San Pedro Grand Prix 2011...

Well, I wasn't able to make up to Nevada City, which would have been my preference. The San Pedro Grand Prix stood in as a more local replacement. It was a mostly overcast day in San  Pedro, though the sun finally managed to fight through the murk for the last couple races. I didn't really mind, it kept the temperature within a very race-comfortable range, and after all, that is one of the reasons us inlanders go to the coast. With the prestigious Nevada City Classic taking place the same day, California's talent pool of racers (the upper levels, at least) was going to be split between the two venues. Even so, the quality of the racing was high and fast paced.


I arrived just in time to see Robert Angle charge clear from the Category 4 field to take a sprint win, with just enough gap to loft his arms in victory. The remainder of the day's races progressed smoothly; breaks of various size forming and powering away, some of them very strong. They would eventually be brought back into the fold, and another group would try their luck. The Master's races were especially active in this way, and with so many road and criterium champions in their ranks, it is not difficult to understand why. I chickened out on doing my 45+ race; trying to match pace against the strength of some of those guys, just did not seem to be the best way to spend $35. Of course in hindsight now, I am disappointed; I should have taken the challenge, it was about as good a crit course, for me, as I would expect to find - 1 mile, two turns, 100 feet of climbing per lap. This comeback is just becoming drawn out way too long.

First across the line in the Women's 1/2/3 race, Kendall Ryan

Women's 1/2/3 podium, Kendall Ryan (1), Pamela Schuster (2), Alexis Ryan (3)

that's called using the whole road

racing along a small portion of the Port of Los Angeles

Malcolm Hill (l) and Jon Nist in the 45+ race

the Men's Cat. 3 victor, Robbie Miranda

Southern California after all

the Men's Cat. 4 victor, Robert Angle

I took a break during the women's 1/2/3 race and rode over to the San Pedro Marina. While looking over the rows of boats at dock in the new facility, I had one of those "it's a small world" moments; an old teammate/friend recognized me and walked over to say hello; someone I still see on the occasions I do the Rose Bowl Ride. Anyway, he wasn't there for the race, in fact wasn't even aware it was taking place, he was just on his boat for the day. Timing, coincidence; strange how these things happen.

Photos from the Men's Pro/1/2 race are here

Photos from the Women's Cat 1/2/3 race are here

Photos from the Men's Cat 4 race are here (finish only)

Photos from the Men's Cat 3 race are here

Photos from the Masters Men 35+ race are here

Photos from the Masters Men 45+ race are here

Photos from the Masters Men 50+/60+ race are here

Photos from the Women's Cat 3/4 race are here (sorry ladies, I lost most of them due to sd card malfunction)

Finally, a few misc. photos (San Pedro scenery, etc) can be seen here.