Why was my time slower at actual race vs practice

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
March 7, 2016

I compared my average time between the practice ride we had and the actual race. I was actually faster in the practice last Wednesday.  We averaged 40 mins. per lap or that Tito actually accomplished that yesterday.  But I was slower.  I did it at 50 minutes per loop or even more. What could be the reason?

1.  The very early morning wake up;

2.   Richard pounded on my right thigh (although I attended his birthday) este nasagi ng fist of fury niya.  Hahaha;

3.  We started late and it was hot;

4.  The race excitement.

5.   I just found out today that the rear tire pressure was only 30 psi....

Bikers Road Safety vs. SAFE as a theme/priority

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
March 7, 2016

This post commends the gathering of Rizal leaders:  provincial fiscal, the Comelec PNP director for having its theme of S.A.F.E, (Secure and Fair Election) as their theme, and to promote that in yesterday's MTB race.. Unless there the political dynasty in Rizal are vicious warlords, and unless they have worthy opponents, the unsafe or unfair election are mostly unlikely to happen.  The bikers and the general public could not care less and may be irrelevant for most riders. What can bike riders do to ensure safe and fair election?  Only the police, Comelec, and the prosecutors can.

I suggest that we should have paid attention for safe and accident free riding as the next relevant theme for the ride.   There are numerous altercations and accidents involving motorcycle vs bikers, tricycle vs bikers, and large motor vehicles and bikers.  One or the worst was the death of Eljay Arambulo, a newbie who was struck by a Meralco sub contractor in Mahabang Parang.

In yesterday;s race for MTB sponsored by MTB, despite the numerous PO marshalls and motorcycle cops several disturbing contra riders actuations by mv drivers put many riders at risk.  In intersections, the obstructions were numerous inviting collisions and crashes. In one instance, on the way back to the municipal hall grounds of Binangonan, a tricycle came running at high speed right into the path of bikers (they are supposed to be a the middle lane.   I nearly collided with that tricycle.

Let us campaign for biker friendly MV MC drivers.  As of now. they are not.

They cant think of anything except their bikes and padyak!

Thanks for the moral support from fellow Recyclists in today PNP sponsored race

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
March 6, 2016

                               Many of the Recyclists were in this area of the diversion

I heard them and saw only a few of them while focusing on the task at hand - to finish the 4 loops of the rather challenging Binangonan - Cardona loop. -   Montevideo, Callahan, Diversion, LLDA.   I saw Meong, Jess, Jeff, Vhen, Sec Noe, Armin, Val,  and Master. Sec Noe who texted me na manonood lang, gave me a dousing of water and Cobra drink.  Special thanks to Pres. Luis for informing the other Recyclists about this event and dragging them to the race route.

Thank you.  Your presence gave us more courage and determination to finish the race which was our only goal and to beat other riders.    Well we achieved them (Tito and I).   We completed the four loops, and a good half of the field especially members of the command, did not finish the course. (race)

Tito suggested the following:

1.  That we strengthen our Recyclists;  that we demand certain commitment and loyalty to Recyclist.  NOT EASY COME EASY GO. That we have more meetings and motivation

2.  That we join more races, and that we are properly represented by the group, rather than by individuals (Papa Ric is in many races collecting bounty for being the oldest)

3. That we give full support to the participant, like bike, or MC and other logistic support.  Mambog Biking Club, he said has enviable support for its team mate who joined this race.

                                       Sergeant Major Tamondong of Antipolo

Before the start of the race/registration at SM

                                       Registration was 4 to 6 am

                                      They campaigned for a SAFE election;  plenty of speeches

Tito Fabay and I did 3 loops of the proposed PNP sponsored MTB race route this coming Sunday

Wheels of Happiness

Rizal Philippines
March 2, 2016

 The Mosso was put to a test and it passed

           with flying colors

Tito Fabay and I had  date this morning 7 am at the URS in Binangonan.  We will simulate the race ride of MTB this coming Sunday sponsored by PNP - 4 loops from Binangonan municipal hall area, to Calumpang Manila East Road to  Mambog, then to LLDA, right turn towards Look (not via the diversion) to Cardona town proper, to Callahan (the ascent to Queen Mary Hospital) then to Diversion, back to Binangonan town hall. There are 4 ascent there and are killer climbs:   Mambog, Callahan, the Diversion, and going up to LLDA.   We agreed on that at Richards 40th birthday last February 29, 2016

I rode on the MOSSO Aluminum MTB with XT 42, 34, 24 front chain rings.   and 11 to 32 cogs. Tito rode on an MTB with 48, 38, and 28 chain rings.  I had lower easier gears befitting a senior rider

We managed to do only 3 (that means kaya pa isa) but its kind of late after the 3rd loop and we decided it quits.   I just woke up after 4 hours, indicating how hard the efforts were.

1st loop, we were side by side.   Tito overtook me at Mambog, he led on the descent. I caught up with him at the ascent before Iglesia, and then led up Callahan, he overtook me again.  We stopped at the entrance of the diversion to fix his seat height.   Then on to the diversion climb.  He led, he used a heavy gear   38 x 24.   Caught up with him near the Fiesta Sunshine subdivision.  But on descent he was ahead, and up ot LLDA.  The loop took 40 minutes

2nd loop, I overtook him led him near BCC up to Mambog.   But he again led me at descent where he was faster.  Caught up with him again at short climb before Iglesia and led him till Callahan and dviersion.  Repetition of the previous lap.  He was stronger at diversion, but again caught up with him at the summit and led him just before the descent.   He again was ahead in the descent and LLDA climb.   As in the first loop, I did some sprint, 2x averaging 43 to 45 kph at the flats.  Using 42 x 11... It took us 30 minutes.  We said the championship time would be about 20 to 25 minutes.

It would take us 3 to 5 rides to reach that level of speed and strength

The last loop was pretty much relaxed. It took us 45 minutes to do this.  We had pakwan at Mambog and Sonny Baarde who was also on an MTB joined us.

It was a great challenge and great ride.

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                                                 XT group set and gold plated chain

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                                          A very handsome and fast MTB

                                               An MTB one can be truly proud of