Wednesday, August 7th: Torrey, UT or … a Day at the Races!

When we opened our eyes, it was still grey outside – forget Capitol Reef, sleep in a bit and then go to town and see what’s happening there. My woman is so excited, she dances along the road. Yup, Sweet Machine has to stay in the cabin. She waves to the cars… crazy Belgian! Now the car of the sheriff is blocking the street and in the distance we already see the finish line. 

 People are working and getting things ready. There is an expo where the sponsors of the TOU give away freebies. 

There’s a kid’s race held: everyone applauds as the riders cross the line – the first one and the last one! My woman walks along the VIP tent, the big TV-cars, … there’s lot see. Two very enthusiastic guys make the otherwise so quiet town a loud place to be. Too bad the TV has lost connection with the riders – a too remote area. For a long time there is nothing to watch on the big screens. Just as the riders are approaching the climb for Boulder Mountain, the transmission works again. We can now follow the tour on TV. Meanwhile people are starting to come over. Now the comments of the two guys are starting to pick up – loud and louder! Each time a rider does something they tell everyone about it. We now get some Bam Bam sticks and cow bells: when the riders will arrive, we can use these to cheer them! And did we do it!!! It all went so fast suddenly: the Australian guy took the lead and Greg Van Avermaet came in second! 

After the ceremony my boss tries to get a picture with her and Greg, but that doesn’t work. 

As soon as the race and the protocol are over, they are already taking things down. The riders jump in their cars and are driven to Richfield, the start of the 3^rd day. Soon Torrey returns to be the quiet little place. But everyone here has enjoyed a good day at the races.