Monday, September 12, 2011

9/11 Epic Ride - "We Remember" Ride

Two epic rides... synchronized and completed this past 9/11 Sunday by both the California and Minnesota VeloViet groups. Special thanks to all who participated and supported these two wonderful and memorable rides.

Here is a video from Jonathan to start things off!


Video - Jonathan's "We Remember Ride" Video

And here are the VeloViet folks and their guests who participated...

Photo - California's 9/11 Ride Crew

Photo - Minnesota's 9/11 Ride Crew

2 WEEKS BEFORE...

Within a lifetime, there are those few dates that have special meaning to us: our birthday, the day our children was born, or the day that our love ones passed away. It is the actions and events on these dates that defined who we are, that shaped the person that we have become, as they solidifies our past and present, and even to show us a possible future. September 11th was that date for many people, of all ethnicity and background. On that very day, out of the ashes and chaos, rose those few who were exceptionally strong, those that overcame mighty hurdles and became heroes to other. Those are the ones who sacrificed all, who stood on the edge of darkness, and still be able to see the light through the dark cloudy murk.

The upcoming weekend of September 11th again will have a special meaning to the VeloViets. It is on this weekend last year that the VeloViets celebrated this special day with rides in both California and Minnesota. This team synchronization promises unity and a common bond, as VeloViets in both the OC and MN encountered pain and suffering on that same day, but yet they also tasted a life's moment in the glory of accomplishing 100+ mile rides. And yes... there were heroes and there were those who were exceptionally strong. In California, members step up and help those who fell, and there were the strong two who did double century rides on consecutive days!

September 11, 2011 mark an even more special date, as it will be a decade since the horrific tragedy. It is on this very weekend that the VeloViet members again will embark on a truly special epic century ride. It will be a ride that promises wonderful memories, and it is these type of epic journeys on the bike that are often self-discovery journeys in life. It will be on these rides that each one of us, as a cyclist and a human, will find out who we are and what we are made of.

We will discover who are our heroes, those who will help us in a moment of need, or even discover that the heroes can also be ourselves. Yet again we will test that dark side, the side that we often hide away, the weak side that we shove in the closet and hide from the world, and the side that does not allow us to take on a life's challenge. I guarantee that this dark side will come out for some of you if you decide to participate on this 9/11 ride with the VeloViets, but these are tests that we must make often. The question is... are you strong enough to overcome?

These epic moments are few and far between. Come out and embrace these life's moments. Please be not someone who stands by the side of the road, and only to look on as people passes you by. Be the ones who are moving and looking at the static people on the side. September 11th is almost here. Take the first step this weekend and join us Sunday in the preparation for this wonderful moment. See you all on this moving journey of life!

1 WEEK BEFORE...

September 11, 2001... I remember staring at the TV screen at work not believing at what I am seeing. What looked like dots drifting slowly down were actually people who had jumped from the World Trade Center buildings. With the camera zoomed in, I saw that some were holding hands as they jumped. It was crazy to see people seemingly floating down and it did not make sense to me at that time. Then my wife was 8 months pregnant with my son, we have a 2-year old daughter, and this was suppose to be one of the most happiest times for us. How could this happen in this world and at this time. I also had wondered what courage did it take for those people to take that leap... for some, a leap of of faith.

September 11, 2011... I am ready to take that leap while holding my friend's hands on this 9/11 Epic Ride. By no means does this ride even compare to what happened 10 years ago, but I do note that it does take some sense of courage, a search for self discovery, a way to remember that tragic day, a way to honor those who sacrificed their own lives, while trying to save others, or just simply a joy to be able to bike with your friends. I know some of us are emotionally closer to this significant decade old event, or even may have love ones that were affected by it. The VeloViets will be there with you... and we will hold your hands on this jump.

This weekend is the last group training ride before the 9/11 Ride, an epic ride as much as one could make it emotionally and physically. Although we will do this ride together, you will need to be mentally and physically prepare for this 120 mile journey... a journey of strength, stamina, courage, and faith in yourself and of your friends.

THE DAY BEFORE...

I feverishly clean and tune my bike. I wanted every single mechanical pieces on my bike to move friction-free and smoothly. I needed to conserve every ounce of energy and did not want to waste it on an imperfect motion that can be cause by a piece of dirt, or a grain of sand, caught on the gear. I put extra lub on the chain.

