Tracy Rider's Windmill Ride

August 22, 2010. The festivities started on Friday evening as out of town cycling groups had dinner at Island Gourmet Restaurants, Pres. Allen Escobar's ( Tracy Riders) restaurant. The food was delicious. You know it's good when it's as good as your mom's cooking. Louis Rivera and I, however, arrived late at 6:30 pm and

just missed on meeting our fellow Pinoy cyclists. Allen and Raymond (fellow Tracy Rider) were kind enough to keep the doors open to give us a warm meal. What a great host! There we spoke of the upcoming event and found out there would indeed be 100 riders for the next day's main event.

Louis and I checked in to Hampton Inn, one of the sponsor. Sure enough, our room was comp'ed. Kuya El gave us his room since he and his group, including Deo, and Francis, would arrive super early for the ride, at 2:30 am, Saturday. Hehehe. Roy "Tisoy" came to town at 1:00 am.

After getting settled, went for a few beers and hoisted our glasses with Fort Gascon (Pres.) , Angelo both from FACT Siclista, Fresno. Also joining us were Legendary Maui Reynante and his son George from Luzvimin. (Forgot Maui's blond GF's name, sorry)

The mass start was from Thoming Park and sure enough, there were 100 riders. All the Pinoy cycling groups from Northern Cal were present: MyTropa, FACT (Siclista), Luzvimin, local cyclists and of course, the host club, Tracy Riders. For a first inaugural fun ride, they really pull it off by having so many participants. The weather was predicted to have a high of 86 and low of 52. Everyone was expecting a scorching hot ride as we gained elevation. However, the clouds held all morning making for a pleasant ride.

The ride was supposed to be a fun 51.51 ride with total ascent of 3063 ft. Three SAG vehicles were in tow with a motorcycle guide to keep everyone in check. As we approached the base of the dreaded Patterson Pass with 8 miles of ascent and 2100 of elevation gain, it was abruptly announced that there will be a KOM based on Category levels! Well, no one wanted to reveal their Category so it was then decided to make it an open category for an overall winner. Thankfully the climb was cool, weather and scenery wise. You could hear the blades of the windmills go whoosh, whoosh up on the hills. As we got exposed in the open areas, there was cross wind, head wind 15- 20 mph. You're struggling to climb and wind tries to knock you down. On one of the rollers, you can only go 18mph max on a steep 12% downhill. The last 300 meters to Patterson summit was greeted by a 20% grade. This is where Deo and a local rider (puti) battled like Contador and Schleck for KOM honors. Valiantly, Deo lost by a wheel - his nemesis was better geared and knew the local mountain. A battle well fought.

The entire peloton regrouped at the first feeding station at mile 23, looped around Flynn Road, descended down County Road 5822, then returned to the same feeding station, now mile 32. The Adobovelo peloton decided not stop at the feeding station. There you could here the rest of the cyclists at the rest stop

saying, "Eto na sila" (They are here!) Everyone scrammble on their bikes and started to give chase. It's just pure cycling delight for all the hard work from grinding the gears going uphill was all over. Ahead was pure 18 miles of smooth as silk, freshly laid asphalt down hill from then on. 20>28 > 35> 40 > 48 mph. Francis, Roy, Deo, El, Louis would bomb down the hill. ( I decided to drop, thinking erroneously that we were doing another uphill loop. By the time I realized, I was all alone, waaahhh) Down Altamont Pass we all went. Groups of ten riders would zoom down the pass at break neck speeds. Your compact crank would be hyper-spinning by now. Wish you had a standard instead of a compact. Why is everyone riding so fast? They must be hungry for food!

A party with all Pinoy fixings awaited us at the finish line at Thoming Park. There was lechon, kilawin, kaldereta, dinuguan, pinakbet, pancit, pichi-pichi, puto, bibingka, sa-malamig ( Melon juice), rice and so much more food that I forgot to mention! Food was catered by Pres. Al Escobar's restaurant, Island

Gourmet. There was music with a DJ.

Kuya El and Deo met and reminisced with their old cycling buddies, Maui Reynante, Rommie, Steve, and Rozel Tupaz. At the end, visiting clubs were recognized with a plaque of appreciation. We said our goodbye's and thanked our host and headed back home.

Adobos you must go to this ride next year, don't miss it!

