A week ago, when trying to take a picture of a knitting project, I realized that one of my camera lenses wasn’t working properly. It appeared to be jammed and wouldn’t focus. Against my better judgment, I forced it to move and it started working, although the function was limited. Heartbroken and near tears, I began researching replacement lenses online. The Nevada City Bicycle Classic was fast approaching and my favorite lens, the one I had every intention of using for nearly every shot, wasn’t performing up to standard. There was no possible way of replacing the lens in time for the race. Of course, this wasn’t going to prevent me from going and enjoying myself.
Without the “Lance Armstrong Economic Stimulus Package” hitting the tiny mother lode town of Nevada City for a second year in a row, I was able to take my time getting up there and not worry about crowds. I enjoyed a nice 30 mile bike ride with a friend on the American River Bike Trail in the morning before cleaning up at my parents’ house and making the drive deep into the foothills.
I wasn’t expecting much from the day being that my camera was being obstinate. The initial plan was simply to cheer my little heart out for Burke Swindlehurst and enjoy the day with my parents. We arrived with plenty of time to spare and plenty of time for me to play with my camera at different locations to decide where I could get the best shots and if my camera was going to be cooperative.
Much to my joy, my camera behaved appropriately, which is more than I can say for some of the spectators. More on that later.
As I was photographing the men’s Cat 3 race, a man rode by me on his bike. I looked up and noticed immediately that he was on a Cannondale (yes, I often notice the bike first and I know I’m not the only one!) and bared a striking resemblance to a certain cyclist known as a liar, cheat, and fraud. I wondered why Floyd Landis would show up at the Nevada City Classic given the current situation and the fact that he’s more or less ostracized by the cycling community. I shook it off and thought it was unfortunate that this guy looked a bit like him then went back to shooting photos.
Before the men’s Pro/1/2 group lined up at the start/finish line, I made my way to the area so I could photograph the call ups.
As the men lined up, I started shooting, first photos of Burke, moving on to Paul Mach, and each racer as they were introduced. I was astonished when they started introducing a certain rider from Murieta, California, and I knew immediately when the announcer said the rider was originally from Pennsylvania that it was indeed Mr. Floyd Landis. Because he is no longer associated with a team, Landis demonstrated his somewhat ironic sense of humor by sporting a jersey for Arrogant Bastard Ale. Unfortunately, the crowd didn’t care for the fact that Landis was there to race and he was greeted by a raucous round of boos and jeers from the spectators. I don’t care what he did, that’s just rude. The rudeness carried over to the race as people were shouting things at him that I don’t care to repeat.
Floyd Landis and his Arrogant Bastard Ale jersey
As the race started and continued on for the next 90 minutes, I moved to various locations and attempted to capture a few good shots. I changed camera lenses, stood up, laid on the ground – anything that would result in an interesting perspective or a special photo.
I guess I got lucky – I managed to score that once in a lifetime shot.
Burke Swindlehurst of Team Give p/b Blackbottoms
Unfortunately, Burke wasn’t as lucky. He attacked several times during the race, a break got away, he attacked again, and then finally made it off solo.
Nobody came along for the ride this time
Racing hard, he held on until the last few laps when he was caught at first by Paul Mach, then by Ian Boswell, Zachary Davies, and Floyd Landis. All of these men were part of the original break.
Paul Mach joins Burke Swindlehurst with Floyd Landis, Ian Boswell, and Zachary Davies in hot pursuit
Now personally, I’ve never ridden this course, but I can say with absolute certainty that it’s hard. Brutally hard (or perhaps Giro-hard if you're Ted King... okay, maybe not that hard). It’s not a traditional crit and includes a lot of steep climbing over the 1.1 mile course. If you put in as much effort as it appeared Burke did, while riding solo at the front, eventually the chase group will catch up if they can work together, which they did. Ian Boswell took the win followed by Paul Mach, Zachary Davies, Floyd Landis, and then Burke.
Winner, Winner!! Ian Boswell and Paul Mach of Bissell
Regardless of the outcome of the race, it turned out to be an amazing day and I finally had the chance to meet Burke who was courteous even though I really had no idea what to say to him. Yeah, I’m awkward in social situations with strangers, but I’m also a woman of my word. I’d said I would introduce myself to him at the race if the opportunity presented itself. Besides, I knew I’d never hear the end of it from D’Andrea if I didn’t at least say hi to him.
More photos from the 50th edition of the Nevada City Classic can be found here.