Around 10 AM, the sky became cloudy and a flood of water poured from the sky. There were so much water that it sounded to me like hail. I opened my garage door and looked out, and noted it is just as well that the sky clear itself out from all of the urban impurities before our rides.

I kid you not... but exactly at 11 AM the rain suddenly stopped like heaven had turned off its water faucet. I remembered this time because the sound of the rain suddenly stopped, and I had looked at the clock to find out what time it was. I wonderered if the rain stopping at 11 AM, and our ride on the date 9/11/11 were somehow inter-related in some ways. The number "11" keeps on repeating itself, and the rain stopping exactly at 11 AM, was it a symbol of some cleansing, of some new start, that we are going through?

I filed this thought away and proceeded to finish my task. Thuy-Van, the gorgeous "On The Move" Reporter from SaigonTV, is psyched for this ride and have been pumping us e-mails conveying her excitement. This is going to be Thuy-Van's second ride with us and she was stoked! Her energy on the e-mail in-turn caused me to be more excited and I could not keep still for these past few days. I have been too excited and have been burning a a lot energy. I hoped that I have saved enough for tomorrow... but I am ready. My team mates are ready. So let's get this ride on!

LETS GET READY TO.... RRRUUUMMMBBBLLLEEE !!!!!!!

THE MN 9/11 RIDE...

The Minnesota VeloViet Team had a head start on the epic rides due to the time zone differences. MN 9/11 Ride was a trek of near 70 miles, with approximately 3000 feet of elevation. Here are some photos...

Photo - MN VeloViet Riding Along the Beautiful Countryside

The team had its share of challenges, including 1 flat and 1 broken spoke. Hey... while we are waiting around for Todd to change the flat, why not have some BEER!

Photo - Beer Anyone?

Photo - How Many VeloViets Does It Take to Fix A Flat?

Photo - The Answer.... Two! One to Fix the Flat and One to Cheer the Guy Fixing the Flat!

All happy hearts and tummies at the end with a BBQ coordinated by Mike's fiance Vanessa. Lots of time to chat and catch up on ride stories! "MOST WONDERFUL RIDE for the MN VeloViet Ever" declared by Quang!

Photo - Muscles!

Photo - Yummy BBQ!

THE OC 9/11 RIDE...

The MASSIVE 50-rider OC pack started rolling into MSP as early as 6:30 AM. A cloudy of red and black uniforms dominated the parking lot on Brookhurst. The energy was already buzzing and alive as I drove in at about 6:45 AM.

Newbies, newbies, newbies! There were so many of them that I lost count. Members brought in their families and friends, and we have riders as far as from Las Vegas. I shook everyone's hands, but gave up trying to remember all the guests and Newbies' names.

Photo - Guest Mark and "The Puma" Uyen

Photo - Guest Rider Chau Giving the Thumbs Up Before the Ride

Photo - DuyAnh, Guests Dave & Karen, and Sang

Thuy-Van drove up at about 7 AM sharp, and immediately started to conduct the interviews. Cap't and Toan did most of the talking while I posed for the camera. Check us out below!

Photo - Thuy-Van Interviewing New Members Chanh and Kevin

Photo - Thuy-Van Interviewing Phong, Toan, and Cap't

A quick traditional group shot is needed for this epic moment. It was not really quick either as we had so many people to try to squeeze into a little space for the camera. But here is the result photo.

Photo - The Pack Posing for the Camera Man

Afterwards, Cap't gave the traditional "before the ride" speech, stressing safety. Toan pitch in too to talk about the Laguna area, a stretch with very narrow roads and lots of cars, that we will be riding through.

Photo - Cap't and Toan Speak While the Camera Rolls

Photo - Reporter Thuy-Van and Camera Man

Photo - Thuy-Van Listening to Cap't Speaks

Photo - Safety is Stressed by Toan

Photo - The Pack Listening Intently

Yeah... all speeches done... all photos taken... time to roll! But wait... we have to line up for the camera to capture this departing moment first!

Photo - The Pack Ready to Roll

Photo - Waiting to Leave MSP

Easy stretch with lots of gossips! Here I practiced my "IronLegs" sprints (named after our very own IronLegs Cuong) to captured photos of the pack. I was beat after 10 minutes of this!

