Saturday, February 13, 2010
While the majority of the population is spending their Saturday morning relaxing in bed, watching cartoons with their kids, or eating a tasty breakfast part of the MTB Gang is up and ready to run in a local 5K race. My parents and I began participating in 5K races about two years ago when I got the wild idea that I wanted to become a runner. All of my life I have hated running (and have been HORRIBLE at it). When I started, I was 27 years old and unable to run a single mile. My parents had recently lost a substantial amount of weight and were also eager to take on a physical challenge. So I searched the vast knowledge of the internet and found a running program for beginner runners. We started the nine-week program and followed it religiously. The results were as promised…we were all three able to run/jog for 30 minutes (about 3 miles) at the conclusion of the nine-week training. It was after we accomplished this goal that we decided to participate in various 5K runs just to keep us in shape and motivated.
This time we managed to talk Trey and his mom, as well as Brianna, into joining us for this event. We had heard all last week that the temperatures this weekend would be below normal; however we were really hoping that it would not be terribly cold. To our disappointment, the temperature was not rising above 48 degrees and the sun was nowhere to be found. Yet, there was no way we were backing out because of come chilly weather. The six of us put on our layers, hats, and gloves and headed for the starting line. The first mile would all be uphill followed by small undulations from there on. There we were, at the bottom of the hill bundled up like Eskimos waiting for the signal to start.
Finally we were off, pounding our way up the large hill. It didn’t take long for the group to separate and for each person to get into their own rhythm. It was now time to relax and enjoy the opportunity to run. Besides being extremely chilly for an event in Central Florida, the run was awesome. Trey beat his personal best finishing with a time just over 25 minutes. I improved my time as well, crossing the line in 30:48, but still have not reached my goal! I will continue my interval training and hope to reach my goal within the next 5 weeks! Looking forward to the next 5K…perhaps a 10K one day!!!!
For a copy of the 5K training program that we used, check out the "TRAINING" page on our website MTBsportsonline.com!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Parrish 02-05-10
Friday, February 5, 2010
We try so hard to teach our children about responsibility. We tell them that once they have made a commitment to something, they must honor that commitment even when it is not convenient. We preach that they should be there for their team and work hard to achieve their goals and aspirations. That said we didn’t get on the road to Parrish until after Brianna’s gymnastics class ended at 7:00. Sometimes doing the right thing is terribly inconvenient.
Being the wonderful parents that they are, my mom and dad volunteered to pick Brie up from gymnastics. This allowed Mimi and I a little extra time to grab some dinner and complete any final preparations for the weekend’s camping expedition. Mimi had planned to go and get Brie, but the opportunity to save fuel and have a few extra moments to relax seemed like a nice option. When Brie arrived at 7:45, after having enjoyed a quick bite of McDonald’s, Mimi, Brie, and I promptly loaded into the truck and headed out for our 2 hour journey.
The ride was uneventful, as we only encountered a tiny amount of rain. Luckily we were able to see the poorly marked streets in the dark and made it to our destination with no problems. Apparently there had been a decent amount of rain early in the evening though because we were re-routed to an alternative entrance into the back portion of the parking area. The road that we utilized was extremely hard packed and easy to maneuver, the problem arose as I exited the road and made my way through the grass toward the campers. It was at that time that our road tires demonstrated exactly why they are meant for the road. Fortunately the ground was hard packed, but our tires just didn’t have enough tread to grip the slick grass and the muck that lay beneath. Five or six times we spun our tires losing the grip that was required to move the apparatus forward. After starting and stopping many times we finally managed to maneuver ourselves into our assigned spot in the compound. The next little while was spent setting up the camper: jacks down, awning out, carpet spread, generators attached, and everything locked down. The three of us girls had made it. Now it was time to settle in and head to bed. After a few moments of relaxation, we completed our nighttime routine and drifted off to sleep.
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Another wonderful morning of rest and relaxation! It was about 8:00 by the time Mimi, Brianna, and I were out of bed and getting ready to start our day. The forecast called for a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 68 degrees. I can say that the forecasters were partially correct as our morning certainly consisted of clouds; the sun however was nowhere to be seen. With no sun and a constant breeze of around 12 miles per hour it was proving to be very chilly. Nonetheless, we got ourselves up and going and ventured outside to see what we were missing.
It didn’t take Brianna long to jump right into the mix and begin playing with the other munchkins. Mimi and I were a bit slower getting into the racing routine. We moseyed out, set up our chairs, and took a few moments to sit and take in the racing atmosphere. It wasn’t long before we noticed Michael putting on his gear and double checking his quad. He was followed closely by Michael J. who was preparing for his practice as well. That was our cue to prepare to head to the track. Conveniently, we were parked near the pee wee track and the starting line so it was a short walk to check out what Mikey J. was up to. They decided to break the 30 minute practice time that the pee wees usually had into two separate 15 minutes practice sessions. This would allow the larger and faster quads an opportunity to let their bikes do what they are meant to do while also allowing the slower quads to practice without as many distractions. The pee wee quads had a great turn out and even with the separate practices each practice had around 12 quads.
