Michael Hernandez as race commenator at Steinbeck was a stroke of brilliance! Not only does he personally seem to know everybody in the race, he was probably by far the most excited spectator there! The best part of listening was that you could hear his enthusiasm throughout every single race, even the kids! He even (unintentionally, I think) called out who the winner of the kids race would be by pointing out to everyone "that when a guys shows up late to the start line wearing Levi's long pants, he may be a ringer!" Classic!
He was also the #1 fan of anybody who lost contact with the pack, cheering on many riders who were way off the back with kind words of encouragement without embarrassing them, and I'm sure his constant cheering kept many of them from dropping out. He was on the mike ALL DAY LONG, from 8am until the last race was through!
So thank you Michael, we hope to be lucky enough to have you come out again (if you're not charging by then!) next year, and if you're feeling up to it, maybe you can even race with us!
Thanks!
Bernie (and all of VOS Racing)

For all of you that made the trip to our 1st annual Steinbeck Country Crit
Thank you

We have been hearing nothing but good replies and it was such a great day in the sun and as I mentioned on Mike's blog what a effort he put out.

Thanks again

We would also like to thank all that assisted thru out the day either being a volunteer, racer, spectator, officials.

We all know the time and endless hour hours that go into putting these on. It really shows the pure disire people have for this sport and with out all of you this would not of been possible.

Thank you

VOS Racing

The race went extremely smooth for a first time event.

Mike was awesome on the mic, and I think announcing is harder than bike racing.

Nice work to all!

Ron

Illeana Parker and Linda Elgart were both racing with their husbands Bob and John (all of Alto Velo/Webcor) at the Santa Rosa Criterium in the 45/55 race. I haven't heard how they divvy up the prizes.

daah ... thanks for the props, but we all know i was just actin' the fool up there.

But, speaking of the 45's race - holee shyte. that was pure mayhem in Salinas. super fast, exceptionally tactical - great event. In the end, it did turn into a game of uber's ... but, one of the most crowd pleasing animators of the race was Illena Garcia-Parker ... it was her 2nd race of the day and she scorched it mach7 up the finishing straight, with the field strung out behind her to initiate the chase to a very, very dangerous break up the road.

after that, it was a no-holds-barred attackfest from evryone in the field.

quite the scene.

VOS really did put out a good effort for their first dig at race promotion. Good vibe and they treated all the categories well. I hope they do it again next year, cuz it'll get nothing but better as they iron out the logistics and venue.

thanks and see ya'll at the next race,
m

For a good racing photograph from Salinas, go to:

http://www.Californianonline.com

for Monday, May 14

Both of you should come down next year, I'll lead you out just like I did for Brian Fessenden.

Hmmm... Chat with Mike, or endure another race (in Rancho Cordova) with me talking to you? And neither race was uber-free. Sounds like a toss-up.

Some of the guys at VOS offered aforehand to let me share time on the mike with Mike, but I was so intimidated that I not only timidly refused, come race day I headed in the complete opposite direction and raced at Rancho Cordoba.
Frankly, facing the challenge of Michael's feisty humor, daunting knowledge of the sport, general familiarity with nearly everyone in the region, and intimidating boyishly good looks, I'm certain anyone else would have fled for the hills as well.

Ze Brah

I agree with you, Bob. Michael was very race knowledgable, personable, entertaining and enthusiastic. Job well done. And the race promoters were very organized; the day seemed to flow smoothly, including podium excitement, large prize list (and deep), dedicated officials, friendly volunteers at registration and attentive course marshals. I thought the fields were sizable considering another crit occured in Sacramento.

I chose to go to Steinbeck Country Criterium (even though I live closer to Sacramento) because they offered two races for the cat three women. And I am glad I did, it was a fun day to race and to be a spectator.

Thanks for all the effort to everyone involved.

Laurie Fenech
Mako/DeMarco's

Michael was awesome as were all the volunteers. thanks to the organizers for the great prize money in the women's PRO 1/2/3 race, it was equal to the mens! great prime prizes from local businesses. There were snacks and water available at reg. A very classy and efficient show. This race is a keeper! the basic 4 cornered course was actually really fun to race. Loved the tail wind up to the finish line. Thanks Salinas we will be back!

Agreed.

Mike did great and this race was a ton of fun. The course definitely had something for everyone, with a fairly technical set of corners, long straights that were begging for big attacks, and a huge sprint lane at the finish.

And the Mexican food in Salinas is fantastico. Cool race, cool little town. Definitely be back next year.

The only reoccuring issue I noticed were elderly people and children running out into the street when the pack was bearing down on them. A couple of times it was pretty scary to watch. Probably something that could be alleviated with more course marshals next year.

Mike did a nice job.

So did everyone else running that race, very well done!

Things went smoothly and efficiently from my standpoint, even at the end of the day the last two races started on time and prizes were given out promptly.

The course was deceptively fun, and with the wind really quite challenging. Well, it was probably the other racers that really made it challenging. :-)

I hope this one is on the schedule again, I'll definitely come back.

Brian Peterson
Webcor/Alto Velo

very very cool! loved it!

I'll second that - Mike did a great job. I don't know which is harder - announcing
all day or doing the races...

Great job Mike!