Photo - The Massive VeloViet Pack

Photo - Cap't and Vegas Matt

Photo - RR Can and Simon

Photo - Tan and Guest

Photo - Keith and Thanh

Photo - Guest Bill and Vegas

Photo - Roxy and a Super Excited Scott

Photo - Reporter Thuy-Van and Cap't Thomas

Photo - Photographer Jen Working Hard from the Sag Car

At the first PCH stop, we picked up even more VeloViet riders! Here BigH, Kazu, FedEx, Ironman, Candy, and a few more guest riders joined the VeloViet pack.

A quick intro between Ironman, our flag bearer, to Thuy-Van for an interview. This will be interesting on TV and Ironman just might develop a fanbase with this heroic gesture!

Photo - Thuy-Van Interviewing "Flag Bearer" Ironman

Photo - Part of the VeloViet Crew When First Started in 2004: Thanh, Billy D, and Billy P

Photo - Guests "The Diesel" Mark and Susan

Photo - Guests, Martin, and Chanh

Photo - RR Loi, Tuan, Can, Guest Nghia, RR An, and Tan

Photo - VeloViets Riding Away from the Darkening Sky into a Brighter Day

The giant VeloViet pack rolled out from the rest stop and the pack immediately disintigrate! Report from The Gear Tuan indicated that the A1 Team started out as a nice steady paceline set by Scott and Greg, but that all went away once they hit the rolling hills of Laguna Hill and Dana Point. The A1 Wolves came out with claws and sharp teeth as these mortal men morphed into the werewolves that they are. The pace spiked up like the afternoon heat of the Summer's sun.

The pent-up energy from these past few weeks were finally allowed to be released from these riders. This rippling effect causes bloody tears, and it is this smell of blood that caused an explosive reaction from the other hungry wolves. Luke and Fedex attacked relentlessly on the hills.

Photo - Luke Gritting His Teeth and Driving Up the Pace

In Dana Point, Fedex ran over some big rocks and got flats on both front and rear wheel. That was the only thing that kept Fedex from continuing the attacks. The Gear Tuan noticed the flat and stopped to help FedEx, while the rest of the Wolf Pack moved on with hardly a glance as they were so fixated on the wheels in front. The Sag Car, who was following the second A1 pack, came up to help. They provided a pump to help with the flat repair.

Photo - Takes 3 Flats to Slow Down FedEx!

The second A1 group, lead by Capt and the most of the A1 team, had got stuck at the light on the uphill toward Jamboree. They came along as Tuan and FedEx just finished changing the tire in the rear. But as FedEx and Tuan started rolling again, FedEx realized he had a flat in the front too. They stop to attack that flat repair.

Photo - Cap't Leading the Second A1 Pack

By this is, the front A2 pack came along, and this pack is where Phong was with. Phong yelled out "Are you okay?" to FedEx and Tuan, and they waved us on as the Sag car was already with them. Later on, FedEx got even another flat! Tuan and FedEx finally met up with front A2 pack at the Ralph's in Dana Point. Here though, Tuan and RR Tan had to head back as they had to be home before noon.

In the front A2 pack, Phong remember Postal Ngoc was often working the front. A2 Road Captain Toan too were helping pace the group. The pace was probably around 24 mph after the hills of Laguna.

Photo - Simon and Anh Minh Leading the VeloViet A2 Crew

Photo - Rock Racers in the Pack

Photo - Second Stop in Dana Point

Photo - Kiet, Keith, and DuyAnh in the Pack After Dana Point

Photo - Co Looking Like She is Enjoying the Ride While Billy is Working Hard

Everyone arrived to the San Clemente stop. Here we did more interviews and photos!

Photo - The TriCrew... or is it The Quad Crew?

Photo - San Diego Sean and Cap't

Photo - Crew at San Clemente Stop

Photo - Postal Team Ngoc, Thang, Danny, and Chi

Photo - Thuy-Van Interviewing FedEx

Report from The Archer Kazu shows that from Carl's, Fedex and Kazu took turns pulling the group as 3 of our fast A1 guys, Luke, Scott, and Greg, had to return to MSP as they had to be back by noon. FedEx and Kazu set an aggressive pace and everyone kept up through the base. Kazu did a quick glance and saw that the wolfpack had a certain gleam in its eyes that told Fedex and Kazu to maintain the 30mph pace. The pack were slicing through the road at a phenomenom pace!