As the first group took the track they immediately had a pile up. One of the turns through the palmettos had a young oak tree that was preventing the wider quads from passing through. After finding an ax and chopping down the tree, it was determined that the path was still too narrow for the quads and an alternative route was established. The remainder of practice went on without incident and the MTB munchkins seemed to enjoy themselves.
It was then back to the camper, but as always, the time passed rapidly and before we knew it we were headed back out to the pee-wee track for the munchkin racing. Mimi and I headed out to the back portion of the track where we had watched practice. It was an open track, so we were able to see the majority of it from our location. We were also able to get some entertainment from watching the children maneuver their quads through the many double-greens that were part of the track.
As we were preparing to head back to the campers we noticed that the Saturday morning bike races were just preparing to start. Since the pee wee track was located directly beside the starting line Mimi and I wandered over and took a few moments to watch the start. This turned out the be far less interesting than the Sunday races, but it was still nice to get to see a bit of racing that we usually miss out on.
After chatting with Jason and Katie for a bit, we made our way back to the camper to enjoy a bite of lunch and wait around for the quad race. With about two hours until the start, I figured we had time to waste. Yet after chatting and watching the munchkins enjoy the freedom that they seem to acquire on race weekends, I soon realized that Michael was beginning race preparations. That was our cue to end the playtime, take turns in the potty, gather our stuff, and head to the line.
Michael got off the line in 4th place, giving him a nice starting position heading into the first turn. After watching the remainder of the rows, we were off to find a prime location for viewing (and also for the kids to play). It didn’t take us long to spot an open area where we could watch the boys come by. Michael, Keith, and James all looked strong as they passed their cheering section. Of course James and Michael flew by us without as much as a glance in our direction. Keith on the other hand stopped by to say hello, grab a drink of water, and put a smile on the kids’ faces (perhaps the adults too).
For the most part, the race came to an end with few incidents. But, Michael had the best story to tell. It was the last mile of the last lap of the race. He was moving along just fine until out of nowhere a tree just jumped out in front of him (well, that is Michael’s version). Anyway, he managed to roll three times and land with the quad on top of him. As he laid their beneath the quad yelling for someone to get it off of him, he realized that the group of boys that had been laughing at the incident were the only ones around to come to his rescue. Obviously at that point he didn’t care who got it off of him as long as the quad was removed from on top of his body. The kids were able to help and Michael quickly hopped back on and was on his way…thankfully uninjured. A great story to tell and no trip to the hospital, those are the best!
As the sun was going down beyond the horizon the steady breeze was getting colder and the night air was beginning to settle in. We made our way back to the camper and began to prepare a simple dinner. We really just wanted to get some healthy food in our bellies so that we could walk next door and get some ice cream (yes, we parked next door to the ice cream man!). And that is exactly what we did. After our quick dinner the gang all walked over and enjoyed the ice cream man’s delicious treats. What a way to end an awesome day of racing!
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Trey finally arrived this morning at about 3:45. I, of course, was curled up so warm and cozy in my comfortable bed as he dragged himself in from the cold. He tried his best to carry on a conversation, as we hadn’t seen each other since Thursday, but this time of morning was not the best time to be friendly with me. When he realized that he was having a one-sided conversation he decided to give up and get ready for bed. It wasn’t long until we were both cozy in our comfortable bed and sound asleep…that is of course until the beautiful sound of our Angel’s voice yelling, “Can I get up now???” So, we all got up and got our day started.
Trey decided that he would skip practice this morning and take on the course like a GNCC. After a yummy breakfast sandwich, we all headed out to watch the start of the morning race and see if we could locate another viewing area for this afternoon’s race. Austin had shown up to spend the day as a spectator so he joined us as well. He should be back as a racer at Gatorback in two weeks, but he is playing it safe until he has signed his paperwork with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office – smart move, Austin. We wandered over past our viewing area from Saturday and headed out to find a creek crossing. It wasn’t long until we found one and it was pretty deep. After viewing a variety of methods for crossing the creek, much discussion occurred regarding the best manner in which to approach the crossing. Jason and Trey decided to take it slow and easy in an effort to stay dry – sounds like a logical plan.