On behalf of Adobovelo, we would like to thank our gracious host for, President

Allen Escobar and the rest of the Tracy Riders for having a successful, most memorable, not to be missed, must do it again, most definitely fun ride.
Dennis L. Gorospe

Post-Ride Report by Vice-President Dennis Gorospe

It was a perfect riding day with 14 ADOBO Velos at the start line. Jonas and company brought another 8 friends with him including Marie Rose, an ultra long distance rider and triathelete too. Actual ride started at 7:45 am with temperature at 49 F which gradually warmed up to 80 F as the day progressed. Our group stayed together for most of the ride while catching faster groups along the way. Long trains of riders would pass zooming up to 48mph could not drop us (on the downhills). Banning and Eric from Banning's Bike also stayed with our group for most of the time.


After a slow grind on the first 15 miles, most of the ride is just rollers specially after the 25 mile marker. From there, Adobos really showed their stuff. Al "Cavendish", El "DiesEL", De"Olympian" were leading the attacks. After the 50 mile marker, another large peloton of over 50 cyclist cruised at 28 mph on the flat with headwind. We hung on to the peloton until we reached our own Adobevelo SAG stop at mile 68 with Banning & Eric and Company enjoying our Adobo hospitality. Thanks to my wife Frances and kids for providing Superfood drinks, water, fruits and snacks.


Total ride time with the whole group finished at 5 hours and 45 minutes. Actual end time was at 2:45 pm. Great job everyone! But check it out, Jun Usi had to go solo because of family commitments and started and 7:00 am and ended at 12:45, with SAG! You are a true ASTIG! We missed Jun at the post-ride BBQ.


Great ride overall with perfect weather, great friends and everyone finished with no injuries.


Day ended with BBQ at the Gorospe house in La Quinta with of Chicken Adobo as the main course, of course.


A warm welcome goes to new Adobovelo member Jesse from San Fernando Valley and congratulations on his first century ride. Congratulations to Louis Fernandez on his first "Official" Century ride. Riders who were present were: Victor C, El, Deo, Al V, Gil, Frank N, Jesse (SFV), Dennis G, Ryan, June Grape, Louie , Louis F, Julius, Jonas, Russell, Jun U. Sorry, no pictures of Jun Usi because he went solo.


Till next our next century ride...


Link to photos of TdPS below:


http://picasaweb.google.com/adobovelo/TdPS201002#


Dennis G.

Tour De Francis Winter Edition PostRide Comments

Click here to see PHOTOS

From Rino Crisostomo (Adobovelo):
again, you did an awesome well organized ride....splendid job down to the last detail!
to sir francis and his family...without them this ride won't materialize. ...Thank you so much!
to all sags and supports...without them the strugglers won't make it...Thanks a lot guys!
special thanks to pres arden who stick with me all the way...for sir louie n and sir ricky who waited for me...for sir louie for the cokes and encouragements. ..for sir victor for bringing up my bike..for sir francis' daughter for an extraordinary service for all the riders(the chicken adobo is the best).
for the Adobovelo family...more power to you guys!!!
on behalf of the cycloneteam. com...Thank you very much!!!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME, RINO !!!
pls check, http://www.cycloneteam.com/ and http://www.cookielee.com/!
From Reggie Ignacio (MMCC):
Francis and Adobo's again in behalf of MMCC family we thank you very much. Another epic ride!! Salamat po!
From Thomas Barron (Santa Clarita Velo):
I would like to thank you for such a well organized, friendly and memorable event.On the ride and at the BBQ I met Francis and thanked him personally, but I would also like to extend my congratulations to you and the ride committee and volunteers for your terrific success.The food was fantastic (as advertised) and very welcome on the hard and cold course.As the former president of the Santa Clarita Velo, and Race Director at the Devil's Punchbowl RR, I have had direct experience with the challenges you faced in putting this event together - and doing it with style.

Cheers,
--TMB-- Thomas Barron
Member Santa Clarita Velo Club

USCF 2702 http://www.santaclaritavelo.com/
From Michael Goodman:
Hi,
I rode the Three Lakes Tour Yesterday. Great ride. Great support. Really fun, enthusiastic club and ride support. In short I had a great time. I'm wiped out, but it was loads of fun. I'm very impressed by your club. You all seem like a fun-loving group of hard-core riders. It was lots of fun to join you all on the ride yesterday...Thaks for putting on the event.

-Michael Goodman
megmtb@gmail.com
From William "Legstrong" Aligue (Adobovelo):
Thank you to Francis and family and all the volunteers that make this Tour de Francis to be a succesful one. We had a lot of fun, food , climb, pain, cramps, you name it TdF have them all.
Congratulations to all the finisher!!! The training ride that we did paid off, the Adobo's finish the whole ride very strong.
Congratulations!!!
From TJ:
Thanks for all your work on today's awesome Tdf! I loved it!
From Obie:

What a rocking group...super ride & support! Big Thanks!

