Captain's Tribute Ride

VeloViets!

Let's start off the brand new 2011 year first with some pump up video. Check out the new video:



Now for a recap of the first formal VeloViet ride of the year. Besides being the first ride of 2011, this was a Captain's Tribute Ride to recognize all of Thomas' enduring work as Captain for the VeloViet club these past 6 to 7 years. As you all know Cap't is exceptionally strong, so what's a better tribute then to recognize his physical abilities. So what did we do...

Hey we made him run while we rode the bike of course! Check out the photo below.

Photo - Cap't Thomas Proving He Is A "Stud"!

Man even with him running, he still out pace us. Did you see the gap he opened on the bike pack?

So after a little distance, our bikes finally left Cap't in the dust. Whew! For a moment there, I thought we were gonna need more bike training (J/K... Thomas had some work being done on his house so decided to run instead of bike).

The pace started picking up on Bushard. Check out these photos.

Photo - Scott and Luke Pacing at the Front

Photo - Greg and Toan Riding in Line

Photo - Tien and Keith in the Pack

Photo - Thang and Loc Working It In the Pack

Photo - Billy and Co, Who Just Came Back from Viet Nam, and Had A Great Time On the Bike

Photo - Great Paceline Riding on Bushard

The first half of the ride we practiced the pace line riding, and kept the speed to an even 22 mph. Everyone did generally well, and kept a tight pack.

The ride back though was another story. We hit some uphills on the way back, and also met with a "Rock-n-Roll" Racer, and soon there was only Luke, Greg, Duc, Toan, Scott, RR Can, and I. As we got closer to Huntington Beach, we lost RR Can and Toan.

The drive back on Bushard was hard as well. The five of us rotated nicely and everyone was working hard. My legs were screaming but I could not let this stop me.

Photo - The Ride Back Was Hard and Only a Small Group Was Together

We made it back to MSP really tired but pumped! The second group came in about 20 minutes later. We gave Cap't a call to meet us at the coffee shop.

Photo - The VeloViet Group at the Coffee Shop

Photo - Rock Racers An and Loi Came Out and Pay Tribute to Captain Thomas

At the coffee shop, we waited for most folks to arrive before starting the presentation. Cap't was completely surprise and eyed me wearily when I dragged out the various awards and gag gift.

First up, Cap't and I presented the two missing awards that we overlooked at the Christmas party. In following the motto that we are a "Fashion and Passion" bike club, I presented The Animal Scott the 2010 Passion Award. Scott is ALWAYS pacing our pack in the front, even on flats and hills. It takes a lot of passion to do this week after week, and he well deserved this trophy.

Photo - Phong Presented the Passion Award to "The Animal" Scott for 2010 "Best Rolluer of the Year"

Next, Thomas presented IronLegs Cuong with the 2010 Fashion Award. In biking, the legs is the tool of the trade, and Cuong hands down has the best looking legs of our bunch. We all wished we had legs like him.

Photo - Cap't Presenting "IronLegs" Cuong with the 2010 "Fashion" Award for "Best Looking Legs"

And to Captain's surprise, I presented him with the various gag gifts and then finally his real gift. We thanked Captain Thomas his enduring dedication to the VeloViet club these past years, and recognized that without his leadership the club would not be the wonderful and strong cycling club that it is now.

Photo - Cap't Received an Assortment of Awards and Memorabilia

Photo - Thomas Holding Photos of the Early Years of VeloViet

But hey, what's a bike award without a Podium Girl? Here is Captain posing with his award presented by our Podium Girl!

Photo - Podium Girl Presenting Cap't with His Gift

Photo - Cap't Posing with the Podium Girl and the Team

Today's ride was a GREAT ride, and it recapped a great year and bring forth a new year. Here is to great bike rides and great friendship in the 2011 VeloViet Club.

Out,
Phong