Hearts pumping, tounges hanging, foams began to appeared at their mouths, these mad men kept this pace high and for a long time. Wolf Leader Cap't Thomas had to yell commands to keep safety as a priority and cautioned the group to prevent crashes. The Peloton heard and adjusted, but kept up the pace.

Report from Toan indicated that after the San Clemente stop, the A1 group took off so fast that the A2 pack tried to chase after them but it was too late. The A1 Team dusted the A2 without mercy. This in turn caused a domino effect as the second group broke into several pieces.

A couple of miles into this stretch, Phong was somewhere in the middle of the A2 pack when he noticed Sang on the side of the road. He pulled over as waves of A2 members passed by. Sang had broken his rear derailluer!

Photo - What is Wrong with this Picture?

Mark, Susan, and Candy also stopped to help. Looking at this damage, there was nothing we could do and we waved down Ted, who was following the last riders of the A2 pack. Ted loaded Sang's bike and Sang into the car. Mark, Susan, Candy, and I moved out.

At this point in time, the four of us are tens of minutes behind the last riders of the A2 pack. I was thinking that there was no way we can catch up to anyone now. You know what... I was wrong!

Mark (aka The Diesel) went to the front and lifted the pace to 24-26 mph! At first glance, most riders might say "oh I can do that". But can you do it for 10 miles straight into a strong headwind? Because that was what he did from San Clemente to Camp Pendleton! Susan, Candy, and I did not take the front at all in this stretch. All we could do was to hold on to this moving locomotive! Awesome display of power!

Photo - "The Diesel" Mark Hard at Work

We passed a bunch of VeloViet members. Most could not latch on as we were moving way too fast. The only riders who was able to latch on was BigH and Martin, both of whom had dropped off from the front pack. This group caught up to the team with the flag bearer a mile before the base.

Report from Toan indicated that front A2 group, including Ngoc, Sean, Tan B, Minh Ly and Toan, rotated at the front to shelter the man who was carrying the flag of our nation. The VeloViet's mission was to protect the flag bearer at all cost!

Report from the flag bearer Ironman himself indicated that Ironman initially was glued to Captain Thomas' wheels, who had led the disparate pack through much of the windy segment of Oceanside. Nevertheless, hauling the flapping flag in 12 knots wind was equivalent to "pulling the Rock Brothers in tow with flat tires" according to Duc. Ironman started to slow and the pack split in the heavy wind.

When all hope seems lost, and Ironman is about to go down carrying the burden, the VeloViet's camaraderie stepped in and Hoa rode up and literally pushed Ironman along for at least a mile. Here John joined in by pushing Hoa, who is pushing Ironman, to lessen the heavy load. This chain of unity provided a much needed boost of energy at a crucial time, and their quiet act of unity in helping a comrade in distress inspired Ironman to briefly rest and to gain the energy to push onward to final destination. Together, this group rode with the flag bearer to Oceanside Harbor.

Photo - Flag Flying Free and Proud

Photo - Ironman Made It to Oceanside

Report from Keith, who was in the second A2 pack, Long and Keith took turn pulling and sweeping a group of Newbies through Camp Pendleton. Coming out of the base, they got lost as there were some communication error. There was about 5-7 riders and they traveled a few miles more before learning that they were on the wrong route. Turning back, this group saw another 5-7 other riders coming from the opposite direction and they signaled them to turn around.

Photo - So Where Do I Turn Again?

Phong also learned at Oceanside that this was not the only mishap. The Puma Uyen came in with a scraped up legs, right arm, and right shoulder. A quick conversation revealed that Uyen had touch wheels with her Guest Mark, and went down at 25 mph. This brave woman did not quit, but wanted to go on even when she is bloodied and battered. Check out the damage to Uyen below.

Photo - Shoulder and Arm

Photo - Hand

Photo - Legs

At Oceanside Harbor, we all were swapping stories of the ride. I sat with the TriCrew and they were telling jokes and cracking me up! Here are some photos.

