Tuesday, June 16, 2009

It's a small world after all...

Didn't expect the cycling community here in the Philippines to be this big. I hooked up with Rodge's nephew Mark (probably a little stronger than his uncle)...

in no time, i found myself in the middle of a racing team called paircargo. still haven't adjusted to the heat but what the heck... i signed up for the Liquigas Team Time Trial held at Manila.


It was around 52 kilometers going about an average of 22 mph. These guys are strong... I can barely keep up. There's more to give but, in TTT, you're only as fast as the slowest guy.

Finally, the finish line with 5 out of 8 members. Just enough to qualify. It was an eye opener, with strong teams, a really hot weather (accompanied by a mild heat stroke on my end), and some really nice bikes.

This one is almost mine. I'm trying to talk my brother in law into giving it to me for my birthday. Zero Gravity calipers, FSA group, Titanium chain, Zipp 202 wheelset, etc... 12.5 pounds. tsk tsk tsk

Thanks to the siclistas for prepping me up for this one. Maybe next time we can send our own imported team to join in these events... airfare would be a killer though. :-0

10 comments:

Fuji Moto said...

Wow! jaform man ang galing ah!

Jack Ibagbaga (also known as) Batillog said...

WTG JM!!! kakainggit ka naman diyan. looks like you're at home na with the local Siclistas.

JohnnyBoy said...

dude man it didn't take you long to get into the scene eh? Dang looks like so much fun!!! I bet those rides to San Mateo and back helped yes? I envy you and the scene over there.

Anonymous said...

Looking good JM, hope we could join you there someday or be an expectator.
Ed Lising and Bros.

BobbyG said...

I just had a feeling it wouldn't be long before you were back at it! Looks like you had a good time! I'm just totally jealous! ;)

larryb said...

JohnM, nice report. You guys are looking good. You should take lots of fluids to prevent heat stroke, drink lots of San Miguel ;-)

MadoneLemon said...

WOW, didn't take that long to finally push the pedal. The scene looks great.

Manny D (www.stophhs.com) said...

now i know how roger might hav looked lyk all those years ago:) & yes, 'welcome' back home!:-)

john_m said...

hey guys! definitely all the siclista rides helped me get through this one. but it takes a while to get adjusted to the heat (i envy you guys wearing vests and warmers). but yea, nothing that a cool bottle of san mig won't cure!!! so to all my fellow siclistas... "c'mon down... you're the next contestant on the PI cycling scene!"

Anonymous said...

We all feel mighty obliged to help you in some form or fashion to reach your dreams, John M.

Thanks for looking back and saying thanks to all of us. You're the best hope we've got in putting a Siclista rider on an international podium. Keep it up!

Siclista Riders