Dear Friends,
In behalf of LUZVIMIN(usa), I would like to thank everyone who came and participated in our 3rd Annual Giro d' Barkada!
We can't thank you enough but from all the nice comments and happy faces of the riders, being the host and organizer, all of our members and volunteers, we say again,THANK YOU!
We had plenty of food from all the different club who came with their favorite dishes to share with others, THANK YOU!
And for all those who brought donation for the Typhoon Ondoy victims, THANK YOU! I am coordinating with a local non -profit organization who will take care of the logistics in sending them to the affected areas in the Philippines.
THANK YOU for those who donated their old used and unwanted bicycle parts and related accessories. I will personally ship them and will have the recipient club send us a picture as proof of their receipts.
THANK YOU to those who donated parts and accessories for our raffle giveaways!
We had plenty of photographers on the road and as soon as they are developed, (hehe, uploaded pala) we will immediately inform you.
AGAIN, THANK YOU! From all of us at LUZVIMIN(usa) Racing.
Frank Gatdula
26% grade on Orbit Rd. - Notice the jogger on the right having to lean forward on the climb...Go Benjie! 
After the first climb in bugarin (probably equal to palomares) our group dwindled down to 11 riders headed by, Mr. Tour of Luzon champ, Victor Espiritu. A quick stop at the foot for some pop cola and skyflakes, then it's on to the flats. About 20 miles with a pace of 24 mph, it wasn't that bad with a little teamwork and good rotation (like drafting behind JohnV, John S, Jack, Rolly, Gonzalo, and Cesar - ey sounds like a Time Trial Team). We got to Pagsanjan and that's where the magic happened. Lumpia, pancit, sinigang, rice and ice cream c/o el presidente. Ahhh... yum, yum... Victor (4th from left) was very happy. It was his birthday! But did i mention we had to go back?
I felt like taking the bus on the way back or riding with the 2 in the middle that rode their SAG and went back to the comforts of home. But it's never say die! We trecked on... same flat road and same friggin' mountain. It was every man for himself. 3 of us broke away up the mountain then the rain started pouring. California rain is nothing! These rain drops hurt like hell (Ouch!!!). All made it to shelter, had some hot bulalo (bone marrow) soup and Coke (this is probably the Gu of the Philippines), waited for the rain to die down a little and trekked again. One more climb in Teresa (what??? another palomares that switched back and forth like mt. hamilton). Oh, and there's the added difficulty of dodging jeeps, trucks, motorcyles and people. Then it's down the home stretch. Whew! What a day. I'm sure Rodge can relate. He's done this before and will be doing the same thing again in Feb '10 when he comes here. Anyone interested in joining him? Let's dawn our Siclista Jerseys in PI!!!
