6/27 A2 Ride Recap - RELEASING OF THE HUNGRY WOLFS....

Last Sunday ride was just another cool ride like others...it also had done some damaged for a few. We started out nicely from the MSP & then from the Restroom stop, but after the first burst at Jamboree hill off of PCH, one of our guess, Simon was completely bonked. We later realized that no matter how much effort that we going to put on him, he would not last for another 40 + miles. We've all decided to send him back...Sorry, Simon, you obviously did not prepare for this long ride.

We moved on...then came the second Jamboree hill off of Tustin Ranch, this made another damage for our new comrade Tommy (Thanh) going to the "cramp" mode and his energy ran low, I had decided to stay with him...we finally pulled into the Rest stop, we were 1/2 way to base.

After the break, we decided to take the trail near by, leading us to the Backbay, thanks to Minh (we did not cheat, it just too much traffic and traffic light on this route, though. And beside Tommy was getting worse). Long and I stayed with Tommy for the whole time and we finally made back to the River bed with Rock Racing team & the Lance Armstrong's successor the Mail Man were waiting for us. From here we did make sure Tommy can get back to base safe and sound by him self.

RELEASING OF THE HUNGRY WOLFS....
Their muscles started changing shapes, veins popped up, their eyes of these riders showing the hunger for speed (not blood), they looked at me and gave me the smiles that I will never forget...they wanted to chase the invisible neglect rider that gave them a very very dirty look. Just as Tuan & Nick, they will not let that goes.

We all together rolled out into the trail, speed started to increase rapidly, Long took the lead pulling everyone up to 25 - 26 mph, Rock Racers this time did not stay behind enjoy the draft no more, instead they took turn and pulled the pack harder....the pack started to scattering & stretching out quickly, I later moved to the second position get ready for Long to rest, but instead of resting he started increasing the speed, I gave it all in with him....all I can tell from a quick glance over my shoulder VV riders were still at my wheel tightly, I did not know who is who no more...

At the bridge, we now have only six riders left, Long, 3 Rock Racers, Minh and I. After we got out of the bridge Long turned around and asked "Are we all together?" "Yes, we're all here" I replied, he then jumped into speed showing no mercy and took off so hard, everyone seem to be prepared, tagged along with a speeding bullet. The pull was so hard and fast, Minh was no longer in sight...I later realized the speed was dropping, I then took the lead for Long, at this moment I took a quick look at my computer, it was 26.7 mph right in front of my bare eyes...my goodness! a worse fear ran across my mind... Am I going to get cramp??? What I got my self into?...But not for long 3 Rock Racers & Long one by one passing me by,...they yelled "tap in A Toan", I looked down...@olly crap! It was 27 mph indicated.

Rock Racers & Long never before pulling the pack with their incredible strengths and speeds, everyone was downed bars flying across the Riverbed trail, no match for any riders on its path, everyone gave it all they got for the last time, the second underpass was in sight, we made to the final stop at our usual Warner turn...Everyone was totally out of breath and quickly consumed all the water they have left in bottles, but did not forget to give each other a "knuckle punch" (for trying to kill each others :-)). Rock Racers turned and heading out their way, the rest of VV riders started pulling in and together we heading to base.

The last 7.5 miles that really stretching our muscles. After the coffee break 2:15 PM, I went home, took a shower, plunged into my bed and gone until 6:00 PM. I woke up & felt like a boxer beating up my every single muscle tissues from my entire body. What a day!