My morning started early. Crazy early. Like some of you may have just been getting to bed kind of early. The intention was to get up at 4:00 AM, but since I have chronic insomnia and some sort of issue with waking up an hour before I need to, I was out of bed by 3:30. Turned out to be a good thing because it allowed me to hit the road early and arrive at the start of the Amgen Breakaway Ride an hour before it was due to begin.
There weren’t many people there when I arrived. Just a collection of volunteers, early birds, and oh… George Hincapie. Yes, Big George was also an hour early and rolled up on his BMC at the same time I arrived.
Since I wasn’t there to ride, I just wandered a bit and took photos, desperately hoping to get at least one good shot of George. I watched him give interviews, sign autographs, and take a few pictures with fans. Everyone that approached him turned away with a glowing smile, not only thrilled to have this rare opportunity to ride with a pro cyclist, but to ride with the US National Champion and one of the most popular riders in the pro peloton.
George Hincapie interviewing with the local NBC affiliate, KCRA - Sacramento
After my brief hour of observing George Hincapie’s interaction with the media and fans, I’ve concluded that he’s definitely one of the “nice guys.” Nice guys don’t always finish last and it doesn’t have to be a tragedy when he doesn’t win. His positive attitude is much more important that winning races and truly sets him apart.
Waiting to address the crowd before the 113 mile ride from Davis, CA to Santa Rosa, CA
George thanked everyone for supporting the cause and reminded riders to be safe - Right back at ya Big George!
Additional photos can be seen on my flickr page here.
Holy Crap Michelle! I haven't looked at the flickr pics yet, but wow, these are awesome. Nice job.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ken! I didn't get any good shots of him on the bike. Cyclists are much easier to photograph during those rare moments they hold still.
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