Vance Creek Cycling Road Race

I joined a cycling racing team here in Olympia this year.  (As if I didn’t experience enough public humiliation).  I didn’t race the other day, but I helped out by driving a ‘follow car’ for a morning race for the beginning group of racers called Category 5 (or “Cat 5”).  In the afternoon, I was the lead car for the Master’s 50+.  I didn’t get to take many photos throughout the day, but it sure is something I could enjoy doing.  I did get a couple of photos before and after the races.

These racers are tough folks. Before and after the race, they are all smiles, good friends and quick to laugh… but put them on a bike, point them in the same direction and let them go, then it is pure competition.  The best racers are able to ignore the burn in their legs, lack of air in their lungs… or the sting of souvenir scrapes and gashes on their arms and legs.  Yes, the road can be hard. This competitive spirit reminds me of horses.  Get two or more of them together and it is a race.  Neither horse wants to be behind. They all want to be in the lead!

Well… since I was volunteering at the race, and not there to officially take photos, I only got a couple .  I look forward to the rest of the season of racing – both as a racer and as an opportunity to capture the athletes of the sport.  Stay tuned, it is only just beginning!

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If you want to see more cycling photos, I recommend you check out Graham Watson’s website.  He is perhaps the best known and most accomplished cycling photographer. Based in the UK, Graham follows the peloton around Europe on the back of a motorcycle capturing the beauty and sometimes pain of the sport.  Check him out!