Photo - Steve, Ironman, and FedEx Sharing Some Good Stories

Photo - Vegas Matt, Steve, and Kazu Enjoying Some Fish Fry

Photo - Thuy-Van Contemplating On Her 9/11 Story

After a quick lunch, the pack said goodbyes to Thuy-Van and the camera man, as they had another engagement. The main VeloViet army moved off and a few of us waited for those who had arrived late and were still eating lunch.

Going back from Oceanside, Kazu reported that the front A1 group, containing Fedex, BigH, and Kazu charged through the base. The ride turned into a TriCrew breakaway, with Fedex and Kazu alternating. With the strong headwind, they were only able to maintain a 20 mph pace.

Upon exiting the base, they were joined by a solo rider who tagged into their paceline without asking. As if risen from the dead, and angered by this sudden intrusion, BigH got in the front and started pulling at 25 mph! Fedex and Kazu looked at each other unbelievably not knowing where BigH got the sudden energy. The fourth rider finally decided to work and this 4-man break that topped off the speed at a 27 mph paceline.

The A1 pack finally made it to Carl's and they had no more energy left, giving it all on the stretch to San Clemente.

John and Toan reported that after Oceanside, Hoa, Chanh, Kyanh and John pulled the A2 pack. These four rotated in the front every 15 seconds going aabout 18mph, but even then, the tired pack could not keep up. The four riders slowed down to 15-16mph, the pack moved up, but eventually still drifted back in the heavy head wind.

A new breakaway group formed, with John, Hoa, Chanh, Kyanh, Kevin, Sanh, Mark, and a guest. All 8 of these riders paired up in a double paceline formation, rotating every 15 seconds and at about 18-20mph, all the way to Carl’s Jr in San Clemente.

The riders who broke off from John's pack were the 4 RR Brothers, BaoAnh, DuyAnh, Long, Duc Au, Guest Karen, and Toan. Together these riders fought through the headwind heading back. Here, the RR brothers had shown their power and camaraderie by taking turn helping pull the exhausted comrades. Halfway to San Clemente, the flag pole needed to be removed because the fierce wind has destroyed the tie-wraps that keep it tight to his bike frame, Long stay back helping Duc Au the rest moved on.

Long reported that Ironman took down the pole, and secured the flag in his jersey pocket and these two moved on. By now, Duc was severly tired bearing the burden of the flag. By now Ngoc caught up, and Ngoc and Long sheltered him and rotated and pulled Duc to San Clemente.

Phong was with the last group out from Oceanside Harbor, having waited with Captain for the last riders to leave Oceanside. There was Cap't, Phong, Tan, Guest Chris, Guest Mark, Uyen, and Kiet in this group.

It was immediately apparent that there was something wrong with Kiet. Out of the harbor, Kiet immediately slowed as we approached the base. Initially Phong thought that it was all due to the slight up hill climb and the head wind the group was riding into. The pack slowed to 12 mph to let Kiet catch up.

When Kiet did not catch up, even on the flat section, Cap't turn around and went back to check on Kiet while the rest of the group waited a little further on. Cap't and Kiet pedal up, with Cap't pushing on Kiet.

Photo - Kiet Said to Thomas on this Stretch... "The Legs Stop Working Cap't"!

Kiet had told Thomas "The legs stopped working Cap't". This was a major issue as the group was in the base, in the middle of the desert, and with no sag support in sight. The team did the only possible thing and that was to band together. Guest Mark and Uyen let the way, Tan and Phong acted as the human wind shield for Cap't and Kiet, Cap't pushing Kiet, and Guest Chris patrolling the back. In this formation, the pack was able to increase the pace to 16-18 mph.

But Kiet was not alone in his pain, Uyen was fighting ferociously to maintain her position on the bike. Her injury to her hand did not allowed her to grip the handlebar at all and she had to ride in an aero position with her arm resting on the handlebar instead.

Photo - Uyen in an Aero Position as She Can't Hold the Handlebar with Her Injured Hand

The pressure of the massive workload on Cap't was soon apparent. Phong repeatedly look back to check if Thomas and Kiet had fell out of the human wind shield, and Phong can see the stress developing on Cap't face. Cap't was gritting his teeth, as both his arms and legs were getting tired, but he would not let up on pushing Kiet.

Tan also noticed this too, and immediately slowed to drop back to push Kiet and allowing Cap't a moment of rest. These two riders proceeded to rotate and push Kiet for the 10 miles or so. Phong still remembered a section where there was a steep hill, and it took both Tan and Thomas to push Kiet up this hill.

