Laowai

Today we went to the Tour de Suisse. It was the last stage of the race –  a time trial through the town of Schaffhausen. There’s something about being there so close to all the people that you see on tv. As we made our way to the finish area we spotting Mark Cavendish on his way to the starting line, some mechanics were walking around with official badges carrying some really expensive looking wheels. And we saw lots of riders warming up outside their fancy team buses. There’s a great buzz of anticipation in the air. So fun! We settled into a good spot about 400 meters before the finish line. Bea looked forward to getting free stuff like hats and cow bells from the vendors. And of course we took lots of pictures.

The riders really don’t look as young and fit in person as they do on TV… just kidding. This is a goofy German guy who befriended Brian.

Here are some real riders heading into the finish.

Here’s the big Swiss star Fabian Cancellara – he won the time trial.

Here’s my favorite rider – handsome George Hincapie from the USA.

We were right after a big bend in the road so several bikers nearly ran into us when they went a little too fast into the 90 degree corner. That made it more exciting.

This photo is for Aunt Donna. Christian Vandevelde – another rider from the US.

And Here’s Levi Leipheimer – he won the whole race.

Here come the sweeper truck – the race is over – time to go home.