We stuck around and watched for a while before heading back to the camper to make sure that things were in order for the afternoon race and to grab some lunch. Time flew by once again (I am discovering that is a common occurrence at the races) and it was time to prepare to go racing. It wasn’t long until Trey and I were on the line and the first row was rounding the first corner. This meant that Jason’s row was coming up soon. It was his first race in five years, so we were all eager to see how he would do. The horn sounded and his row was off the line. This meant it was getting close. Trey and I had decided to try a new process for his starts. We had done it in previous years and had practiced it last weekend on the property – and it worked great! It’s not like we were trying anything unusual, just the normal holding the kick starter back and starting the bike in gear. This is perfectly common. Yet, we found a way to screw it up. We aren’t exactly sure where we went wrong, but I got kicked in the arm and Trey missed the kick starter completely. We are going to have to try that again…perhaps with a longer tape?!
Fortunately his start was not worse than usual, so we hadn’t really lost anything in the process, but hopefully gained some knowledge. When the start had concluded, the gang all headed to a creek crossing where the munchkins could play in the dirt and I headed out to the crossing where we were this morning. As with the morning race, riders had many different theories as to the best way to make it across. Some just stayed on the gas and flew through, others slowed a bit and held their legs up on the radiator shrouds, while others stood or put their feet behind them on the seat. Then there were those who slowed to a snail’s pace and just crept across – this is what I was expecting from Jason and Trey. I finally saw Jason rounding the corner and heading for the crossing, but he wasn’t slowing down. What happened to the plan??? Not too long after that Trey came through, and yet again the plan was out the window. I knew the boys couldn’t sacrifice even a few seconds just for their comfort!
After I saw Trey make his third trip through the creek, I decided to head back and meet him at the camper. I am not sure that it was the best choice I have ever made, as I was greeted with rather unpleasant language and a rather grumpy face. Just one of those days, I suppose. After a few moments of venting and a nice warm shower he was back to his normal self. He then began to focus more on what he could learn from the track, as opposed to just being perturbed by his performance. That’s the attitude I like!
As another racing weekend was coming to an end, the children spent their time playing and getting dirty while the adults packed up and prepared to head home. It was then off to get our Sunday night dinner. Personally, I was hoping for a cozy barbeque place, but since we couldn’t locate that choice, Chili’s made a nice second option. It was a great dinner to complete another wonderful weekend of family, friends, and racing! I can’t wait until Gatorback!!!!
We try so hard to teach our children about responsibility. We tell them that once they have made a commitment to something, they must honor that commitment even when it is not convenient. We preach that they should be there for their team and work hard to achieve their goals and aspirations. That said we didn’t get on the road to Parrish until after Brianna’s gymnastics class ended at 7:00. Sometimes doing the right thing is terribly inconvenient.
Being the wonderful parents that they are, my mom and dad volunteered to pick Brie up from gymnastics. This allowed Mimi and I a little extra time to grab some dinner and complete any final preparations for the weekend’s camping expedition. Mimi had planned to go and get Brie, but the opportunity to save fuel and have a few extra moments to relax seemed like a nice option. When Brie arrived at 7:45, after having enjoyed a quick bite of McDonald’s, Mimi, Brie, and I promptly loaded into the truck and headed out for our 2 hour journey.
The ride was uneventful, as we only encountered a tiny amount of rain. Luckily we were able to see the poorly marked streets in the dark and made it to our destination with no problems. Apparently there had been a decent amount of rain early in the evening though because we were re-routed to an alternative entrance into the back portion of the parking area. The road that we utilized was extremely hard packed and easy to maneuver, the problem arose as I exited the road and made my way through the grass toward the campers. It was at that time that our road tires demonstrated exactly why they are meant for the road. Fortunately the ground was hard packed, but our tires just didn’t have enough tread to grip the slick grass and the muck that lay beneath. Five or six times we spun our tires losing the grip that was required to move the apparatus forward. After starting and stopping many times we finally managed to maneuver ourselves into our assigned spot in the compound. The next little while was spent setting up the camper: jacks down, awning out, carpet spread, generators attached, and everything locked down. The three of us girls had made it. Now it was time to settle in and head to bed. After a few moments of relaxation, we completed our nighttime routine and drifted off to sleep.
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Another wonderful morning of rest and relaxation! It was about 8:00 by the time Mimi, Brianna, and I were out of bed and getting ready to start our day. The forecast called for a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 68 degrees. I can say that the forecasters were partially correct as our morning certainly consisted of clouds; the sun however was nowhere to be seen. With no sun and a constant breeze of around 12 miles per hour it was proving to be very chilly. Nonetheless, we got ourselves up and going and ventured outside to see what we were missing.
