My Version of Bliss

By now you have probably heard the story of "Bliss"  This photo has been seen by over a billion people over the last thirteen years.   It is the background to to Window XP.   It was taken of a beautiful hill side in Sonoma County where we are based.    Some news papers have erroneously said it was Napa County but if you are looking for beautiful rolling hills, well Sonoma County is your place.

In the newspaper article there are stories of people around the world that have tried to recreate this picture.  I occurred to me that I had my version.    This occurred at the Tour De California near the coastal town of Tomales.   It is always hard to get a good shot of the pro cyclists because they go so fast.   There was a sprint in the small downtown area but they would be going to quick.  Just north of town there was a small grade. .  I waited out here for an hour or so.   Here is the shot that coincidently, I have been using as my screen saver for years.  Hope you like it.

Personally, I have always liked the drama of the riders out of saddles and climbing. It shows a combination of power and focus. For the power, look at the thigh on the blue Gerolsteiner rider. That guy has "stumps". For focus I like the way there are all looking ahead on the climb fully focused on the challenge.