Plan-A All the Way

Press Release

VP rider Essence Barton all focus and determination at the Toro Enduro.

If you have been racing the California Enduro Series (CES) over the past five years, you have surely seen VP Components and its US brand manager—and CES co-founder—Erik Saunders at its events. The Taiwan-based bike parts manufacturer is the founding sponsor of CES and shares the series' dedication to innovation, excellence, and rider development. The indefatigable and forward-thinking Saunders puts it succinctly: "Commit to your Plan A. Give it your all. There is no Plan B."

Led by Saunders' passion and vision, VP Components is devoted to turning riders on to enduro racing. With VP's backing, Saunders co-founded CES in 2012 with Steven Gemelos, Megan Gemelos and Michele Charboneau. Back then, VP and Saunders had been successfully running other mountain biking races and in 2013 presented the second ever CES event at The Dirt Club in Los Olivos. He then took over the VP EnduroFest at China Peak from 2014-2016.

The China Peak Enduro improved year after year under Saunders' direction. This year, he passed the torch on to China Peak Mountain Resort in order to focus his time and energy on the series. Although he handed over leadership of the event, Saunders offered operational guidance and even pitched in with his son Stone on building the brand new, already well-renowned stage 5. The successful and popular 2017 event was the first stop of this year's CES Golden Tour, and also an EWS qualifier for the first time.

Saunders’ vision for the series is right on track, as well, and he has the full support of VP behind him. Although proud of the progress CES has made in its first five years, the enterprising powerhouse is focused on what lies ahead for the series. Saunders is constantly brainstorming ideas on how to improve the series, building on its “for riders, by riders” credo. He is especially passionate about the CES Golden Tour – the series’ triple crown conceived by Saunders to spotlight top talent and event. “An elite series, the Golden Tour is an excellent stepping stone to international competition for new riders and it helps more experienced riders to maintain a high level of competition throughout the year.”

Saunders sports a generous layer of China Peak grit after racing this year's course.

Saunders with his eyes on what’s "out there."

California Enduro Series owes a great deal to VP Components' and Saunders' commitment to its success. "Erik’s passion and and VP's support have been the backbone of our series," says Megan Gemelos, series co-founder, and sponsorship director. "VP goes above and beyond the standard sponsorship by being intimately involved with the events and helping others to organize their own races, while being there for the racers regardless of whether they run VP or not."

In addition to supporting the series, and the China Peak event, VP also shows its dedication to the enduro community by sponsoring racers who work closely with Saunders and the VP design team to dream up innovative new components to make the best possible riding experience. For the 2017 season, VP proudly supports Ryan Gardner and Essence Barton.

Ryan Gardner sends it on stage 5 of the China Peak Enduro.

Gardner, who has been racing the series since year one, has been running VP pedals for the past three years. He says, "I'm a big fan of the VP VX Adventure pedals. Things can get pretty hairy during an enduro race and have a big ole platform to stand on even when unclipped can be pretty valuable." He adds, "I know several racers who run VP and they all rip. VP cares about what racers and riders are looking for, and it shows in their products."

Barton was introduced to VP Components through racing the California Enduro series and just this year starting racing for the company. She says, "And I’m loving it! I know I can count on the product and incredible customer service." Barton doesn’t stop singing VP’s praises there. She continues, "I especially appreciate VP’s loyalty to the sport. VP knows what an enduro racer needs because Erik is out there personally getting dirty with the rest of us on the race course. What racer doesn't appreciate a company that literally puts themselves in your shoes?!"

Barton leads the way to the first stage in the Toro Enduro.

Check out this NGFE Radio podcast and give a listen as Saunders chats with Big Lou about his own bike racing experiences, his passion for racer development, and his commitment to CES. Want more of Saunders' engaging views on racing? Head to this "The Slow Ride" podcast (episode 53).

To find out more about VP Components, come to the VP booth at one of the CES races, stop by your local dealer, or visit vp-usa.com. Learn more about California Enduro Series at californiaenduroseries.com.

Words by Michele Charboneau
Photos by Scott McClain