thomson

big john

What a day! The ride was tough, and cold, but like Jim said, the people make this event. I think it was better organized than rides I have paid bucks for. They had marshalls at the turns, and the SAG vehicles were always around. Then there was the food. A big variety at the stops including different powder mixes, fruit, cookies, crackers, chips, granola bars, and the hot soup at lunch. Like Shai said, that hot soup really helped, I felt much better after lunch. At the finish they had enough food for a lot more people than were there. I had some empenadas and some Adobo chicken, delicious!
Needless to say, I enjoyed the day and was impressed with Francis and his skills.

merider1

Great pic, Jim! That could be your Christmas card.

Happytime

+1 Love the pic!

vertical bob

Thanks Francis for a putting on a great ride. Gosh the support was better than ever and on a day when the weather was a big issue it felt comforting to know that help [warmth] was close by. I can't ever remember a ride that was so cold. I just couldn't seem to muster any mojo but pushed through none the less. God I'm slow. FYI the high for the day at Sandberg, close to Quail Lake, was 41 for one hour around 1:30 the rest of the day never got above 40. Thanks again Francis and to everyone involved in this great event. I bet we were the only ones in So Cal. who rode 100 miles in the mountains yesterday.

merider1

Fixed that for ya.

And don't you start with the damn sandbagging crap. You are not slow, but if you were yesterday, then that means I really would have finished in the dark.

Shprung

V.Bob & Laura in the mornning


Do you recognize any? (most are strong climbers and finished the tour way before me)

VanceMac

fyi

vertical bob

Just a small anecdote to the weather conditions yesterday. I was climbing somewhere ,I think in Pine Cyn,and had my goo flask full of honey in a jersey pocket UNDER a vest. When I finally got it out with numb fingers the honey was like tar. I could barely get any out and had to chew it. Reminded me of motor oil on a cold day in Minnesota.Ya gotta love it.

VanceMac

Yea, I had to add water to my gel flask to have any hope of getting the last third out.

Thanks for mapping the ride Shai:



Any more photos?

merider1

I talked to Francis this afternoon (he was giving me sh*t for not being there) and I told him to log on here to read the nice things you boys said about him (Keith's letter was the best). He just, in his usual, humble way, teased me and skirted the comments I made about him. He's such a nice guy. I told him he ought to charge for these rides. So far, I haven't convinced him, but I did PROMISE him that if he plans a "voyage" double century, I would be a guinea pig and ride it (i.e. so he can work out the kinks of organizing one the way HE would do it). I hope he does organize a double. Francis and the adobo guys are the nicest gentlemen (not that you boys on here aren't...I hope you know what I mean). The integrity and chivalry (speaking as a woman, of course) cannot be matched, and I certainly do have to redeem myself next year on a TDF ride.

Although I wasn't there...thanks, Francis.

Shprung

You are welcome. (BTW, the management start to like my site and maybe soon they are going to link to it?!)
I posted few in the SFVBC topic, but this time, because of the cold weather, I simply coudn't move my fingers and take many photos.
I may upload a higher res. photos to the map/route page.
During the ride, I saw many photographers and video people; not sure where they post their shots?
I visited ADOBOvelo and didn't see any there yet?!

VanceMac

I heard about the little tete-a-tete. I meant to ask you about the situation, but didn't get a chance yesterday. I am very glad that it is looking like we will be getting more Shai involvement in the site!

VanceMac

Over 600 photos here.

(edit: there will be 600, not all up yet.)

VanceMac

A different batch of photos here.

VanceMac

VanceMac

I didn't know Travis was going to be there until I saw him out on the road.


Nice shot of Cassave, Shai, and Caren (for those who know her):

Andrew25

Thanks for posting this VanceMac.
Great job to all riders who completed this. I don't know how you all did it but great job anyway. Through out the time I was driving up and down the course my truck's outside temp read as low as 37 and high of 52. So yah! word of the day COLD!

The photos posted above by VanceMac on kodak gallery were shot by myself. I'm no professional photographer but did what I can. Some got lucky with nice shots and some, well, blury.... If you see one that you like feel free to send me an e-mail at (andrewjeff AT adelphia DOT net) or PM me. Be sure to include the Image number shown just below the image.. IMG_????

