2013 Tour of Elk Grove - Laurel St. and Elk Grove Blvd

(click on any photo to enlarge)

As you wait for the racers to come by on one of the side streets  the first indication that they are about to race past is the motorcycle cops, making sure that the streets are clear, followed by the promo car and more motorcycles. 

I rode my bike to the TOEG this year, from Palatine, crossed Arlington Heights Road, from the Busse Woods Trail that I used for the last leg of my ride, and made my way here to Laurel Street for my first photos.

The photo above shows the last 2 motorcycles and the lead riders as they race down the straight stretch on Laurel St. The riders can get up a little speed here but there is a turn on the Ridge Ave just a little past where this picture was taken.

This photo is the lead riders followed closely by the peloton in this case. The peloton is the main group of riders that usually stick together to help with wind resistance and for other team strategies.

Here's a close up of the riders as they sped past me. I was actually only a foot or so (or maybe only inches) away from these guys which was good for photos but actually made me a little nervous. It is actually really cool that you can watch the action so close up and personal.

The scene above is from Elk Grove Blvd near the start, finish line. Elk Grove Blvd is a divided road and the TOEG races pass by on both sides (i.e. both lanes). For this photo I was on the north side of Elk Grove Blvd, where the announcer's stage and concession stands are located, and the racers were in the opposite lane (over the green divider fences).

This photo shows the lead riders crossing the finish line at Elk Grove Blvd. This was not the end of the race though. This was just one of the 10 laps in this particular race.