Take Me Down to Surf City

Vertical Pandas tripped down to Soquel for Surf City Cyclocross last weekend. Men's Category B swelled with riders as the start left a film of dust on all except those able to get out on the front (Mark looking nice and clean before lunch while the rest of us looked like we just finished our shift at the mine.) The first lap stayed together with pile ups at every dismount and tight corner. I ended up riding with and finishing with a group from Team Oakland/Kaiser Permanente in 56th place out of 73. Although I dropped my chain once, I raced well, stuck to the wheels in front of me and even picked off a few places (though it should be mentioned that two of the gentleman racers were sharing a beer when I passed them.) I am a big fan of the "Swirley of Mayhem" and the DJ's performance can be summed up as "rocking it." Mark and Chris finished 14th and 19th respectively while Stephen's flat tire resulted in a DNF. Mr. & Mrs. Shaw, Kate, Christine, Nora & Julie cheered from the sidelines and their presence certainly was felt and appreciated by the riders. Even Clark was there, and I could hear him shout "Go Pandas!"

After the race, we all stayed to watch a great Costume Cross ( http://surfcitycxresults.blogspot.com/ ) complete with Mexican superstar wrestlers, Santa and his sleigh, Unicorns, bulls & all other sorts of mayhem. Bikes on racks, we all headed for post race Mexican food. November 15th may be a good time for a little post race Bar-B-Q in the evening at Sierra Point - will keep you posted.

Next Up:
Rains begets mud; mud begets racing. This weekend will bring two races (Saturday in Santa Rosa and Sunday at Candlestick Park). I am not racing Santa Rosa, but will race Sunday.

Pandapodium at McLaren!

I added a few names to the Vertical Panda email list to thank all of the support from friends and family at last weekend's race. Your encouragement is much appreciated. The team looked sharp in our new kits, with Mark Shaw going "pandapodium" scoring an impressive 5th on the infamous McLaren park cross coarse. Mark caught and passed me after the final log hop. As I rasped words of encouragement, he gave me a look back (not necessarily "the look") and calmly stated, "I have a flat." Refusing my offer to swap bikes (which later on we realized would be be a violation of cross rules) I followed his wheel all the way down to the infield turns, watching him weaving to and fro - with a near fall rounding the pitcher's mound. Alas, in the end, Mark's flat cost him the silver - but that's the way it rolls sometimes - and he had to settle for fifth. The Donahue Brothers finished strong as well, with Stephen making particular nice gains after a dismal start in the rear (with me) and some nice crash encounters (I somehow evaded.) This weekend provides another opportunity to strut our stuff, and test our abilities. There is a Livermore Cross race on Saturday (I am not going to attend) and Velo Bella / Surf City down south in Soquel on Sunday - http://surfcitycx.blogspot.com/ The next "local" race is Sunday, November 2nd at Candlestick Park (note daylight savings!) and another good race to watch (participate!) will be November 15 at night and under the lights at Sierra Point. Perhaps a little Bar-B-Q may be arranged?

Upward and Onward!

Hi Ho Vertical Pandas! Jerseys have been shipped and we can expect them for next weekend races (options: Livermore on Saturday 10/11; Ft. Ord on Sunday 10/12). After a pre-season clinic, the first race saw Julie, Mark and Jeremiah survive a scorching 102 degree heat wave in Livermore. Big thanks to Julie for supplying the water and Kate for supplying the crowd support! The second week of racing took VP (Mark & Jeremiah) down to Ft. Ord. for the first race of the CCCX series. The race was a good mix of sandy bits and quality family time. Last weekend, VP again braved the heat, this time in at the Lions of Fairfax with two (Mark Shaw and Chris Donahue) making the podium and Jeremiah doing all he could to just finish. Although later in the afternoon, a good crowd (again - thanks for the water!) with a special three generations of Donahues in attendance! For all those who are racing this weekend (Santa Rosa, Saturday or Vacaville, Sunday) - Good Luck! Will keep all posted on the jerseys when they arrive.