Debunking a stereotype

David Kemp of Team Fly V sits third wheel behind eventual stage winner Francisco Mancebo in a wet and wild ToC (Getty)

Ben Day rides for Team Fly V Australia p/b Successful Living Foundation, he spent a cold, wet day at the office today.

Today was what is described as the worst conditions possible. Still, it's better than a desk job! (sorry!).

First up, a quick kudos to Dave Kemp of Team Fly V Australia p/b Successful Living Foundation who spent most of the day in the breakaway. Way to step up and be counted bud!

Cold rain, cold wind and cold temperatures made today....cold.

But on a bright note, my pet ducks at home would have been having a blinder! Have you ever shivered so much that your entire thoracic spine locks up because of all the tension? Well you know what I mean!

Honestly, I'm a little out of practice at this (as also shown when I just couldn't go with 20 of a majority of the best cyclists I'm the world).

I was bumbling around my hotel room this morning trying to pack for today stage and it just wasn't flowing!

Once back into the swing of things I got to prove that cyclists are expert packers.

Rain, wind and 10' celcius....and a myriad of choices to wear. I felt like a girl going to the school dance unable to decide on what to wear. "Is this a little too revealing?".

Now this is the paragraph I have been brewing in my brain throughout these hours of soggy madness - my impression of the USA is based on stereotypes.

My first time here I was in Albuquerque - Clint Eastwood in a country and western classic.

Denver airport? Sleepless in Seattle. Los Angeles and San Diego? The OC, Beverly Hills 90210, Point Break AND Californian blondes, all exactly as you'd expect.

The one stereotype I have been absolutely able to destroy today? Sunny California is not SUNNY! Proven fact!

But you know something amazing? There were still spectators everywhere today! I'm humbled.