Like Swiss Clockwork

This week took me to The BMC Racing Camp in Agoura Hills, Ca.
Upon my arrival, a simple check in to the hotel, arranged by BMC was painless. Getting to catch up with some of my fellow media folks was great. We were all glad to be here. Dinner was hosted and the conversations ranged from Velo Gossip to Family matters. It was a relaxed evening in anticipation of the ride to follow the next morning.
With the hopes of no rain, the sun was breaking over the Santa Monica Mountains. My Moto Driver arrived early, and we went over the details about todays Media Ride. The BMC Team, started the day with a yoga session before heading out to meet us and ride. Anticipation was building amongst members of the media for the arrival of current World Champion Cadel Evans and U.S. Road champion George Hincapie. After a short brief about the ride, we were off for a rather short 1 1/2 hour ride. I was fortunate to capture some good images today. Lighting was good and the subjects plentiful.
The press conference after was a simple and very intimate one, compared to others I have attended in the past.
What stood out for me most during the two days I was with the BMC Racing team, was the absolute precision and politeness that was portrayed by the entire BMC Staff. One hell of a job, and I thank them sincerely.
Additional images are posted at www.veloimages.com. View and enjoy.

A Quick Down Under Trip

Not thinking that a five day trip to Australia would cause so much Jet Lag, I was wrong. Since my return to The States, sleeping seems to be shall we say...."off"! No worries, as they say Down Under. This too, shall pass.
My trip to the Fly V australia Training Camp being held on The Gold Coast in Queensland Australia was indeed a quick one. Shooting began promptly upon my arrival.
Our first shoot was perhaps the most interesting (and fun) one I've had in quite sometime. In an attempt to build better and more intense teamwork in the peleton, Team Management chose a unique way to do so.
Team Riders and Staff were introduced to The Helecopter Rollover Experience, where you are dropped into the water and the simulated helecopter rolls over. Along with your teammates, one must release themselves and escape the capsule. Observing and shooting this, I found a great sense of commroderie between the teammates and staff of Fly V australia.
Later that evening, I attented the team dinner where the guest of honor was non other than the Founder and CEO of Virgin Blue airlines Brent Godfrey. What a remarkable man. Brent sat at our table and we learned how the Virgin Blue airline was started (The parent company of Fly V australia). Pretty much the "Southwest" of Australia, with a start-up of only 10 Million dollars. In just the first few years of the airlines- he managed to build it into a $500,000,000.00 company.
As the Title Sponsor of the team, the riders and staff were amazed at his story as was I.
The next day brought us out to the the Beach at Gold Coast to shoot the Team Shots. 5:00 a.m. at the beach in Australia- and it was Beautiful. Sunrise. Just right.
Then, after a 3 hr ride, and a coffee break at Robbie McEwen's place, it was time for the individual shots. We met at the local Velodrome, which also has a crit circuit around it. Why, we cant have these here in the States- I have no idea? The new Kits and Bikes really worked well here.
I must say, that spending time with Fly V australia, I feel a very promising season ahead. It was then off to Brisbane for a day, before my return to The States. Dan (The Team Mechanic) and I walked around the city only to find what is perhaps one of the worlds most beautiful cities.
So now, after some editing, I'll do what I can to catch up on some sleep.

HATE is an Ugly Word

In this world of social media, we find ourselves at times rushing to find the latest news as if the end of the world is upon us. Twitter, Facebook and other social media site enable us, for the most part to loose ourselves, if only for a moment, to the world we cannot see in front of us.
This is the case when I was introduced to a group that shared it's hope and desire to see the deaths of my fellow cyclists. This Hate group was found on Facebook. In reading some of the posts, posted by what to me are very ignorant people, I felt a tad bit sad in that it seems to me, that hate groups will just about show themselves but for any cause. I have seen hate first-hand, and to me the world is full of it. That being said, I believe that there are far more people with love and tolerance in their hearts.
It appauls me to no end, that dispite efforts by many, Facebook executives have, to this date, failed to remove the posting attacking cyclists and calling for the intentionall injury/death to to those who freely and rightfully are allowed on the roads.
Therefore, just less than two days ago, I started a seperate page on Facebook with the hopes that the Blind Executives there, might just see and take action.
I am pleased and quite frankly surprised to seethat in just 36 hours, we have gained over 10,000 followers who also believe that change is needed.

Hate does no one any good.

Perspective

I just returned from a last minute photo session for some clients in need of images for this evening. While taking a little break in editing, I read the latest entry in a blog of a cyclist who I have come to admire and more so, one who I respect.
Tom Zirbel is a man of his word. He is one of the nicest, most humble of men that I have had the opportunity in covering and shooting. When we heard the news of the positive test, we were all in shock and quite frankly saddened.
And now, as we await the results of the "B" test we must ask ourselves what can we do to ensure that our sport continues to strive, to grow and to prosper.
Tom's attitude during this situation is nothing less than professional. Please read his latest entry here:
Enjoying The Ride
This guy has the right attitude.
I for one, offer my full support to Tom and applaud him.

My New Blog

O.K., I know....
I am often asked as to "where are you headed to now" or, "what race are you covering next"?
So, I thought it appropriate in this age of instant gratification, to begin to blog about my travels and my schedule. Along the way, I hope to bring you stories that, well....you wont find anywhere else....perhaps something out of the ordinary or something that might just put a smile on your face....stay tuned....