Photo - Both Tan and Cap't Pushing Kiet Up the Hill

This pack made it back to the San Clemente stop.

Photo - The Last Group to Arrive to San Clemente

Photo - Mark and Uyen Celebrating Making It Back to San Clemente

In San Clemente, the TriCrew of FedEx, BigH, and Kazu were the first to roll out. Report from Kazu indicated that FedEx pulled most of the way. BigH and Kazu had to constantly remind this fast man to slow down as they were weary from expending so much energy from the ride. They made it back to the OC first.

John's pack is now the second A1 pack, and after a brief rest they roll out too. This pack had formed a new pack with 3 more additions: Steve, Sean, and Martin. Once again, they worked as a team and rotated. A little further on, this group dropped Mark, Sean, and Kevin as these three could no longer hold the ferocious pace.

The remaining riders rolled on. Chanh left crank got loose when they got to Bushard. Pedalling on one pedal, and being pushed by the others, this group made it back and is the second collective group to arrive to the OC. There were only 7 riders in this pack: Hoa, Sang, Steve, Kyanh, Chanh, Martin, and John. Sang must have borrowed Danny's bike at San Clemente to ride this portion.

Photo - Martin, John, Hoa, KyAnh, Steve, and Chanh

Phong choose not to eat in San Clemente and was with the next crew out of San Clemente, probably the largest group, consisting of about 20 riders. He was somewhere in the front five riders when the large pack hit the PCH section of Dana Point.

This section was a little confusing, with bike lanes on both sides of a divider. Donovan was pulling in front and he took the bike lane on the left of the divider. This lane was closer to cars, but was a valid bike lane. Toan was in second and he took the lane on the right of the divider.

Phong was in third and followed young Donovan. The remaining 17 riders went right and followed the A2 Road Captain Toan. Phong looked back and noted this. He moved past Donovan yelling "let's go". These 2 riders attacked hard on PCH!

The game is on!!! Initially the two packs were even, separated by a road divider. Surprisingly, the Phong and Donovan group started moving ahead of the group of 17. When the divide in the road ended, and the two bike lanes merged into one, a clear separation had occurred in these two groups. Phong and Donovan started rotating to keep this constant gap.

Phong was in front when he looked back and noticed a single VeloViet rider had attacked the 16-group wolf pack and was moving up to Donovan and Phong. Phong slowed to allowed Brian to latch on creating a 3-man breakaway. Brian looked exhausted but was working the front hard! Brian was morphing into a ferocious attacking wolf!

Phong's group caught up to a pack, led by Tan, who had left earlier. At a stop light in Dana Point, the remaining 16 riders joined. This large pack starts to attack the hills of Dana Point and arrive to the stop in Laguna.

Photo - BaoAnh's Secret Energy Food at the 90 Mile Mark

Cap't reported that the Sag Team was busy from San Clemente on. Keith, arriving late in Oceanside and not eating, had no more reserve. Donovan's knee got tweaked and got picked up. Simon bonked and was forced to take the Sag Car ride.

For Phong's group, the run in from Laguna was another exciting ride. The hills here shredded most of the 25-rider pack, leaving only a small group in front. 10 miles from the start of SART, and as we crested over the last hill, the Rock Racing Team took over.

On this section of PCH, the group justed crested the last big hill and everyone was breathing hard. Phong was near the front and heard 2nd big brother Can yelling some instructions to the twins. RR An and Loi started moving to the front.

Sensing an imminent attack, Phong immediately latch on to the oldest brother Ngia. RR Can opened a switch and blazed a hard pace. It was as if the go/no-go sign changed to go and these four riders took off like a rockets. It was a planned attack, and the twins and Can rotated taking turns on PCH. One can see that they have been hard practicing this, as the fourth Brother open a gap and allow the ratating riders to ease back in. Awesome display of team work and show what the VeloViet A2 pack can do!

This pack made it back to SART, with only Phong, Toan, and Steve able to follow the Rock Racers. A lot of high fives were given to the Rock Racers! After a brief wait, with no other arriving, this group moved on.

Photo - Rock Racers Celebrating After the Hard Pull

On SART, the Rock Racers continued the attack, but now join by Toan in trading the pulls. Here is a photo from behind.

