Esther Walker (R) had just handily won the Women Pro/1/2/3 race at this point, but went on to race the men in her Masters category soon after this.
Today's Barrio Logan Grand Prix—now San Diego County's ONLY criterium—brought us some great local racing today. The weather was perfect and the racers put on a great show, not the least of which was the amazing breakaway by SDBC/Spinergy racer Esther Walker, who lapped the field, then dropped them AGAIN to win the women's pro/1/2/3 race in a solo breakaway.
This annual event is produced by San Diego Bicycle Club "SDBC," the largest bicycle club in San Diego County. Ralph Elliott's familiar "radio voice" narration of the races was as good as ever, but Ralph no longer organizes the race. That was done this year by SDBC member, racer and volunteer superman Graham Johnson. He said the race practically runs itself, but that's his modesty showing. There's a lot to pull together to make this race happen. Fortunately, there are a lot of awesome, unselfish volunteers organized by a committee fielded by the bike club. This was the 23rd edition of this great race.
The sad part of the day for me when it was announced that there were ZERO racers in the Junior Women 17-18 category. As Ralph mentioned, even the men's 17-18 race used to field almost five times as many racers than it does now. What is happening to bike racing in America? Cycling is such a healthy endeavor that can help you stay younger and healthier into your golden years...even beyond age 95, as San Diego's legendary cyclist Gordy Shields demonstrated.
We were pleased to host the Wildlife Generation Pro Cycling Team at the men's pro/1/2 race today. With their whole team there, they had the strength and coordination to snatch the top three podium spots, with Rahsaan Bahati taking 4th place.
This annual event is produced by San Diego Bicycle Club "SDBC," the largest bicycle club in San Diego County. Ralph Elliott's familiar "radio voice" narration of the races was as good as ever, but Ralph no longer organizes the race. That was done this year by SDBC member, racer and volunteer superman Graham Johnson. He said the race practically runs itself, but that's his modesty showing. There's a lot to pull together to make this race happen. Fortunately, there are a lot of awesome, unselfish volunteers organized by a committee fielded by the bike club. This was the 23rd edition of this great race.
The sad part of the day for me when it was announced that there were ZERO racers in the Junior Women 17-18 category. As Ralph mentioned, even the men's 17-18 race used to field almost five times as many racers than it does now. What is happening to bike racing in America? Cycling is such a healthy endeavor that can help you stay younger and healthier into your golden years...even beyond age 95, as San Diego's legendary cyclist Gordy Shields demonstrated.
We were pleased to host the Wildlife Generation Pro Cycling Team at the men's pro/1/2 race today. With their whole team there, they had the strength and coordination to snatch the top three podium spots, with Rahsaan Bahati taking 4th place.
Former SDBC racer Randall Coxworth lines up next to the inspirational cycling mentor Rahsaan Bahati for the Pro/1/2 race.
Well, I'm thankful for all the hard-working cyclists who came out to race today. I enjoy watching and photographing bike races, and if the Barrio Logan Grand Prix is laid to rest, I have to go elsewhere to watch all my races. I wish local high schools would include bike racing (road/MTB/track) in their interscholastic sports. That would help keep cycling alive as a competitive sport, and also help improve its acceptance as a great way to commute to work or school.
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