Good morning!
As promised, here's more of the scoop from this weekend's Baton Rouge Tour de Cure, plus a few surprises from Mr. Mayfield and the Chuckster writing about the way cool rides they did this weekend.
But first, a word from our sponsor -
If you haven't registered for the Valero Bike to the Beach on October 4-5th yet, what ya' waiting for???? We have almost 100 riders registered so far, and the number is growing daily. Click here to join the Velo Valero cycling juggernaut in our premier event! The Board and I will be meeting on June 10th to begin planning our participation this year, including our training schedule, our new New Rider program, this year's goodie bag, and the top secret theme for our Saturday Night Team Experience. Finally, mark your calendar for July 23 - this will be the Official Kick-Off Event for the ride (details to come later)!
A Message from Monika
Here's an update from Monika Harper, Krotz Springs Captain and one of the most amazing ladies on our amazing team -
Each year, each ride, it's like having a family reunion. For 2 years now the Valero's have merged at different rides to ride as one. It's so great to see everyone again and of course the ride is always enjoyable. Although quite a challenge, it is beautiful route (once completed!). It's so good to see our friends from Memphis, St. Charles and San Antonio. The Krotz Springs gang enjoys visiting with our extended family and will truly miss not being part of "the family". Of course we know we will always be Velo Valero.
Friday afternoon we joined the San Antonio gang at Prejeans for some delicious Cajun food and fun. The San Antonio group then left for New Orleans. Next morning we all met at St. Francisville. Well, not necessarily "we all", but most of us. Got to admit, Peter looked pretty tired, but Jacque and Dora looked as fresh as daisies - go figure!! They had to get up very early to make it to St. Francisville by 7:30. They were running a little late and took off at the back of the 50 miler pack.
...The ride is truly a challenge. I forgot how difficult the St. Francisville hills are, especially for us flat landers. The most we had done in a training ride was 47 miles on very flat ground so we were is store for a workout. After about 5 miles Danica got a flat. We pulled over and started changing the flat when Phoebe and Chase pulled up in the Valero SAG van to assist. Soon we were back on the road. At the first rest stop Peter was changing tires. He had broke a spoke and pulled the wheel off of one of the "extra" bikes. It was good to have a couple of spare parts otherwise Peter wouldn't have been able to finish the ride. Oh, wait, was that part of the plan Peter? Did Phoebe ruin it when she suggested using one of the other tires?? OOPS... (Editor's Note: This was NOT part of the plan!)
At about 1/2 way on the 52 mile Phillip was having gear problems. Bike repair at one of the rest stops informed him that his rear derailer was broke. He was stuck in high gear. Kind of makes it difficult to ride the hills if you can't shift down but Phillip is a tough guy. He stuck it out and finished the ride. Yeah Phillip! Danica ended up going flat again at about the 40 mile point. We were about 1 mile from a rest stop so we pumped it up and let the bike repair at the stop change the flat. She had a sticker in her tire. After that it was just up to us. Andre and Danica stayed with me. They don't ride as often as I get to and boy I've got to say, they are tough. I know they were hurting after. They really pushed! There is no sight quite as pretty as that finish sign. It was good to finally see it.
Grady completed the 26 and was at the finish to greet us. Edie was there too. She completed 17 of the 26. Pretty good for a new rider who had NEVER ridden a hill! Yeah Edie. The San Antonio gang was there too welcoming us with open arms. Ralph and Dennis came in somewhere but I never did see Dennis and it was a while before I saw Ralph. Dennis had a wedding to go to (his son's) and Ralph looked mighty pretty (did he find a shower?) by the time we ran across him. It wasn't long after we made it in that Jeff Peterson crossed the finish. He said he averaged over 21 mph on the 100. Pretty good! Troy was the last to come in. He did the 100 too.
Way to go team. I had a blast and can't wait to see you guys again. Thanks for the fun. I remember when it was just me and I've got to admit - I'm so glad y'all are here with me. It has made it so much more fun. You guys are my inspiration! Thanks
- Monika
Jeff Peterson's Account of the Ride
Here's Jeff Peterson's account of the ride. Jeff is a genuine hammerhead, and he and Troy (also from the Memphis refinery) were the only Velo riders to do the full century - way to go, guys!