Photo - Behind Rock Racers and Toan on SART

The small pack made it to the Segerstrom exit. After saying our good byes to the Rock Racing Brothers, with more promises of hard riding in the future, we rolled back to MSP.

Photo - Uyen Celebrating with Mark and Sang on Completing the 120-Mile Ride

The last group arrived about 15 minutes later. Time for some chow at KyAnh's restaurant! KyAnh, BaoAnh, and DuyAnh arrived to say hi to us. KyAnh even made us his special iced tea, The Iced Tea KyAnh. Man... this tea is good and is a great order after a long ride! It is refreshing and with a hint of mint.

Not only the food were appealing to look at, they tasted wonderful! I ordered the Vietnamese dish called Bun Rieu which is a shrimp noddle soup. Yummy! If anyone have not try out KyAnh's restaurant, you have to do so. Call KyAnh too so he can make you his special tea. Thanks KyAnh!

Photo - VeloViet Crew at KyAnh's Restaurant

Photo - Yummy!

Photo - Double Yummy!!

Photo - Special Drink "Iced Tea KyAnh"

THE END...

It is the end of the day, and I am very tired but satisfied. I made the 120-mile journey without bonking! Here is a 3-part video as a summary of today's event...


Video - The 9/11 Epic Ride

This experience reminded me why I cycle in the first place. It was not just for the exercise, or a way to relieve life's stress, but it was the sheer joy of pushing myself to my limit, and the solidarity of that act with people who shared similar interests as I. This ride reminded me again that life is not just about going through the daily struggles, about trying to get ahead, about how many bike races you won, or about how many dollars per hours you earned. Life is about balance, finding the time to be with your families, friends, and alone time. It is about simply being alive, being on the bikes, enjoying a beautiful day with your friends, and testing yourself to find out what your limits are. The reward is not in the medal you won, or what placing on the podium you got, it simply is about trying your best.

The rides in both California and Minesota could not have been accomplished without support personnel. In California, we wish to give a BIG THANK YOU to Ted, Jonathan, and Jen for taking the burden of driving the sag cars and taking photos. Without you folks, there would have been VeloViet riders left stranded on the road.

Photo - Steve and Super Sag Crew Ted

Photo - Photographer Jen and Super Sag Crew Jonathan

In Minnesota, I believe it was Vanessa who help and prepared all the food for the hungry riders afterwards. Thanks Vanessa!

Photo - MN Vanessa Presenting the Food to the Hungry MN Riders

The numerous of solidarity and bravery that members showed on this ride is what makes this ride so memorable, and give us an understanding why the VeloViet club have flourished and developed to the size it is today. It could have been so easy to call for sag support and abandon Kiet on the roadside to wait for the sag car. And it could have been so easy for Uyen to call it quits in Oceanside.

But this VeloViet Team would not do that. The group would not leave a hurt man down, and injured member would not give up. These simple acts of selflessness and bravery is similar to those actions taken by New Yorkers in the 9/11 event a decade ago.

And it was not just one man carrying the flag of this nation, but instead was a collective unified efforts of many VeloViets members to helped "carry" the flag throughout the century ride. The burden of the flag for one man was too hard to bear, and no one person could have done it alone in the time that it took. The flag would have fallen to the ground if others did not step up taking turns sheltering the flag from the fiercest wind.

It is the hope of the VeloViet club that this ride and gesture shows that we did not forget, that we remember the 9/11 tragedy a decade ago, and that we honor those who have fallen sacrificing themselves for saving others.

It has been a good ride my Veloviet friends. Thanks to all who sent me recaps and photos. Like the ride, this recap could not have happen without your help. For everyone viewing this, please take a little time to post your comments. We love to read them and no Blog account is require to post comments.

Here is a toast to a bright future and many more epic rides to come! Onward to Lady Palomar!

Out,
Phong

12 comments:

  1. Phong, awesome recap. Youre the best.

    ReplyDelete
  2. What can I say, a super recap Phong, so many pix and lots of situation on the long ride, but you did capture them vividly. Thank you for the time that you put into this recap.

