nvgp 08 stage 5

Car-pooled with Matt down to the start in Mankato — trying to save some gas, since it's almost $4/gal(!). Left my vest and media badge in my own car, so had to acquire new ones for the day.

Rode with Stephanie (local Mankato photographer) to various points on the course. Wanted to split from Matt since we're both shooting for cyclingnews. He rode with the race's media director, along with Kurt Jambretz who shoots for VeloNews, and one of the video cameramen.

Yowza it was hot today along the finishing circuits. Glad I was able to score free water from the volunteer tent. Had lots of trouble with the alternating bright sunlight and shadows on the big climb.

Stepped in front of the finish line camera late during the women's race — d'oh! Got in trouble and had to apologize to the officials, to keep from getting fined.

Had a storm/power outage at home from 8pm till 1am. Woke up at 4am to upload 20 photos to cyclingnews.

I mis-identified one of the GrandStay riders when I uploaded the photos to cyclingnews. Red Lantern let me know about it. Was afraid cyclingnews wouldn't make the correction but they promptly fixed the caption.