From Gil:

I second that sentiment William!... Francis you and your kids are the 'BOMB' - Thanx for making this event possible and to the great collection of volunteers - you guys "ROCK!".Also, I'd like to shoot special thanx to Louie R. for the personal support.

-CHEERS!!! gil

From Tim Claudio (Adobovelo):

I want to extend my Thanks to Francis and family and to all the support volunteers that made for another epic event.
I am privileged and honored to be a part of the Adobo family.
also,I will be out town during the Christmas party so,
I also want to extend my best wishes to everyone for this holiday season.
I will see you all after the first of the year.
All the best,

timCLAUDIO

From Ryan Roldan (Adobovelo):

To Francis and Company who make this annual event another bragging rights. Kodus...

From Vertical Bob:

I had a great time yesterday as always with the fun bunch from Adobo Velo Thanks for a great ride. See ya on the next one.

From Manny (MMCC):

On behalf of the mmcc, we thank everyone for another epic wonderful ride. Adobovelo and company always offer xclnt hospitality. special mention to Francis, Rosalie, the kids and the rest of the Adobo family, another job well done!! we salute you all!!

From Roland Sunga:

First and foremost - I would like to thank, you, Francis, and all of the volunteers for a great event. I've been a long time cyclist and a triathlete , it's been my dream to ride with a bunch of Filipinos, that was fulfilled yesterday. Again, my gratitude.

From Dana (Incycle-Cowrider):

Thank you for putting on such a well organized event. The ride will go down as a must ride for me every year. By the way, my buddies that do countless events said that your after meal spread was 2nd to none. Yes, Shouts out to Rosalie & Francis and the support crew!!!

TdF Castaic Lake Winter Edition Pre-Ride/Worker's Ride 11-21-2009

The weather during the ride was very cold, lowest 38degrees to as high as 44degrees. Postride temperature was 55 degrees. It was mostly sunny and clear with clouds and thick fog along the horizon. Strong cross and head wind around 10-20mph with some wind gust during the first climb on Lake Hughes Rd.

Pocket of chilly air and no wind in the canyons. Very strong wind with wind chill factor along Pine Canyon going towards Three Points. Riders who completed 90miles up to Ridge Point avoiding the descend to Quail Lake were Francis Ignacio (TdF Organizer), Pete Primavera, Ed Morente, Manny Amit, Tim Claudio, Joseph Casino and JJ Lopez. Riders who turned around at Three Points completed around 75 miles were Mandy Genato, Imre Udvardy, Pid and Jun Grape.

Kuya Ricky DNF'd at Three Points for medical reasons. He started coughing and felt very congested. Roving Sag Support by Rosalie. Thanks Francis for the PostRide Subway Sandwiches and Sodas. Some who road acclamated to the weather and some could not get warmed up during the ride along HeadWind Pine Canyon.

Rider's Lesson Learned
Imre.."Must wear Shoe Covers or Feet Warmers" His feet were freezing cold through out the whole ride.

Tim Claudio.."I couldn't get warm during the ride going towards Three Points" Need to wear face mask or Turtle Fleece, Cover all exposed skin, wear Leg warmer instead of knee warmer.
JJ Lopez.."I was tired and was not feeling the ride(not giving it all) even though it was a painful ride" He did a training long ride with team LaGrange a week before for 2 days.
Joseph Casino on his compact with 25t...He can handle this Cassette..But for most..highly recommend compact cranks 27t or 29t or triple.
Manny Amit..Broke his chain and got his windjacket caught around his cassette. Must bring extra links and try not to remove windjacket while riding and having one hand on handlebar.. Stop your bike and remove jacket.
Mandy Genato.. "Rosalie saw me not drinking much".. Must drink even if you're not thirsty and load up on food during the stops since COLD weather burn more calories. Eating and hydrating will keep you going.
Pid Grape.."I haven't ridden in 2 months" Need to train for this ride. This ride is very mentally and physically challenging.
Jun Grape "I'm going to turn back to the Park". This was his comment after Lake Elizabeth reststop. I told Jun, "You're strong, you've been riding alot. What's the point of turning back early when this is a training ride with sag to reload?".. Like I said before, you have to be Mentally prepared for this ride. Jun was so greatful that I talked him into going all the way to Three Points. He finished strong.
Ed Morente "Since I'm a runner, this ride was easy on the Lungs and Legs" Cross training besides riding a bike makes you stronger in all ways.
Pete Primavera "Had so much layers during the climb, it was too hot" Know how much to layer, and when to take off and put back on.
Rosalie "I didn't have any extra chain links for Manny" If you are sagging, make sure you have extra chain links in the car, tools for the chain link, and other bike tools that may be needed during mechanical problems..tubes, pumps, tire boot always a must.
Francis..Speechless! ! I guess that's a good thing..