It didn’t take Brianna long to jump right into the mix and begin playing with the other munchkins. Mimi and I were a bit slower getting into the racing routine. We moseyed out, set up our chairs, and took a few moments to sit and take in the racing atmosphere. It wasn’t long before we noticed Michael putting on his gear and double checking his quad. He was followed closely by Michael J. who was preparing for his practice as well. That was our cue to prepare to head to the track. Conveniently, we were parked near the pee wee track and the starting line so it was a short walk to check out what Mikey J. was up to. They decided to break the 30 minute practice time that the pee wees usually had into two separate 15 minutes practice sessions. This would allow the larger and faster quads an opportunity to let their bikes do what they are meant to do while also allowing the slower quads to practice without as many distractions. The pee wee quads had a great turn out and even with the separate practices each practice had around 12 quads.
As the first group took the track they immediately had a pile up. One of the turns through the palmettos had a young oak tree that was preventing the wider quads from passing through. After finding an ax and chopping down the tree, it was determined that the path was still too narrow for the quads and an alternative route was established. The remainder of practice went on without incident and the MTB munchkins seemed to enjoy themselves.
It was then back to the camper, but as always, the time passed rapidly and before we knew it we were headed back out to the pee-wee track for the munchkin racing. Mimi and I headed out to the back portion of the track where we had watched practice. It was an open track, so we were able to see the majority of it from our location. We were also able to get some entertainment from watching the children maneuver their quads through the many double-greens that were part of the track.
As we were preparing to head back to the campers we noticed that the Saturday morning bike races were just preparing to start. Since the pee wee track was located directly beside the starting line Mimi and I wandered over and took a few moments to watch the start. This turned out the be far less interesting than the Sunday races, but it was still nice to get to see a bit of racing that we usually miss out on.
After chatting with Jason and Katie for a bit, we made our way back to the camper to enjoy a bite of lunch and wait around for the quad race. With about two hours until the start, I figured we had time to waste. Yet after chatting and watching the munchkins enjoy the freedom that they seem to acquire on race weekends, I soon realized that Michael was beginning race preparations. That was our cue to end the playtime, take turns in the potty, gather our stuff, and head to the line.
Michael got off the line in 4th place, giving him a nice starting position heading into the first turn. After watching the remainder of the rows, we were off to find a prime location for viewing (and also for the kids to play). It didn’t take us long to spot an open area where we could watch the boys come by. Michael, Keith, and James all looked strong as they passed their cheering section. Of course James and Michael flew by us without as much as a glance in our direction. Keith on the other hand stopped by to say hello, grab a drink of water, and put a smile on the kids’ faces (perhaps the adults too).
For the most part, the race came to an end with few incidents. But, Michael had the best story to tell. It was the last mile of the last lap of the race. He was moving along just fine until out of nowhere a tree just jumped out in front of him (well, that is Michael’s version). Anyway, he managed to roll three times and land with the quad on top of him. As he laid their beneath the quad yelling for someone to get it off of him, he realized that the group of boys that had been laughing at the incident were the only ones around to come to his rescue. Obviously at that point he didn’t care who got it off of him as long as the quad was removed from on top of his body. The kids were able to help and Michael quickly hopped back on and was on his way…thankfully uninjured. A great story to tell and no trip to the hospital, those are the best!
As the sun was going down beyond the horizon the steady breeze was getting colder and the night air was beginning to settle in. We made our way back to the camper and began to prepare a simple dinner. We really just wanted to get some healthy food in our bellies so that we could walk next door and get some ice cream (yes, we parked next door to the ice cream man!). And that is exactly what we did. After our quick dinner the gang all walked over and enjoyed the ice cream man’s delicious treats. What a way to end an awesome day of racing!
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Trey finally arrived this morning at about 3:45. I, of course, was curled up so warm and cozy in my comfortable bed as he dragged himself in from the cold. He tried his best to carry on a conversation, as we hadn’t seen each other since Thursday, but this time of morning was not the best time to be friendly with me. When he realized that he was having a one-sided conversation he decided to give up and get ready for bed. It wasn’t long until we were both cozy in our comfortable bed and sound asleep…that is of course until the beautiful sound of our Angel’s voice yelling, “Can I get up now???” So, we all got up and got our day started.
Trey decided that he would skip practice this morning and take on the course like a GNCC. After a yummy breakfast sandwich, we all headed out to watch the start of the morning race and see if we could locate another viewing area for this afternoon’s race. Austin had shown up to spend the day as a spectator so he joined us as well. He should be back as a racer at Gatorback in two weeks, but he is playing it safe until he has signed his paperwork with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office – smart move, Austin. We wandered over past our viewing area from Saturday and headed out to find a creek crossing. It wasn’t long until we found one and it was pretty deep. After viewing a variety of methods for crossing the creek, much discussion occurred regarding the best manner in which to approach the crossing. Jason and Trey decided to take it slow and easy in an effort to stay dry – sounds like a logical plan.