By the way there are close to 500 shots.. On Kodak Image Gallery there are two albums available for you to view.

thanks!
Andrew

thomson

Nice pictures Andrew and Mandy.

thomson

On the way back, when on Old Ridge Route Road ready to turn left on Pine Canyon Road, there was a sign going straight on Old Ridge that said "Castaic 28 Miles". There was another that said "End of County Maintained Road" so I am thinking it is not in all that great of shape or perhaps even dirt. It might be fun to dust off my Volpe and give it a whirl. Anyone ride that section?
Here is the intersection https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=e...3298&z=14&om=1

VanceMac

zzzwillzzz

i talked to someone yesterday who did it on a road bike in the rain. he had to replace his headset and bottom bracket after the ride. he said he would do it again on a road bike. if it's doable on a road bike in the rain it should be a little easier in the dry.

my brother has driven it in a subaru wrx a few years back, i'll check with him as to how much pavement/dirt there is. if there is a lot of dirt the condition could vary a lot from season to season.

i'd like to give it a try but i need to get new forks for my cross bike first

Cassave

Terrific ride.

The Adobo guys certainly know how to throw a party.
Thanks for having me.

big john

I did that on a mountain bike years ago, and it was do-able on a road bike then, but I heard it was in worse shape now. Some guy on BF was going to try it this summer, but I never heard if he did it.

Arden

Tour de Francis IV: (Stage 3) Tour of Three Lakes left great impressions and memories for those who braved the freezing morning. The day started with all volunteers showing up on time to get their assignments & official TdF magnetic signs (courtesy of Dennis ‘Alalance’ Evangelista) were placed on SAG vehicles. Castaic Lake Park’s gatekeeper was there on time to accept the onslaught of TdF participants. Cars were lined up several blocks with their headlights still on and waiting for the gate to open. Driving to the designated parking area, they were sampled by the 5th and Final KOM climb (7-12%) to the route finish. The sign-in process worked out as planned, Mr. & Mrs. Mandy Genato, Nicole Morente, David Yoshihara, Allan Messara and the Ignacio kids assisted in passing out waivers and bib numbers. Almost all participants and volunteers were ready at the gun. Shivering and bundled up as they gather around at the start area. But it was Francis’ cowbell that got everyone moving. Mandy and Andrew Tiotuico, our official photographers started taking photos as soon as everyone gathered. Imre Udvardy with his “Look! I’m here” neon jacket as our official pace rider guided the peloton down the hill headed to the 1st mountain section. A long line of daring cyclists started trekking up Lake Hughes Canyon Road for the 1st King Of The Mountain. SAG cars, SUVs, and trucks zoomed one by one with their windows down braving the chill and loudly cheering everyone as they passed by. Raffy ‘The Boss’ Soriano of Mira Mesa Cycling Club San Diego crossed the line first and Keith Brodsky of San Fernando Valley Bicycle Club followed in second! Just 9.8 miles into the ride, everybody was fired up to tackle the next 86+ miles of this epic ride.

Continuing through Lake Hughes Road were gradual inclines pounding each of the riders’ legs through the winding road with quiet sceneries. Volunteer David Yoshihara and SAG coordinator Allan Messara made sure all participants made the right turn to Elizabeth Lake for the 1st Rest Stop (mile 27). The leading group of cyclists just had their numbers tagged and water bottles refilled which was manned by Reggie Ferraz & son. While Manolito Dionisio & Mrs. Rivera directed the peloton toward the lake! Not even a snack break! The rest where wise enough to take a break from the first hard set of miles. It was icy cold at this place just like at Castaic Lake Park. One by one everyone continued back through Elizabeth Lake Rd. tackled the 9.5 mile climb to Three Points Road / Pine Canyon Rd. Junction (mile 40) toward Rest Stop # 2 at Quail Lake for another 10 miles where Arnold Irving and Ricky Herrera were cheering the brave souls that made it to this point and directed them to the 2nd KOM. Another set of hard miles through headwind and rolling hills towards the top of Pine Canyon Road. As I climb through 3 Points Road, I was surprised to ride side by side with Leian Cruz of Fitness First Cycling Team straight from the Philippines and witnessing the lead group heading back with MMCC’s orange jerseys painting the break away group. Another set of food and refreshments were waiting at Rest Stop # 2. Especially for that precious hot and steaming soup that was known to washed the pain away. Here, Jessie "El Prez" Santa Maria, Afausto, Francis Ignacio & kids were making sure all riders are warmed up for the next half of TdF. The volunteers here were great just like the volunteers at Rest Stop # 1. With the guidance of Mrs. Rivera & daughter, Jessie's wife, Mr. & Mrs. Genato and Andrew, participants started heading back to tackle the 3rd KOM at Ridge Route Road (mile 60). Especially with the 12:30 pm cutoff at Three Points Junction, food and refreshments were waiting there for everyone who came from behind! Volunteers here did a great job too as I even saw Volunteer Arnold ‘Kapatid’ Irving sweeping the dirt off that intersection! Wow!

