Tuesday, September 15, 2009

An ADOBO Velo Labor Day Weekend with Pinoy Pro Tri-Athlete Arland Macasieb

September 6-7, 2009. After racing Ironman 70.3 Philippines, the first ever in the country, he took some time to spend with the ADOBO Velos on his stopover in California. His first morning in Los Angeles, he witnessed our Pinoy Prides Deo Asuncion and Wilson Blas race at California Bicycle Racing State Criterium Championships. We saw Wilson cross the finish line on one of the two - second place finishes he had. And Deo on his very strong ride and finish. Here’s Deo being watched by Arland.
Wilson, after his first race, getting Arland familiar of CBR racing.
An old friend of his, Bobbit Attendido from Phoenix AZ, in WM Skinsuit was also in town attending Olympian Adam Duvendeck’s weekend Sprint Camp at ADT Event Center.
Here’s the Ironman posing with the Philippine Flag in the background.
He also met his hometown friend Tim Claudio later in the afternoon. Evening came and we watched the beginning and final minutes of a 100-mile record breaking attempt by DanMcGee back at ADT Velodrome. Since Arland tinkering on a Philippine record 1-hour attempt, we didn’t want to miss this moment as this is a big learning experience for us.

The next day, Labor Day Monday, he finally had a chance to ride since his travel and was very excited about riding with the ADOBO Velos! Thanks to William for arranging this ride. Arland is 7th from the left in this before-ride group pic.
We all rode around scenic Palos Verdes and enjoyed the hills.
Rosalie, Tim, Arland and I had some time for some tapsilog at Manila’s Lechon Restaurant in Carson Street. What a post-ride meal! Here’s a pic before moving on to beer time!
We then continued on with Oscar for a few pints of draft beer at BJ’s Restaurant near Del Amo Mall. We all had pretty good and non-stop conversations that included text messages to Christine. If you remember, she was with us during the San Pedro Grand Prix a couple of months ago, she’s a friend of his in New Jersey. He also shared his Ironman experience, some if his training knowledge, and the Fil-Am Tri-Athlete Club. We also made ride arrangements with Steve Pelaez when he returns to San Fran before traveling back home.

Arland, thanks for taking some time with the ADOBO Velo Gang!
Arden