We stuck around and watched for a while before heading back to the camper to make sure that things were in order for the afternoon race and to grab some lunch. Time flew by once again (I am discovering that is a common occurrence at the races) and it was time to prepare to go racing. It wasn’t long until Trey and I were on the line and the first row was rounding the first corner. This meant that Jason’s row was coming up soon. It was his first race in five years, so we were all eager to see how he would do. The horn sounded and his row was off the line. This meant it was getting close. Trey and I had decided to try a new process for his starts. We had done it in previous years and had practiced it last weekend on the property – and it worked great! It’s not like we were trying anything unusual, just the normal holding the kick starter back and starting the bike in gear. This is perfectly common. Yet, we found a way to screw it up. We aren’t exactly sure where we went wrong, but I got kicked in the arm and Trey missed the kick starter completely. We are going to have to try that again…perhaps with a longer tape?!
Fortunately his start was not worse than usual, so we hadn’t really lost anything in the process, but hopefully gained some knowledge. When the start had concluded, the gang all headed to a creek crossing where the munchkins could play in the dirt and I headed out to the crossing where we were this morning. As with the morning race, riders had many different theories as to the best way to make it across. Some just stayed on the gas and flew through, others slowed a bit and held their legs up on the radiator shrouds, while others stood or put their feet behind them on the seat. Then there were those who slowed to a snail’s pace and just crept across – this is what I was expecting from Jason and Trey. I finally saw Jason rounding the corner and heading for the crossing, but he wasn’t slowing down. What happened to the plan??? Not too long after that Trey came through, and yet again the plan was out the window. I knew the boys couldn’t sacrifice even a few seconds just for their comfort!
After I saw Trey make his third trip through the creek, I decided to head back and meet him at the camper. I am not sure that it was the best choice I have ever made, as I was greeted with rather unpleasant language and a rather grumpy face. Just one of those days, I suppose. After a few moments of venting and a nice warm shower he was back to his normal self. He then began to focus more on what he could learn from the track, as opposed to just being perturbed by his performance. That’s the attitude I like!
As another racing weekend was coming to an end, the children spent their time playing and getting dirty while the adults packed up and prepared to head home. It was then off to get our Sunday night dinner. Personally, I was hoping for a cozy barbeque place, but since we couldn’t locate that choice, Chili’s made a nice second option. It was a great dinner to complete another wonderful weekend of family, friends, and racing! I can’t wait until Gatorback!!!!
Brighton 01-22-10
Friday, January 22, 2010
It was 2:34. My kids were waiting at the door with their backpacks on and ready for the weekend to begin. They never seem to realize that we are ALL waiting for the weekend to begin. The minute passed, the bell rang, and the munchkins were out the door. I promptly shut down my electronics, gathered my things, and hopped into the truck. My afternoon would now be devoted to my final run of the week and preparing the camper for our weekend excursion.
As soon I arrived home, I was doing my best to utilize the time that I had so that I would have Brie’s and my stuff prepared to go when Trey arrived home. I was taking care of Brianna’s and my packing, as well as the food, when I decided to call Trey and see when he would be home. As I asked how he was doing, the pathetic voice on the other end was not a good sign. Soon I discovered that Trey had somehow managed to send his back into spasms and was barely able to move. We worked it out so that he would pick up Brie and I would try to get everything done, except loading the bike. Amazingly, I was just finishing up when Trey and Brie pulled in the driveway. Now for at he important stuff…the bike and its extras. We managed to finish up rather quickly (especially under the circumstances) and were on the road by 8:30. As with the past few races, this one was only about two hours away so we would be there in no time.
With our gas and money stops along the way, we finally arrived in our camping spot (thanks to the Hedin’s to saving it for us) at about 11:00. Of course Brie was sound asleep, and stayed asleep in her booster seat for the next 30 minutes while we unhooked the camper, put down the jacks, and eventually carried her in to her bunk bed. Trey and I then finished unloading and preparing the generators (but we left the bike chained in the truck) and headed in to bed as well. Racing starts tomorrow and we all want to be rested and ready!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
As usual, Brianna was the first one up and ready to get out of bed this morning. Although awaking to her adorable voice is one of life’s many pleasures, I really wish that she would let me sleep for just a few more minutes. As I slowly opened my eyes and enjoyed a morning stretch, I realized that Trey had been lying awake in bed for some time. As Brie made her way into our bedroom he decided he would make his way to the kitchen and grab a bite to eat. Yet, thanks to his newly acquired back injury, the process of getting out of bed had become a five minute ordeal. After the moans and groans, he finally grabbed a granola bar and was able to enjoy a nutritious breakfast. Within a few minutes, I too had dragged myself out of bed and was headed to the sink to eliminate my not so pleasant morning breath.