PICS says it all
http://picasaweb.google.com/adobovelo/TdFCastaicWinterEditionPreRideWorkerSRide


SEE YA all at TdF...Keep on climbing
-ROSALIE

3rd Giro 'd Barkada in Stockton hosted by Luzvimin Racing Team

What an adventure that was! One hundred kilometers of pancake flat back roads, 3rd Giro ‘d Barkada hosted by the cast Luzvimin Racing Team of Stockton CA. The cast of ADOBO Velo were Deo Asuncion, El Lardizabal, Rosalie Kneebone, Francis Ignacio, Jonas Mas, and myself. We were surprised when Francis showed up and was confirmed that he participated in the previous day’s Bass Lake Double Century from Fresno. Early that Sunday morning, Mr. Picachu still looked fresh and the first one from us to be ready for the festivities. Here’s a pic of the ADOBO Velo contingent before the start.

Frank Gatdula and the staff of GdB got us started with excitement with Pinoy Pride Maui Reynante policing us off Micke Grove Park. My reality set in about NorCal’s Fil-Am clubs that morning and amazed by the numbers once they are all gathered. Off to the start, we were escorted and led by their assigned riders. El unfortunately had a flat in the first mile of the ride but was immediately helped by the support and was able to catch up with the group with no problem.



The picture above shows the large number of participants. The pace was at a constant 20mph throughout the ride except for the last 20 miles after the 2nd SAG stop for the first group. The last few miles to the 2nd SAG stop quickly picked up even if the side wind was breaking the peloton into pieces.
Overall, besides the pic above, it was a talking pace and everyone was having fun. Smiles were everywhere befriending was a free for all. There were rolling SAGs and photographers as you have probably seen by the sheer numbers of photos posted on-line. Here’s a cool pic of Rosalie.
When the first group went, Rosalie and El also went and mentioned that it was a fast paced. Here’s El’s post: Those guys were pushing to 33-34mph... With just 7 of us in the front but in one corner we made a right turn & I happened to be in the back & they started jumping & I got dropped... he heeh can't make it, was a head wind... kasalanan ‘yan ni Rozel at Ron, walang patawad! Anyway, I enjoyed the ride. We'll do it again next year.

Deo and Jonas were ready to go with this group but they waited for Francis and me as we were the last ones from the only restroom of the gas station SAG stop. We rolled with the next group and it was at a constant 21 mph.

When we returned to the park, tons of delicious Pinoy food and dessert were ready to be devoured. The place was set up already and thank to the wives, the staff and volunteers for their work. Time of salu-salo was not wasted by the calorie-burnt riders, giveaways raffled off afterwards.
We also had the chance to officially announce our Tour de Francis in Castaic. Frank even saved Vellum water bottles for us. Everything seemed to be seamless throughout the day. It was a great weekend overall! Here’s what I was able to post at Luzvimin’s Yahoo Group:

Frank and all the cast who made the event fun, organized, and like a fiesta! When I heard that it was 97 registrants total, my first thought was how can Tour de Francis this coming December beat that. But it was quickly forgotten with all the smiling faces and people that's there to be befriended. From registration time to the post meal, time flew pretty fast and this meant we were having too much fun. I can see why the peloton was controlled and timed to finish for a great party. I was impressed when El had a flat right after the start and that there's a replacement wheel ready for him. Deo and I dropped off to escort him back after the repair, but we were told by the SAG support to continue on with the ride and not to worry about it. El will make it back to the group. Rest assured he was! Even if the ride was strictly controlled, you can hear almost all of the participants chatting around; I guess part of that is making new friends. It was a fun ride anyway and not a competitive race. My itchy legs was wanting some fast pace riding later that morning but it didn't matter, we were all enjoying the moment. Too many Pinoys taking the whole lane was just amazing! Great route! I wish we have something like that in Los Angeles! Its just what I need. Great rolling SAGS and stops. Maybe the complaint you had was just because the rider came in to the SAG stops very late and had nothing left for him. Maybe he didn't know what to expect or maybe was just didn't had breakfast. Well, hopefully he can get stronger and faster next time where he can enjoy peloton bennies to enjoy some food and drinks. But maybe I'm wrong and just don't know all the facts.Back at the park, it was just great food, a lot, but just enough to please everyone! The giveaways and donations hit the spot. It was hard to leave even if we had about 350 miles to tackle to get home. It was fun trekking back south; it was fun driving up north too! It seemed like a weekend escapade with friends.Anyway, thank you for the great dinner that Saturday night! Thank you to Maui, Sally, and to you for the wonderful food and entertaining stories. We knew you all were busy preparing for the event that night but you all were still very welcoming and so hospitable to us. Thanks!Hopefully we can see you all, the cast of Luzvimin and all other cycling clubs of NorCal this December. Now it’s time for us to create the fun and hope we can beat 97 registrants. Let's target 100 riders!

