Gabe has raced CCCX enough now that he’s really starting to like the race. Last weekend he managed a very respectable fourth place, and today he was perfectly positioned going into the finish and pulled out second place! It was a strong sprint, and enough to beat everyone except a very strong VOS rider. I think the new kit helped a bit.
Gabe has waited patiently for his Castelli team kit for so long its almost driven him crazy. He’s kept hoping it would show up for the next race, and that day has finally arrived. Here’s the proud junior sporting his new bold colors for Ritte Elite U23 Development. Looking good Gabe!
It’s so nice to have a great, local road race right in our area, and I think Gabe is starting to really enjoy the course. He kept his position pretty well coming into the finish, though the winner had quite a burst of speed to finish cleanly in front of everyone. Gabe pushed hard all the way to the end to take fourth place. Gabe also raced in a small juniors field and took first, but he’s definitely proud of his fourth and is looking good with his medal. ...
After a few flats in a row plus changing tires and tubes, it’s time to use a spare wheel for today’s Dinuba criterium. Gabe’s racing with his teammates Bryan and Sam, and right from the start Sam and another guy take off in a breakaway. Sam looks really strong the whole time and takes it strongly at the line for an awesome win. Nice job boys! Gabe decides to skip the Juniors race, while Sam and Bryan head right back out for more racing. Jack and Reese put in lots of attacks the whole time, but the boys do an awesome job countering every single move. The legs unfortunately aren’t able to pull off another win, but a great effort for a 5th and 6th. ...
Gabe and a few of his teammates are here for one of Gabe’s favorite races, Pine Flat road race. It’s great having Stu here with the team, including Matt, Alex, Bryan, and Sam. This is also a must do race for Gabe’s friend Ryan. Hey Stu, stop hiding behind that bike! Alex heads off in the Pro/1/2 field, Matt in the 3s, Gabe and the rest in the 4s. Cool to see the Ritte team here too. ...
Gabe and Matt are racing Cantua Creek road race today. It’s a pretty boring out and back a few times course, but there is the smell of all those cows to enjoy. Unfortunately Gabe flatted, so I’m thinking he won’t have such great memories of this particular race.
Today we’re heading out to Fremont for some early season racing. Gracie is in training to become a bike racing dog. And Gabe takes off in the Cat 4 field. Later in the day it’s time to have fun racing with the juniors.
It’s the first race of the year for Gabe and it’s nice to be up in Folsom again. We’ve got good weather and a nice turnout. We even managed a few good creeper shots for Monica to enjoy.
It’s always so much fun to stop at any of the beaches along Highway 1 out of Santa Cruz. Monica and Gabe enjoy making rock piles. Gracie plays with her rocks. And I get to enjoy my family.
We’re headed south on a big loop in search of great cycling. First stop is the amazing city of Solvang. Our first day will be a nice warmup doing the Solvang Century 100K route. Meanwhile Charlotte and Monica get to enjoy the ostriches just outside of town. And then it’s over to the Old Mission Santa Ines for some artsy photography care of Monica. Nice job on the closeup manger scene. It’s like I’m really there! ...