While Trey and I finished up our morning preparations, Brianna enjoyed an episode of Scooby-Doo and began her routine. In no time at all, breakfast was eaten, teeth were clean, hair was brushed, fresh clothes were on, and she was ready to face the day. Much to her delight she was greeted by Karlee, Karson, Kalob, McKenzie, and Michael J. Michael, Michelle, and the kids had just arrived and were only able to stay for the day, as Michael was on call. Brie made a rapid exit from the camper and was off to begin playing. Meanwhile, I finished the camper setup that I neglected last night due to our late arrival.
As we all went about our business we were enjoying the warmer weather and beautiful sunshine that this race weekend was predicted to have in store. Time flew by and both Michael’s began preparing for their morning practice. As soon as his gear was on and the quad was ready, Michael Sr. headed out to see what challenges might lay ahead on his eight-mile Saturday course. Michael Jr. was right behind him waiting for Michelle to hop on the back of his 50 and make their way to the pee-wee track.
Today’s pee-wee practice proved to be an adventure for the riders and spectators alike. The course consisted mostly of single-track with very few passing areas and lots of woods, much like a full size track – just shrunk down to miniature size. We soon found out that kids just aren’t patient enough to wait for the right opportunity to improve their position. Now I understand that these are children and they are riding on a miniature track so that they can learn the proper manner in which to ride and race. But here is the situation. Following a left-hand turn, riders had to maneuver their quads through two trees. It was common and acceptable for a child to misjudge the turn and bump into a tree. An adult would then scurry out to the middle of the track to help the rider. Another adult would usually place his or herself before the adult and the rider to slow down or stop the approaching riders – this is commonplace on a pee-wee track. Normally this procedure is effective in preventing further pile-ups or incidents. But today the kids decided to take matters into their own hands. Instead of following the guidance of the adults, the riders chose to go around them, or force them off of the track. The riders then blocked each other, resulting in a complete traffic jam. Once all of the riders had become a part of the problem, the adults were then able to pull them apart and begin to send riders on their way. Luckily no one was injured, but I am not sure if the riders learned anything from the experience.
After Mikey’s practice, we all headed back to the campers for a snack or lunch. The children gobbled down their food and immediately resumed playtime. The rest of us enjoyed our meal and spent a few minutes relaxing and socializing until it was time to head back out to the pee-wee track for Mikey J.’s race (we can’t forget that Kalob and Karlee race too). Curious to see if the race would present the same challenge as practice, Trey and I took off to the infamous corner where the morning pile-up had occurred. We soon heard the horn sound and the munchkins were off the line. Contrary to practice, the race went extremely smoothly and was uneventful. Kalob pulled of a second place finish, Mikey came in seventh, and Karlee scored . Way to go MTB munchkins!
More relaxing was in store for the MTB Gang for the next little bit. As we sat around discussing life’s many questions we noticed that the warm sun which had greeted us this morning had recently disappeared behind the looming clouds and it seemed that rain may be in our future. As time progressed and Michael’s race was nearing, he spent his time ensuring that his quad and his gear were ready to go. The rest of us dug out our umbrellas and ponchos that we weren’t expecting to need this weekend and prepared our “spectators’ gear”. Eager to see the start, the kids promptly piled on the Hedin’s mule while the rest of us hoofed the half-mile trail to the line.
Before we knew it the first lines were off and it was only seconds until Michael would be racing towards the first corner. The horn sounded and the line was off. They took off around the first few corners and into the straight headed towards the woods Michael had taken the lead. What a start for the MTB Gang and #529!
By this time the rain was coming down fairly intensely, so the MTB Gang made our way directly to a patch of trees to take cover. The munchkins however, had no intentions of staying out of the rain. Having parked ourselves in this patch of woods, the kids saw it as the perfect opportunity to practice hanging from limbs and climbing trees. Being an eight-mile track seemed to work out perfectly for them, as the riders took a while to make it back to our viewing area. The mucnhkins spent the quiet time becoming part of the treesThe climbing consumed the kids’ time until they heard the sound of the quads coming around the corner. At that time they settled down and watched the best riders make their way around the slippery corner. It was then back to climbing.
It was 2:34. My kids were waiting at the door with their backpacks on and ready for the weekend to begin. They never seem to realize that we are ALL waiting for the weekend to begin. The minute passed, the bell rang, and the munchkins were out the door. I promptly shut down my electronics, gathered my things, and hopped into the truck. My afternoon would now be devoted to my final run of the week and preparing the camper for our weekend excursion.
