SHOEBACCA.com is always proud of the accomplishments of the athletes in the Team SHOEBACCA biking crew, and we've got some boastful moments caught on film to share. The Amgen Tour de California is a grueling race that sees the world's greatest cyclists competing fiercely in grueling uphill climbs and treacherous, speedy cornering throughout a multi-stage event traveling down the West coast.

At Stage 8 this year, Team SHOEBACCA was on hand in full force to see these greats of the cycling world, such as Lance Armstrong, Michael Rogers and Levi Leipheimer (this year's champ). We had a full crew of folks at the finish line, where the anticipation of seeing the riders coming into that final stretch gets so thick you can cut it with a knife. Of course, a race like this leaves no room for the impatient, so some of our Team SHOEBACCA crew took some time out to spread the SHOEBACCA love around to the onlookers and attendees.

Our rough and rugged mountain bike crew decided to take it one step further. Stage 8 of the tour was in Escondido, CA, and saw the vicious climb up Palomar Mountain, the most formidable climb of the tour. Team SHOEBACCA's mountain bikers climbed the backside of Palomar Mountain, on a trail known as the Nate Harrison Grade. This climb is a 13-mile grunt from 50 feet above sea level to the peak at 5,123 feet! The trip down was equally treacherous, flying down dirt trails at high speed with only the dust clouds of the rider in front to guide you. It was crazy fun, though, and even dirty faces can crack a smile after an adventure like this one!

Team SHOEBACCA put themselves to the test to gain ground to support these pro cyclists, as well as accomplish the personal achievement of conquering this grueling climb. At 4200 feet, they encountered snow! The test of their mettle was worth it, as they arrived at the peak twenty-five minutes before the main group of cyclists rounded the corner.

"It was an incredible sight to see six police cars, repair crews, team vehicles and escorts, then all of these professional riders at the end of what has to be one of the most trying climbs of their careers, with people screaming and cheering them through... and then a minute later, it's done," says Tom Nelson of Team SHOEBACCA. Such is the way of the race!

Finally, as this last stage of the tour came to a close, Team SHOEBACCA was on hand to witness Levi Leipheimer take the win home for the third year in a row. It was a very close race, with the top eight riders being separated by less than 2 minutes total! Team SHOEBACCA is all about the adventure, excitement and endurance of races like the Amgen Tour de California, and they definitely got their fill this time around! SHOEBACCA extends special thanks to Mark Johnson for organizing the event. His research on the trails and leadership on the event was critical!

Come and visit often for updates on Team SHOEBACCA!