12/31 Ride Report - The Last Ride of the Year

The last ride of the year ended 2010 with a BANG! The ferocity unleashed on PCH and Newport Coast left those weaken riders whimpering for this ride to end and the new year to come fast.

The stage was set a few days before. The ride has all the elements of a good ride: last ride of the year, unknown riders from Burbank whom we were told were strong, rain midweek leaving riders with energy to burn, and a hill climbing route.

For a Friday, the VeloViet turnout was surprising. At the MSP, we had the A1 boys of Scott, Steve, and Luke. Not to be outdone, the A2 team was represented by Toan, Tan, Anh Minh, Billy P, Keith, and I. Even Mac Daddy party guy showed up sans the tandem partner. Guests included Tien and Roger of the MTB team, and Matt of the Vegas Crew.

Photo - Tien, Roger, Keith, Tan, and Toan

Photo - Guest Rider Tien and Steve

We waited for Donovan and his guests, who rolled up closer to 9 AM. Donovan brought out five guests, most of whom were new to road cycling. They had not ride this beach route before and were excited to try it out.

Photo - The Group Chatting While Waiting for Donovan and His Guests

Off we went. On Bushard, the VeloViets took off and I stayed with Donovan and his guests. We cruised down to the beach at around 17 mph. At the rest stop, I snapped some pictures. See if you can spot something different about the pictures below!

Photo - We Are Definitely Going Surfing Next Time

The ride turned from “good” to “great” as we met up with FedEx and Big H. Now we know that it no longer is a social ride with these two guys on board. I chatted with Donovan to make sure he was okay riding with his guests as I know it is going to be an all out kamikaze ride from here on. Donovan said he was okay, and was just going to take his guest on PCH to Newport Coast and then back. The team rode out.

Immediately the pace picks up on PCH to around 25 mph and the work in front was done by none other than Mac Daddy and Billy P. It seems that without the tandem weight, Mac can really ride fast. As for Billy, he must have been secretly training somewhere and really had some energy to burn. Scott and the other A1 members joined in as well pulling the pack.

Photo - Billy P Really Enjoyed this Ride

Photo - Mac and Scott Working the Front

Newport Coast was ALL about the climbers. Matt was the first guy to take off, pulling Luke, Steve, FedEx, Big H, and Roger. Matt had never rode with most of the A1 climbers before, and quickly found that he could not shake these guys. FedEx, Steve, and Luke gapped the other two riders. Also around this time, I remember looking up and seeing a ferocious attack by FedEx half way up the climb. FedEx was bidding his time in the back and unleashed one of his attack at the right moment. His attack was so quick and decisive and he immediately opened a large gap between himself and Steve and Luke. I remembered drooling just thinking about how I am going to capture the memory of this raw fury so that I can use as personal motivation for Palomar 2011.

Photo - Newport Coast Climbing "Dream Team"

Photo - Matt Pondering His Next Attack

Photo - Hey Phong... Let's Climb Some More... Said FedEx!

Matt and Big H said goodbye as they had parties to go to. FedEx, Steve, Luke, Tien, Roger, Toan, and I climbed Vista Ridge while the rest headed on to the next rest stop. On Bonita Canyon and University, FedEx unleashed several leg-numbing attacks, and I barely scraped together enough energy to hold on. We reached CircleK.

Photo - These Two Front Guys and Luke Shadowed Each Other the Entire Ride

Here FedEx and Steve said goodbye. As we headed back, Tien had a flat so Roger, Keith, and I stayed and help with the repair. Scott circled back and pulled us up to the guys waiting near Backbay. Scott took off here and headed home. We wandered around Laguna then headed back to SART.

Photo - Toan and Minh Enjoying the Ride

Photo - Candy Working on University

Surprisingly folks were not tired yet so we unleashed our energy on SART. It was basically a time-trial back on SART and I was way tired when got back to MSP.

This was a very nice ride ending the year. Thanks to Donovan for getting us to come out and ride. As for my VeloViet cycling teammates and those fans who follow us on the Blog, I wish you all a safe new year’s eve. Here's to a great riding year in 2011.

Out,
Phong