau (Elite 4). We all did 2 lap races except for Chris, Craig, and Duane who were forced, kicking and screaming, to race 3 laps. Results are pending, but Sierra Express did reasonably well (no heart attacks or unexpected throwing up). Thank God it wasn't raining.  

Here's a few images of a fine day in Copperopolis (Milton, actually, but who would want to do the Milton Road Race?).

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Waiting (and waiting) for Melissa to get her oatmeal at Starbucks, causing us to lose nearly 5 minutes from the Master Plan. Craig heroically makes it up by driving an extra 0.07 mph faster to the race.

Either Duane's caffeine finally kicked in, or he had a boo-boo in his underpants.

Terry and Rick find their way to Milton. Craig passed them at warp 6 on Highway 99, but unfortunately took highway 4 West instead of East, allowing these two dweebs to arrive first.

Rick imagines he's a rock star.

The institution lets Melissa out just long enough to race today.

Dave and Jerome (Best Friends Forever) park on top of all the beautiful flowers and crush them to bloody pulps. Clearly they have issues with flowers.

Beautiful downtown Milton. The cows have taken the day off to watch the big race while we park on their breakfast. Great day for a road race!

Race preparation (bananas to get those bowels going).

Melissa, about ready to break into song about one thing or another.

Craig warms up, wearing his trusty helmet in case he launches. Duane is about to start his warmup, drafting Craig to save energy.

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