As soon I arrived home, I was doing my best to utilize the time that I had so that I would have Brie’s and my stuff prepared to go when Trey arrived home. I was taking care of Brianna’s and my packing, as well as the food, when I decided to call Trey and see when he would be home. As I asked how he was doing, the pathetic voice on the other end was not a good sign. Soon I discovered that Trey had somehow managed to send his back into spasms and was barely able to move. We worked it out so that he would pick up Brie and I would try to get everything done, except loading the bike. Amazingly, I was just finishing up when Trey and Brie pulled in the driveway. Now for at he important stuff…the bike and its extras. We managed to finish up rather quickly (especially under the circumstances) and were on the road by 8:30. As with the past few races, this one was only about two hours away so we would be there in no time.
With our gas and money stops along the way, we finally arrived in our camping spot (thanks to the Hedin’s to saving it for us) at about 11:00. Of course Brie was sound asleep, and stayed asleep in her booster seat for the next 30 minutes while we unhooked the camper, put down the jacks, and eventually carried her in to her bunk bed. Trey and I then finished unloading and preparing the generators (but we left the bike chained in the truck) and headed in to bed as well. Racing starts tomorrow and we all want to be rested and ready!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
As usual, Brianna was the first one up and ready to get out of bed this morning. Although awaking to her adorable voice is one of life’s many pleasures, I really wish that she would let me sleep for just a few more minutes. As I slowly opened my eyes and enjoyed a morning stretch, I realized that Trey had been lying awake in bed for some time. As Brie made her way into our bedroom he decided he would make his way to the kitchen and grab a bite to eat. Yet, thanks to his newly acquired back injury, the process of getting out of bed had become a five minute ordeal. After the moans and groans, he finally grabbed a granola bar and was able to enjoy a nutritious breakfast. Within a few minutes, I too had dragged myself out of bed and was headed to the sink to eliminate my not so pleasant morning breath.
While Trey and I finished up our morning preparations, Brianna enjoyed an episode of Scooby-Doo and began her routine. In no time at all, breakfast was eaten, teeth were clean, hair was brushed, fresh clothes were on, and she was ready to face the day. Much to her delight she was greeted by Karlee, Karson, Kalob, McKenzie, and Michael J. Michael, Michelle, and the kids had just arrived and were only able to stay for the day, as Michael was on call. Brie made a rapid exit from the camper and was off to begin playing. Meanwhile, I finished the camper setup that I neglected last night due to our late arrival.
As we all went about our business we were enjoying the warmer weather and beautiful sunshine that this race weekend was predicted to have in store. Time flew by and both Michael’s began preparing for their morning practice. As soon as his gear was on and the quad was ready, Michael Sr. headed out to see what challenges might lay ahead on his eight-mile Saturday course. Michael Jr. was right behind him waiting for Michelle to hop on the back of his 50 and make their way to the pee-wee track.
Today’s pee-wee practice proved to be an adventure for the riders and spectators alike. The course consisted mostly of single-track with very few passing areas and lots of woods, much like a full size track – just shrunk down to miniature size. We soon found out that kids just aren’t patient enough to wait for the right opportunity to improve their position. Now I understand that these are children and they are riding on a miniature track so that they can learn the proper manner in which to ride and race. But here is the situation. Following a left-hand turn, riders had to maneuver their quads through two trees. It was common and acceptable for a child to misjudge the turn and bump into a tree. An adult would then scurry out to the middle of the track to help the rider. Another adult would usually place his or herself before the adult and the rider to slow down or stop the approaching riders – this is commonplace on a pee-wee track. Normally this procedure is effective in preventing further pile-ups or incidents. But today the kids decided to take matters into their own hands. Instead of following the guidance of the adults, the riders chose to go around them, or force them off of the track. The riders then blocked each other, resulting in a complete traffic jam. Once all of the riders had become a part of the problem, the adults were then able to pull them apart and begin to send riders on their way. Luckily no one was injured, but I am not sure if the riders learned anything from the experience.
After Mikey’s practice, we all headed back to the campers for a snack or lunch. The children gobbled down their food and immediately resumed playtime. The rest of us enjoyed our meal and spent a few minutes relaxing and socializing until it was time to head back out to the pee-wee track for Mikey J.’s race (we can’t forget that Kalob and Karlee race too). Curious to see if the race would present the same challenge as practice, Trey and I took off to the infamous corner where the morning pile-up had occurred. We soon heard the horn sound and the munchkins were off the line. Contrary to practice, the race went extremely smoothly and was uneventful. Kalob pulled of a second place finish, Mikey came in seventh, and Karlee scored . Way to go MTB munchkins!
