This afternoon the USA Pro Cycling Challenge came to Steamboat Springs, Colorado, the town where I live with my family. Steamboat has long been known as “Ski Town USA,” and trains more Olympic athletes than any other US town. I’ve been to two Olympic Send-offs since moving here in 1998.
More recently, Steamboat Springs has been working on being designated “Bike Town USA.” Today the USA Pro Cycling Challenge came to town: Stage 4 began in Avon, Colorado, and finished up in Steamboat Springs. I have to admit I wasn’t all that excited about it, in fact, I considered not going, but I figured it was a big deal and the kids should see it. The finish line was in downtown Steamboat Springs, and our plan was to watch from the roof of my husband’s business, which is on the main street (Lincoln Avenue).
Yesterday we started getting messages that they were expecting 30,000 people in our little “downtown.” Randall and his associates were told they could each bring two guests. We have two children and I was also going to have two neighbor kids with me, so I offered to stay downstairs. My plan was to bring a book.
Luckily, I did not bring a book, and there was room for all of us. People were lined up on both sides of the street behind barriers. People were on every rooftop in view. The sun was blazing and a huge screen TV was showing live footage of the cyclists heading toward Steamboat. The excitement was contagious! We were getting updates every few minutes: “they’re in Oak Creek” (the next town), “they’re at Haymaker” (a golf course), “they’re on River Road” (the road that would lead them to town). There was a helicopter above the riders, and once we could see that, we knew exactly how far away they were. Pace cars were coming in one after the other and then motorcycles with camera people on the back. One of the last ones had a sign that said “45 miles per hour.”
When the bikers finally arrived the crowd went wild. It was all over in seconds (literally), and wow, was it worth it to be there. These types of events remind me of how fun it is to live in this community. It was also pretty inspiring to be among top athletes like those riders. I was hoping to see Team Type1, but wasn’t even sure how I would know it was them. After the race was over, we all walked around Lincoln Avenue, where there were several tents with bike gear for sale or just to look at. My husband spotted some cyclists, so we followed him. One biker came by and started signing autographs for a group of kids. I happened to see “sanofi” on his shirt so I asked, “Are you Team Type1?” and he nodded yes! A very exciting day, I must say. So glad we went. So inspired by people who push themselves to accomplish athletic feats like this. So intimated at the thought of attempting anything like it.
I am, however, going to volunteer for the local triathlon which takes place on Sunday. My kids and I have served as bike course marshals for the past two years and I was planning to take a break this year. However, I received several emails in the last two days, saying they still needed help. After today’s excitement, how could I say no? If you are even considering doing something athletic, check out Team Wild or DESA (Diabetes Exercise and Sports Association). If nothing else, volunteer to help at an athletic event and you might just get inspired. Who knows what could happen…