Good morning,

I wanted to send you a thank you note. I am done now, back to work after following the tour for the 1st 4 stages. I am done sitting in the rain for hours on end. I am done driving 200+ miles a day in the wind and wet. I am done soaking my camera and lenses. And I miss it.

Thank you so much for participating in the Tour of California. You and riders are an inspiration to me and my family. My 5 year daughter has been to at least one stage every in the ToC’s existence, and then talks about for the rest of the year. Watching your team and it’s riders battle and suffer day after day motivates me to push myself harder, and enjoy life more.

When the 1st ToC prologue came to San Francisco, I was 270lbs, out of shape, unhealthy and apathetic after sitting on my rear 7 years out of the Marine Corps. After seeing that Prologue, I bought a bike. At this years Prologue, I am almost under 200lbs, cycle regularly, race mountain bikes occasionally, preparing to race cyclocross next season and more importantly, I live life now. I am active, and a more active role model for my students (I teach middle school) and for my family.

It is just amazing that we can get this type of world class competition, inspiriation and atmosphere so close to our homes and it is because of you and your riders.

Please pass this on to your team, riders, mechanics, moto-drivers, bus drivers and sponsors. Let them know that what they are doing is more than just racing. You and your organization can and are changing people’s lives.

Thank you again,

Branden Hays