They came. They flew around a corner. And they disappeared into the distance. For bystanders watching Thursday as the Tour of California zig-zagged across Kings County, it was a whoosh, a blur and a memory.

But that didn't dampen the enthusiasm of local residents who lined rural roadways and intersections to catch a glimpse of America's biggest multi-stage bicycle race.

The excitement was palpable among hundreds who stood at Second and Houston avenues and 10 1/2 and Kansas avenues -- two of the nearest viewing points from Hanford.

"There's been quite a bit of coverage on the tour on TV, and we've read in the paper that it's one of the best locations to come. So we thought we'd come here and show some support," said Ben Saville of Hanford.

Saville, his wife Julieanne Rost, and their two young children were among those gathered to see the world-class cyclists.

The chief attraction for many was Lance Armstrong, the cancer survivor and seven-time Tour de France winner who is back in cycling after retiring in 2005.

"I think he's a great guy. He's overcome a lot. He's just a great athlete," said Edy Gilkey, a Lemoore resident waiting to see Armstrong zip by with team Astana.

"It's probably a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see Lance and the rest of the guys, so we came out with the kids to have a good time," Saville said.

"He's the master of the bike. One of a kind," said 19-year-old Lemoore resident Justin Barrios.

The crowds spent a lot of time waiting for Armstrong and the others, who were led by a long line of patrol cars and team support vehicles.

People held cameras and camcorders at the ready. They rang cow bells and waved American flags.

Before the caravan arrived, people scrawled messages and artwork on the pavement with yellow chalk provided by members of Armstrong's anti-cancer foundation.

It was a cross-section of Kings County: Curious farmers, mothers with young kids, local cycling fans, law enforcement officials and many others.

Diehard cycling fan Alex Gomez wore a bike jersey and homemade horns on his bike helmet to show his support.

"You gotta cheer on for Lance and the (Astana) team," said Gomez, who lives in Hanford.

"I guess it's history. First major bike race in Kings County," said white-bearded Chuck Gibson.

When Armstrong and the main pack of cyclists finally arrived, they were gone in less than a minute.

But Rod Allen of Hanford was ecstatic.

"I'm very excited," said Allen shortly after the cyclists rolled by. "It only lasted for a few seconds, but it was worth standing here for an hour to watch it."

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(Feb. 20, 2009)