leadville 09 pics

I know, I didn’t even race at Leadville this year. But I was there, and I do have a few super high quality pics from my handy iPhone.

Every year presents the same conundrum–to attend the crappy, overcrowded, sweltering pre-race meeting or not. The meeting always sucks, but it’s kind of like going to Lake Powell with a newbie–you have to make the trip to Rainbow Bridge. Some things just are. There’s always been a lottery.

So we went.

That picture doesn’t really clue you into the fact that, even at 10,200 feet, the temperature in the gym was hotter than the surface of the sun. Hotter in the balcony:

Yes, that’s Tony, gradually becoming a puddle of sweat. Look how concerned we all are. He’s a couple of minutes from disappearing altogether.

Here’s our room in the Overlook Hotel. Forget Kenny here, and focus on the blocks under the bed.

Two two by fours. Only at THIS end of the bed. Because the entire hotel is gradually sinking to the left. Or the right, I guess, if you’re on the other side of the bed.

But it beats the crap out of this hotel. People actually stayed here. None of them were women. Not even that kind of women.

For some reason, these pictures just crack me up.

Elden:

Kenny:

I’m cracking up right now. Not sure why.

Speaking of crotch shots, here’s Mark Warner, explaining something. I came into the conversation late, so I don’t know what he was talking about. But I’m hoping it was erectile dysfunction.

In the background, you can see the hotel listing to the right (or left).

After looking at this picture, I’m hoping that nobody gives me grief over looking at my phone ever again. Et Tu, Kenny?

Here are some race pics, as the lead group enters the Twin Lakes feed zone, mile 40ish.

No zoom on my camera (is there an app for that?), but trust me, they’re coming:

Wiens in the lead.

Check out the hair on that woman. Female Carrot Top or just windy?

Wiens went straight to his crew, yelling “Get me the contingency bag!!”

The crew worked like an Indy 500 Pit Crew, and instead of tires, they put on these big oven mitt gloves:

I guess Wiens had read the weather report (hail and rain and wind up top).

And here’s my favorite pic of the weekend, Jonnie J., considerably less concerned about things. Just enjoying the moment with his three favorite things: bike racing, diet coke, and peeing.