2008tourgeorgiastage1

2008 TOUR DE GEORGIA

STAGE ONE

Stage 1 of the Tour de Georgia started off with beautiful weather, excited fans and a peloton that seemed jovial yet ready to race. While there was a good crowd of spectators overall, the autograph section that lined the entry and exit to the sign in podium had a very sparse crowd from what I have seen in past years. The spectators that were vying for autographs from their favorite racers seemed to be very fruitful in their endeavor.

The line up for the start of the race featured some of the fastest cyclists on earth. You don't have to go to Europe or just be content to watch world class cycling on television. The state of Georgia puts on a premier event that rivals anything you could see on the other side of the pond but with crowds that are much more laid back and without the rabid fanaticism of the Euro crowds.

I have lots more photos and information to post into each page and section. Due to the time constraints of trying to get from stage to stage, shoot photos, talk to the players, eat, sleep and shower, updates will come in dribs and drabs. Keep checking back and we will continue to fill in the blanks with photos and more information. In fact it will probably take weeks or months to get everything I shoot and experience posted up. Being a one man band for the website, shoot photos, type up Carol's interviews, go through both our photos, as well as posting everything, is quite an undertaking. Of course we could sell our soul to some "company store" in exchange for a budget to hire real professionals, but then we would be like other folks, trying to make a dime instead of just being passionate for the sport of cycling. Sit back and enjoy (I hope) while we try to present everything we see on this odyssey called a Tour.

THE GEORGIA STATE PATROL SHOWS UP IN FORCE ALONG WITH OTHER SUPPORT