Tour of CA at Capitol

I haven't had a chance yet to start chapter two of my jail story, but I thought the following piece I wrote for my website on CA government and politics might be interesting to the biking community. Capitol folks were really excited about seeing the tour.

From Capitol Morning Report, Feb. 21 edition --

Thousands of people lined the streets around the Capitol for the finish of yesterday's stage of the Tour of California. JJ Haedo of Team CSC went flying past the VIP tents lining L Street en route to the victory. Levi Leipheimer with Team Discovery finished in the pack and retained his overall tour lead.

Before the medal ceremony Gov. Schwarzenegger addressed the crowd. He thanked the tour sponsors for putting on such a spectacular event showcasing our state's natural beauty. Then he declared that France can't hold a candle to us, which elicited a roar of approval.

We asked some Capitol folks in the crowd for their thoughts about the race and here's what they said.

--Asm. Lori Saldana - If there's such a thing as an adrenaline contact high, this was it. Total rush.

--Lt. Gov. John Garamendi - The crowd and the noise were unbelievable. We saw world-class cyclists racing at 40-plus mph, with teammates on the various squads helping push each other to the front of the pack for a mutual victory. That's not always how it happens in this building, (the Capitol) but it should be. I'm looking forward, hopefully, to seeing next year's event back here in Sacramento.

--Speaker's Deputy Chief of Staff Steve Maviglio (a bike commuter) - I rode my bike in today in solidarity.

--Political Dir. Paul Mitchell, EdVoice - Amazing. It was great to see so many Capitol people get a thrill out of cycling. I can't wait to get out on my bike.

--Lobbyist Justin Fanslau, whose clients include CA Bicycle Coalition - Watching the tour roar by me was a thrill. With so many spectators on hand and the sound that their applause and excitement made makes advocating for safe roads in California a privilege.

--Paul Hegyi, Chief of Staff, Office of Asm. Van Tran - Having the peloton blow by near 40 miles an hour was an exhilarating experience. The riders are so fast it created a cool gust of wind, a nice change from the hot air we're accustomed to at the Capitol.

--Secty. A.G. Kawamura, Dept. of Food & Agriculture - What a great way to celebrate health and fitness for our state. It takes discipline to be an athlete and discipline to work on being healthy. Eat more fruits and vegetables!

--Lobbyist Brendan Twohig, Twohig Consulting - These guys were going so fast I felt like I drank a glass of dirt from what came off the road. I loved it! Sacramento and Amgen did a great job.

--Senate Republican consultant Cory Salzillo -- Seeing the top pros in the sport of cycling charging down the streets of Sacramento was quite a thrill. It was great to see all of the sponsors, elected and local officials, and racing fans come out to support what is becoming one of California's premier sporting events.