And here’s Mang El’s feedback:

To Frank & wife Sally, Maui, Rozel, Ron, George & the whole Luzvimin racing team & also to the rest of people who help the ride to be a successful one. Your Giro de Barkada "09 was one of the best organized ride I've been for the past few years.
1. No riders got dropped far enough due to the constant pace that was set by the leaders for the first two sags stop. The pace was set to 18-21mph I believed.
2. Good sag support... got spare wheels from the rolling SAG when I got my flat tire (saved my time).
3. The sag stops were nice & big enough to accommodate the group.
4. Enough food for the riders on sag stops even you didn't expect that many riders to join the ride.
5. The last 20 miles was where the fun started for the fast riders (front group), going 23-25mph against the wind & top speed to 33-34mph with the tail wind.
6. Give-away gifts, water bottles, inner tubes & the donated mountain bike as the main price.
7. The lunch....... super good for the hungry stomach and lastly the friendship that you all showed to us.
Thanks a million Frank for the job well done & extend this to your crew. For sure I'll try to be with you guys next year, hopefully you'll make it on Sunday again. See you on Tour de Francis?

To close, this ride was also organized to collect donations for those affected by Typhoon Ondoy.

Here’s Frank’s posts: I am happy to inform you that the relief goods we received at the Giro d' Barkada was sent to the Philippines handled by the Filipino-American Catholic Charities of Stockton who have made arrangements with Star Cargo. Bike related donations will be personally ship to Cebu Recycle Bicycle Club. In behalf of LUZVIMIN RACING and from the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU for all your generosity. Frank Gatdula.

And here’s his reply to our posts: Thanks for the nice and kind words. Yes we tried our best to make everyone happy. We will be discussing about your ride this coming October 24 and try to send a contingent to represent LUZVIMIN. Rest assured we will be flying our colors once again since we missed last year's. Since it's all climb, we will be sending our best climbers only, hahahaha! Rozel, Rick, Rannie, Ron, Winston, Mike M., Maui, Jonas, Justin, Romeo, Roberto Sto. Domingo, Tom Alves, Jim Elam, Billy Huyn, Jeff Lancero... And maybe we can import Leian once again. Leian sound off ka diyan! Wala ka bang seminar dito sa California next month? The Adobo Velo ride is a true epic ride guys, it's 100 miles wth 75% climb and about 15,000 ft of climbing. Frank Gatdula. Let’s all go on the next GdB ride!

And for the departing pic:
Thanks to Jeremiah Nueve: http://www.pbase.com/nueve009/giro_d_barkada_09 and
Mike Mercado: http://picasaweb.google.com/lcplwan/GiroDBarkada3?authkey=Gv1sRgCMv_g5i_7aTtdg&feat=email# for a job well done on the photography department!

Arden Arindaeng

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

Big GMR to Crystal Lake Post Ride Report by VPDocDennis.

The ride from Encanto Park to Crystal Lake was one of the best rides I've ever done. The view, friends, food, what else can you ask for? Thanks for sharing this route to our new initiates (me included). JJ, Tim Claudio, Julius and I endured our first GMR ride. It was certainly grueling, a true test of cycling. I can see why the Duarte Chapter likes to go this playground so much. The Giro d'Italia, Tour de France were rolled into this one ride. We felt like pros as the peloton zoomed downhill through the zig-zag roads at 35+ mph.
Kudos to Francis for the pre-ride sag by bringing sandwiches, Cliff Bar, Power Bar gels, fizzy pop. Kuya Ricky gave out some Cliff Bars. Jess and Juliet gave support with water, bananas, cookies along the route. The food and drinks kept as topped and kept us from bonking.
As Francis suggested, we should make this a monthly ride with Adobovelo. I most certainly agree. We need more Liberty Boys on this climb.
I had to cut my ride 5 miles short of Crystal Lake to make it to my son's recital in Whittier. I made it just in time. He just started his music as I entered with my camera in hand, whew! Took a couple of quick photos for proof. Louie N. accompanied me on the way back to Encanto Park to keep me from getting lost.
Can't wait to ride GMR again!
Thanks,
Dennis