Now, the way back must be easy because it was almost uphills and headwind getting to this point but take into account everyone was getting tired. Those downhills earlier were easily FORGOTTEN! And taking that same road back… they were TOUGHER! Spinning those cranks back through Lake Hughes Road wasn’t that easy too, considering the last big hill for the 4th KOM won by Raffy once AGAIN… plus 3 more small hills called the ‘Three *****es’ heading back to Castaic Lake Park. The lead group arrived at around 2:00 pm with Keith crossing the finish line first, taking double points for this last and 5th KOM after 6 hours of pedaling. Followed by who else? Raffy in second. Vance of SFVBC came in third; ADOBO Velo’s Deo Asuncion was 4th, then 3 more orange jerseys of MMCC followed. The last few riders that completed the whole course arrived 2 1/2 hours later. Kudos to Louie Rivera, Abe "Kumander Agimat" Borillo, Pid Grape, Rosalie Kneebone, Jessie, and our trackster for hanging in there to finish the entire route.

The finishers were greeted by loud cheers and a whole lot of Pinoy food waiting! What a ‘Welcome Back’ treat!? Raffy Soriano, was awarded the Overall King Of The Mountain Winner and Keith Brodsky, our 1st cyclist to cross the finish line were awarded with trophies. Keith also won the 2nd place KOM medal and Vance McDonald of SFVBC bagging 3rd place KOM medal. The “best female and young cyclist” medals were awarded to Patricia from England at 24 years young. The best senior cyclist was awarded to Clem at age 70+. Participating clubs and VIPs like Manuel ‘Maui’ Reynante of Luzvimin Racing Team, Deograves ‘Deo’ Asuncion of ADOBO Velo FACC, and Leian Cruz received Certificates of Appreciation. We even had a female Ironman finisher in the mix! Souvenir shirts were also sold for a good price! Thanks to all ADOBO Velo FACC members, coordinators, and contributors who made Tour de Francis IV 400x greater than the very first one. Well, maybe just a tab bit exaggerated but its high up in there! Thanks also to Reggie Ferraz of Santa Clarita Velo for taking care of the much awaited Pinoy meal.

To conclude, we received praising words from Frank Gatdula of Luzvimin Racing Team of Stockton, Sammy Eusantos of MMCC San Diego, Liean Cruz of Philippine Executive Cycling Association (PECA) / Fitness First Cycling Team and from other participants. More compliments from SFVBC President Keith Brodsky and friends as posted in BikeForums.net website. Overall, that was 10,200 feet of climbing, about 30 volunteers, about 10 SAG cars, at least 100 participants from at least 10 different clubs to include Newhall Bike Shop cyclists, about 1,100 pictures taken by Mandy and Andrew posted at <https://picasaweb.google.com/normgen/TdF2007Dec01> and <https://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=elcntyi.3wgwzcy2&x=0&y=-lwd7jx>. And around 40 degrees COLD the whole day! Not a whole lot of tire flats (Mr. Deo Asuncion unluckily had the 1st two before the start), an unfortunate rear derailleur cable break, a broken chain, and the most important of all, no injuries or crashes. HOW’S THAT FOR STATISTICS! To add, some called it “brutal”, I dared it as a “challenging fun ride”, and ASTIG Francis wanted this as a “memorable century ride”! I think we all got what we wanted!

Congratulations to everyone, this is one hell of an accomplishment! To mygringos.com, cebucycling.com, pinoyroadies.org, MyTropa.com’s Rideboard, and Siclista.Blogspot.com for helping us spread the invitation out as it was viewed at least 750 times all in all since it was just posted last 23rd of October. To all volunteers, thank you for all the help and valuable time you offered. To our sponsor Budget Bikes, our tireless coordinators and kind contributors, TdF4 won’t be a complete success without your precious time, efforts, and generosity. And for those who missed this event and participants who wanted to better their record….. we’ll see you next year!

Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon sa lahat! (That meant Merry X'mas & a Happy New Year to all!)

Sincerely,

Francis-Marlon Ignacio
Tour de Francis Organizer


Arden Arindaeng
ADOBO Velo FACC Moderator