Thank you for your donation and support of the American Diabetes Association’s “Tour de Cure” bicycle ride that occurred this past Saturday in St. Francisville, Thank you for your donation and support of the American Diabetes Association’s “Tour de Cure” bicycle ride that occurred this past Saturday in St. Francisville, Louisiana. Memphis delivered over $2500 in donations (two thirds raised by Troy Green – the fund raising champ!). In addition to Troy and me, Valero was also represented by groups from San Antonio, Krotz Springs, and St. Charles. Saturday was humid, but ten degrees cooler than the swelter of last year. With calm winds, it was an exceptional day for riding. When moving along on a bike, the induced breeze made it very comfortable. The100 mile (actually it was only 95 miles) riders started at 7:45 sharp ahead of the 55 and 26 mile groups. From Valero, only Troy and I did the long route. Everyone else did the 55 mile route. About 100 long route riders left St. Francisville and headed into the rolling country towards Clinton. The area of St. Francisville and Clinton is a lovely part of Louisiana. It is neither flat nor swampy. It is filled with rolling farmland and pine & hardwood forests. In the shady forests the trees were in bloom with large pink and white blossoms all around. I rode with other riders off and on and got into a comfortably hard pace as the route alternated between straight rolling farm highways and twisting forest lanes. Many of the forest bridges were of wood slat construction. The bike really shuttered going of over those slats. I passed numerous historical society signs pointing the way to various antebellum plantation mansions. The ADA volunteers did their typical excellent job with the break stops and the road markings. The route was very well displayed and the food and drinks were abundant at the many break points along the way. It was a very well ran event. After a little more than four and half hours on the bike I finished up back at the West Feliciana High School just in time for team pictures. The 55 mile group had finished and reassembled a little earlier. The volunteers had a good pasta lunch ready, which we all enjoyed before packing up and heading into our various directions. A special thanks to Monika Harper, the Krotz Springs captain, for her support of us Memphis riders. And, thanks again to you for your tremendous support of the ADA and the “Tour de Cure”
- Jeff
Ken Mayfield's Account of the Jacksonville TDC
Here's Ken Mayfield's account of the Jacksonville, FL, TDC he rode in this weekend. How he had the energy to travel across the country and pedal 160 miles over 2 days after the heart and soul he invested into the San Antonio Tour de Cure the last few months is beyond me, but I've grown to expect the miraculous from Ken.
I finished the Jacksonville Florida TDC yesterday, 100 miles Saturday and 60 Sunday. What a ride! Saturday was absolutely the best ride I have ever participated in. 100 miles of cycling bliss. The only headwind on day 1 was during the last few miles riding towards the finish at the beach. The remainder of the route was flat with no wind or a tailwind. I completed it in less than four hours.
Sunday started off with 25 miles riding North along the Atlantic coast. What a gorgeous sunrise over the water. The route then turned East into the wind and the temperature started rising. The last 15 miles was through beautiful neighborhoods and estates with the smell of magnolia, orange, and honeysuckle.
There were a little over 400 riders. I think this is the best kept TDC secret. This was my 10th TDC to participate in and the most enjoyable yet. I will be back next year.
- Ken
Way to go Ken!
Beer and the 3 Hs in Blanco, Courtesy of the Real Ale Brewery
The first ever Blanco Pale Ale was held this weekend, and from the looks of it, it sounds like it won't be the last. Here's Chuck's recap:
Velo Valero was representated at this Saturday's Blanco Pale Ale ride by Stella and Luis Rocha, Chuck, Kyle and our two adjunct team members from Team Faster, Paige Wright and Tammy Friddle. The ride was supported by several hundred riders from all over Texas but most heavily from San Antonio and Austin. Luis, Kyle and Chuck opted for the long ride of 80 miles, Tammy 60, Paige 40 and Stella powered through the short ride. All agreed the routes were well marked and the longer routes took you through the beautiful Texas Hill country going through the towns of Kendalia, Sisterdale, Luckenbach and back to Blanco. All routes provided a hefty helping of the three H's which were Hills, Heat and Headwinds. The thermometor was climbing well into the 90's by the time the long riders came in. Also to be applauded were the frequent and well stocked rest stops and more police and staff support than on most previous rides. The ride culminated with free beer from the Blanco micro brewery, music and a barbeque.
- Chuck
We should have the event photos from the Baton Rouge Tour de Cure on Friday...
See ya' on the road!
- Peter