Well, the 2014 Amgen Tour of California starts in 2 days, and this year both Stage 1 and Stage 2 are practically in my back yard. The buzz of activity around the American River Bike Trail is already increasing; and while I was out walking this morning I may or may not have seen a quartet of pro cyclists fly past me. They were going fast enough to have been “the real thing”… or they may have just been some local hotshots wearing team jerseys. I know which version I prefer!

And since it’s now nearly the last minute before this year’s race kicks off, I thought I should (finally) post some of my photos from Stage 8 of the 2013 AToC.

I stood on the corner of Bodega Highway and Jonive Road, right near this sign.

Jonive Road is a fairly short but steep climb, and it was a pretty popular site for the fans.

As I stood there waiting for the race to arrive, this guy walked past me.

Things were starting to get busy as the race drew nearer.

One of the many, many, many CHP officers escorting the peloton…

I had chosen my spot carefully, and I was in good position to check out the riders as they flowed around the corner.

In fact, I was so close to Jens Voigt I could have reached out and touched him! My camera wasn’t very happy, but oh well. I knew this might be my very last chance to see Jens in a bike race.

If you look closely, you can see the Golden Jersey… well, one shoulder anyway.

I always wait for the broom wagon to go by.

The Big Guy also got some great photos with his Nikon.  He was standing further up the hill from my position.

And here was a surprise — it happened directly in front of him…

Here’s hoping we get some amazing photos of this year’s race!