There is something special about seeing the mass of Vuelta riders clip into their pedals as one and begin their journey in the pre-dawn hours. Nearly 600 small but blinding headlights illuminate the cobblestones in a most unusual but compelling way. The whistles of the lead riders sound and the peloton is rolling. This is no ordinary bike ride.

Even for the hammerheads at the head of Group A, the fast group that rides at speeds that come incredibly close to professional stage racers, day one is a tough day – at least I hope it is.

The breakfast stop this year was at the breathtaking El Conquistador Resort in Fajardo. In this case, when I say breathtaking, I mean exactly that because the resort sits at the top of a pretty impressive little climb. The view from the top made that little extra effort worth it. Two riders made the most of that view as they exchanged wedding vows in a ceremony that was short, sweet and a pleasure to witness.

After breakfast it was time to get serious and finish the journey to Camino Nuevo -- the surprisingly long and steep climb that starts at somewhere around mile 85. Last year I watched that group fly up this lung-buster and was amazed (and a little irritated at them for making it look so easy). This year I got to watch the folks at the back of the pack battle the beast. It was great fun to vicariously share the victory of a few individuals who struggled mightily up those brutal final pitches and conquered.

Congratulations to all!