"AMGEN" Bicycle Race Through Rough and Ready
(Tuesday May 17, 2011)
Friends and Family...The AMGEN (Applied Molecular Genetics") is California's answer to the Tour de France. This year's bicycle race consisted of 144 racers; eight day "stages;" 800 miles scheduled this year with a start of a ride around Lake Tahoe; over Donner Summit to Truckee; traveling though Nevada County and finishing at Thousand Oaks in So Cal.
Due to recent heavy snowfalls (six escort motorcycles went down getting up there), one of several contingency plans was activated in the middle of the night whereby the first stage was changed to Nevada City, up the road from us maybe 15 miles where it started last year. There were an estimated 10 motorcycle outriders; 15 CHP motor officers; another 13-15 CHP cars or vans; pace car and numerous other "official" vehicles including a "First Responder" van; maybe five more "team" cars or vans (several with gaudy paint jobs) with multiple replacement bikes and other repair equipment.
This is a hugely expensive event by professionals but it also contributes much local business along the route. Truckee and the Lake Tahoe region were unfortunate big losers. The AMGEN's primary charitable contribution last year was $50,000 to victims of tornados; that is odd to me ~ it seems like medical research would be a more likely recipient.
A poignant twist was that the route passed directly in front of the bike shop in Nevada City in tribute to the co-owner (with his wife) who was killed last year on his bike on nearby twisting and narrow Hwy 174 by a young woman driver distracted by "texting" a friend. He was highly instrumental in bringing the AMGEN to the U.S.A. as an answer to the Tour de France.
The Route was further altered this year to fly downhill right through our little historic town of Rough and Ready. The attached photographs were taken by a very good friend, Jim Jacobs (woodcarver; retired Marine and LAPD firefighter; fervent Tea Party Patriot; blacksmith docent at the Empire Mine State Park (not to be closed in the budget cuts, although we are losing two others); NRA member. Irene and I are in front of the still operable Fippin's blacksmith shop, with our R&R and "Don't Tread on Me" flags. The wooden bear he carved was a raffle donation for the last NRA dinner meeting.
The Rough and Ready Market did a BOOMING business for the early birds and our volunteer Fire Department was on scene with several vehicles, including our red Hummer with its gold leaf, Old West lettering logo. The weather was in the 50's with one light sprinkle, warming up with mostly sunny skies.
All is well with us in Rough and Ready with many already rehearsing for the annual Secession Day shindigs and the Saga of Rough and Ready at the end of June. Fippin's Blacksmith shop will be in full operation in case you need a wagon wheel repaired.
All in all, it was a short but sweet event with a good turn out.
Since you have received this tiny tome, you should know that the latch string is always out for you.
Weldon and Irene
