Guess what rolled into my sweet town of Telluride?! The worlds top professional cyclists that’s who! 126 totally awesome athletes from 24 countries blasted through charming and fabulous Telluride. In case you don’t know the USA Pro Cycling Challenge is a 7 consecutive day road race that rolls through the highest peaks of Colorado.

The entire course (five stages) is 683 miles with more than 42,000 feet of vertical climbing.

Can you imagine how exhilarating this Tour de Colorado / “America’s Race” must be with all this fresh mountain air (albeit less oxygen) and the views?!

Telluride was the finish of Stage 1. This is the first time this race has been held here.

These guys rode a total of 125 miles before they visited us. They started in Durango at an elevation of 6512 feet and had quite the challenge ahead ~ there was a 30 mile climb that got them to Lizard Head Pass at 10,220 feet!

That is a breathy race my friends. (By the way, Lizard Head is where I collect wild mushrooms)

The racers were beckoned by the Telluride box canyon which gazes down at them from 13,000 feet. Above is a view from Ajax Peak into town.

We were all so proud to host them here. This little town was transformed and eagerly awaited their arrival.

If you are like me and don’t know too much about Pro Cycling check out this great Cycling 101.

The San Juan Mountains are some of the prettiest ones in the world. They are sort of like mountain super models. A great place to ride if you are a Pro Cyclist.

Look! Here they come ~ flying down Columbia Street!

I am working on all kinds of photography skills these days. As much as I adore shooting food (my favorite!) ~ travel, landscape and athletics thrill me too.

Since I am so used to objects that don’t move much, it is really tricky to capture athletes doing their thing.

My petite frame might not be made for sports photography though….check out these guys. Their cameras weigh about triple my body weight.

Did I mention that pro cyclists are very good looking?

Very.

They are fit, fabulous, lean and mean. Many of these guys have won stages in the Tour de France and plenty are Olympic medalists.

Below is the winner of Stage 1 Tyler Farrar.

You can congratulate him and his team on Twitter @Ride_Argyle and Facebook if you like. He rides for team Garmin-Sharp-Barracuda.

People were cheering and ringing bells on perches everywhere….

Beautiful homes.

Sidelines.

The Sheridan Opera House.

And any other high perch they could find.

Remember, these folks don’t have a fear of heights. They live at virtually 10,000 feet and ski some of the toughest terrain out there.

I bet you are wondering what these athletes eat? I mean how many calories do you think get burned when you ride like the wind through the high altitude Rocky Mountains? Lots and lots.

My friend told me that her husband catered the dinner for these guys. They ordered lots of protein, some carbs and all of their sauce on the side.

I think they would have a hard time being a food blogger, they might need to eat their sauce on their meal.

Thankfully the recipes here on MarlaMeridith.com are great for athletes and healthy lifestyle enthusiasts!

Browse through my recipes and you will find most deliver high energy stats. Here are a few to start…

• 1 Minute Blueberry Citrus Shake
• Almond Roasted Heirloom Tomatoes
• Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
• Blueberry Mint Agua Fresca
• Baby Peas and Cheese Frittata
• Cowgirl Elk Chili with Sweet Potato
• Perfect Scrambled Eggs
• Spaghetti Squash Noodles with Thai Peanut Sauce
• Spring Pasta with Prosciutto and Peas
• Telluride Trail Bars

Look at this fabulous Mavic support crew. How come they don’t follow me around when I am on my mountain bike.

I could have used them the other day when I went flying off my bike. I am fine. But it sure would have been comforting to know that they could lend a hand.

Have you ever been to a pro cyclist competition? Will you be viewing any of this race?

Stages for the 2012 USA Pro Challenge include:

• Stage 1: Monday, Aug. 20 – Durango to Telluride
• Stage 2: Tuesday, Aug. 21 – Montrose to Crested Butte/Mt. Crested Butte
• Stage 3: Wednesday, Aug. 22  – Gunnison to Aspen
• Stage 4: Thursday, Aug. 23 – Aspen to Beaver Creek
• Stage 5: Friday, Aug. 24 – Breckenridge to Colorado Springs
• Stage 6: Saturday, Aug. 25 – Golden to Boulder
• Stage 7: Sunday, Aug. 26 – Denver Individual Time Trial

You can learn more about the USA Pro Challenge on their website. Follow all the fun live on their Twitter feed @USAProChallenge and Facebook.