Despite being almost a no-show at Daffodil Classic and almost a 3 week absence from the weekend cycling scene (due to inclement weather), Team Mang is not dead. They proved today that they are very much alive - representing at the
Tulip Pedal Classic in Mount Vernon, at the
Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, CA and technically even in
Singapore, while the rest continued to brave the rain and train locally.
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| Eric and Veronica at the Tulip Pedal |
Veronica and
Edgar joined the Skagit County Tulip Festival's official ride, the 60 mile 2013 Tulip Pedal (which actually turned out to be 70 miles with headwinds that could stop you at your tracks according to Veronica). The course may have been flat but the conditions in the area create deadly headwinds that make you wish you were part of a professional time trial team with their aero bikes, helmets and suits. Nevertheless,the scenery was gorgeous and the company, as always, enjoyable.
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Photo snapped by Eric at the start line of
the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, CA |
Further south, in Monterey, California,
Eric participated in the 2013 Sea Otter Classic's gran fondo - a punishing century ride with a 2,000 foot climb at mile 65 (among others). Despite a flat early in the ride, Eric persisted and finished strong - claiming a victory for Team Mang.
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| Boni and Virna in Singapore |
While not technically on a training ride, accidental honeymooners
Boni and
Virna actually did a ride of their own while in Singapore. Since they're now skilled in tandeming, it was but natural to rent a tandem and blast through the streets of Singapore...at tourist pace. No reports yet on the mileage or average speed but knowing Boni and Virna, circling the famous city state several times would not have been enough to satisfy their craving for cycling (hehehehe).
The rest of the guys,
Dondi, Arlene, Rene, Bong, Cris, Marisa and newbies
Aldwin and
Rudy braved the Seattle area rain to do the 62 mile Renton to Enumclaw loop. The distance itself and the weather would have been enough training but the last 12 miles of rolling hills really did a number on all of them. It was a hard ride but as with any Team Mang ride, it's the company that makes it worth it.
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Team Mang hanging out at the Black
Diamond Bakery on the way to
Enumclaw for 62 miles |
Here's hoping more of the Team Mangs show up for the coming weeks. April seems to be a time when the weather gods are confused - so they settle on rain...and on the weekends. The month of May should bring about more sunny weekends and hopefully more consistency in our riding if we hope to all finish the STP victoriously.
