Road Ride Report Lance Ride

It was really fun. We showed up after 5, checked in and got my yellow t-shirt, wristband and livestrong band and then joined several hundred people waiting for Lance. Sunset Blvd. was shut down, lights and music filled the air and finally Tom LaBonge, Eric Garcetti, Mayor Villarigosa made speeches and then Lance took to the small stage.

The ride had a staggered start, first went the police escort, then a couple of flatbed trucks with cameras and then Lance and the VIP riders, then us in yellow and anyone else who wanted to join in. You could get right up to him and chat, although as much as I tried I couldn't get more than 8 riders away from him. The 2 miles was actually the scariest riding I've done in a while with cyclists surging and then braking. Think Midnight Ridazz but much closer together with everyone trying to get to the front and not many people holding their line. Lance moved over to chat with some guys riding on tall bikes, cool. Before we knew it we reached the Mantalban Theater where Shepard Fairey had painted a huge mural of Lance on the side.

Those of us who rsvp'd got our bike valeted and were ushered into the theater and treated to on open bar!!! The theater was filled with Lances ATOC bikes, a cool art bike and his KAWS designed bike that he's going to race at Milan-San Remo. Beautiful!! We sat down and then Ben Stiller (!) took to the stage and did a short stand up routine before introducing Lance... Funny! After a short, emotional film on the Livestrong Foundation's global summit, we were treated to Lance talking with the CEO of Nike, the CEO of his foundation and Shepard Fairey on Lance's new art project for Livestrong. I had no idea that Lance is a very dynamic speaker and it was odd seeing him speaking right in front of me, I had to pinch myself.

After a long discussion and after answering a few questions, the now liquored up crowd was treated to a surprise musical guest.. a full concert by Ben Harper. WTF? T shirts, a ride, booze, concert.... Thanks Lance!! That was quite an evening. :drunk:

 

What was that about a useless thread without pics?

 

lucky that would have been bitchin to be at.

 

About as useless as the camera on my iPhone.

 

damnit I wish I could have made it!!!!!11~!!!!1!!!

 

I'm really starting to hate Ben Stiller.

 

Thanks for the report Ron!
You should keep a camera on you all the time.
Never know who you might see! Guess you know that though.
Still, that's damn cool that you did that.
I'm visiting my dad in Austin this Wednesday to Sunday and plan on going to Lance's shop, Mellow Johnnie's.
Anybody want a hat ot anything, PM me. :wave:

 

ask for Ted and tell him you're Hollywood's personal shopper :lol:


seriously though, bring a bike... or they can hook you up with one at MJs.

 

I'm visiting daddy so I won't be riding. Bummed but happy I'm seeing my dad!!
Do you really know someone there named Ted?