    Just like last year, the wind never fail from Oceanside to Dana point, so strong that can damage lots of V V riders. Thanks for the ones that help and thanks Iron man for bearing our flag that makes this ride so meaningful.

    we did have some trouble, miscommunication on the route, flats, fall, but all in all that was a ride that V V will never forget. Big congrats to the newbies and guest that finish the 120 miles, you guys must be proud to your self. Thanks Ted, Johnathon, and Jen for the SAG and all V V for another Sep 11 ride.

    Hope to see all of you on Paloma ride.

    Ngoc.

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  3. As always, I look forward to reading the recap...A. Phong, I appreciate your hard work and creativity.

    I'm grateful to be a part of VV family, as there are many strong, brave and inspiring souls among us. Like every experience in life, we can choose to go through the motions or embrace the moments that help solidify our values. My commitment to grow in life was solidified again through this meaningful event with you all. And I thank those who spent hours planning and supporting us along the way...who have inspired me through their strength, sense of humor, commitment, and team work.

    Cycling to me is rehearing for life. Thank you for rehearsing with me. Life is good. Let's climb hard the next few weeks to conquer Lady Palomar...to conquer ourselves...stronger individuals=stronger family.

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  4. Hi Phong; Very nice job... well written... it was a pleasure to share the experience with your group... Thank You for the invite...

    mark aka "diesel" LOL

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  5. Wow! What a awesome recap Phong!!! There is so much more to cycling than just a bunch of guys riding Bikes, isn't there? Wow! Wow, Wow!!! Got to get back to work but I'll definitely come back and write more.

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  6. Thanks Quang for the MN recap. Thanks again Phong for the excellent overall recap of both rides.

    The spirit shown by VV members and the guest riders was incredible. The unity and comraderie to support the flag carrier Iron Man and each other was very touchy. Big thanks to the SAG team and thanks all for making this a memorable and successful event.

    Looking forward to ride with you again on the OC Gran Fondo and Lady Palomar.

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  7. Once again, Phong's superb, dazzling eloquence draws on a larger-than-life portrait --- the historic 9/11 century. It's crammed in as much dramatic action and vivid detail as possible and infused the affecting narration with certain metaphysical resonance. Thank you for your consummate diligence, Phong. Lastly, the tragic abstraction of 9/11 is buffered somewhat by the tremendous outpouring of supports from a corps of VV's members who dedicated themselves to the challenging task of protecting the flag comes what may. The group's collective journey through this historic experience is forever defined by a brotherhood forged amid the often tragic, ill-fated world of ours

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  8. What an awesome recap a.Phong :)

    Thuy-Van

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  9. I found no others that have more characterized by intricate and beautiful execution than you on your recap…each of your recaps is VeloViet’s treasury, very inspiring, Phong! Thanks so much for it…

    Thank you Quang & team VV Minnesota for all precious pictures of your activities especially zummy food after the hard ride!

    This long journey will not be successful if without the help of our exceptionally SAG team Jonathan & Ted assisting by the professional photographer Jen and presenting factual event by our beautiful reporter Van & the quiet but highly skill camera man from SGTV!

    VeloViet riders & guesses had marked another awesome ride in the VeloViet’s history; it has showing the camaraderie, heroic among us. Looking at the pictures Cap’t & Tan pushing the injured comrade for over 10 miles to the safe zone plus the story of Hoa & John pushing the man who sacrificed himself by carry on the flag of our nation for almost entire 120 miles journey! They all have earned my respect, HIGHLY respect!

    For friends who were whether or not completed this journey, I had enjoying every single moments with you all, I am proud, thrilled and I am happy to be one of the VeloViet rider who will continue drafting, pulling, helping hands to others fellow riders & to VeloViet’s world…

    Ride on…
    Toan

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  10. As always, Great recap Phong!

    What a day to spend on bike with the VV family both MN and OC teams.

    These recaps and pictures help bring us closer to the actual ride or bring us closer to one another ... and soon or later when we meet on the road face to face we will be no longer stranger!

    Congrats to all the newbies for even attempt the 120 miles ride. Double claps for those who finished it. Also thanks to those who mentored/motivated the newbies to do this ride. The result = Wonderful !!!

    Take care you all!
    From VeloViet HPTeam of MN,
    Quang Vo

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  11. Just wondering about my name on the team roster.

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  12. I'm just starting to ride and this post makes me want to ride even more. Looking forward to joining the club and your next ride...

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