More relaxing was in store for the MTB Gang for the next little bit. As we sat around discussing life’s many questions we noticed that the warm sun which had greeted us this morning had recently disappeared behind the looming clouds and it seemed that rain may be in our future. As time progressed and Michael’s race was nearing, he spent his time ensuring that his quad and his gear were ready to go. The rest of us dug out our umbrellas and ponchos that we weren’t expecting to need this weekend and prepared our “spectators’ gear”. Eager to see the start, the kids promptly piled on the Hedin’s mule while the rest of us hoofed the half-mile trail to the line.
Before we knew it the first lines were off and it was only seconds until Michael would be racing towards the first corner. The horn sounded and the line was off. They took off around the first few corners and into the straight headed towards the woods Michael had taken the lead. What a start for the MTB Gang and #529!
By this time the rain was coming down fairly intensely, so the MTB Gang made our way directly to a patch of trees to take cover. The munchkins however, had no intentions of staying out of the rain. Having parked ourselves in this patch of woods, the kids saw it as the perfect opportunity to practice hanging from limbs and climbing trees. Being an eight-mile track seemed to work out perfectly for them, as the riders took a while to make it back to our viewing area. The mucnhkins spent the quiet time becoming part of the treesThe climbing consumed the kids’ time until they heard the sound of the quads coming around the corner. At that time they settled down and watched the best riders make their way around the slippery corner. It was then back to climbing.
Myakka City 01-08-10
Friday, January 8, 2010
“Okay, we’ll leave by 4:30!” Well that didn’t happen! After final preparations and last minute inspections of bags and bays, we got on our way by around 6:00. We made a quick stop at the Frostproof McDonalds and we were on the road for the two hour drive to Myakka City. This race was another relatively close one with a pleasant evening drive. We encountered a bit of rain as we neared our arrival, but barely enough to dampen the roads.
When we arrived, the Hedin’s already had their rig set up and Michael, Michelle, and Mikey J. were completing the final tasks for their setup (McKenzie stayed home with Mimi to go to a birthday party). We picked our parking spot and began our setup process. The air was damp and the temperature was around 40 degrees, so we got organized quickly. Our setup was complete in record time! Of course the frigid weather did not stop the munchkins from enjoying each other’s company. They went right on ahead running around and tackling each other onto the cold, damp ground…and loving every moment! Our evening socializing, and the kids’ playtime, was cut short by the chilliness though. It wasn’t long before we all headed into our warm, cozy campers for a good night’s sleep.
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Our camper must have been extremely warm and cozy this morning because even Trey slept in until 8:30. It was about that same time that I heard my Angel inquiring about the location of her donuts. That was my cue to get my warm self out of bed and begin my day. I got Brie her donuts and peeked outside to check out the weather. The thermometer that we installed last night was reading 40 degrees and there was a light, but steady mist. I took my time getting ready while Brianna watched a few episodes of her newest Scooby-Doo series that Santa brought her. Trey on the other hand, got up and going fairy quickly and was headed outside to see what was going on.
Michael was already warming up his quad and preparing himself for his morning practice. Michael J. was following in his Daddy’s footsteps and getting his gear on as well. Trey went out with Michelle to Mikey’s quad practice and his Daddy joined them after his practice was over. Brianna and I chose to stay in the camper for this excursion and let the rest of the MTB crew handle pee-wee practice. Brianna and I passed the time watching a bit more Scooby-Doo and playing games. The crew soon arrived back at the campers and spent some time relaxing as well.
The time passed quickly and before we knew it, we were all out at the start of Mikey’s race. The official called for hands on their heads and the horn sounded. As always it was an exciting start – some are quick, some a bit slower – but it is always exciting. Then, as if another horn had sounded, the parents raced to snag a prime viewing position on the track. Brie, Trey, and I opted for the back portion of the course. The whole track was pretty muddy and we managed to find a corner with mud, roots, and trees – it doesn’t get much better than that. We witnessed a few rear end collisions and almost got to see a few riders turn upside down, but fortunately there were no major incidents. Both Karlee and Michael J. seem to be getting faster and more confident with each racing experience. Way to go, Munchkins!!!
It was back to the campers and time for lunch for the MTB Gang. In an unusual change to our routine, lunch was served inside our campers and very little lunchtime socializing was done. All of this thanks to the frosty weather. Now it was time to wait until Michael’s 3:30 quad race. Trey had some work to do on his bike, so Brie and I explored her new travel games. They all have little holders for the extra pieces and they fold up so neatly. Where was that kind of stuff when I was a kid??? Anyway, we played, watched TV, and snacked until it was time to pack up and head to watch Michael.
As with the start of the pee-wee races, the big-boy starts never fail to provide quality entertainment. We saw one well-maneuvered spinout, as well as the #1 quad racer miss the double greens and have to turn around to come back and go through them. Michael got a solid start in the middle of the pack and was off to endure an hour and a half of pain and pleasure in the freezing cold. Since we were unsure of the whereabouts of the rest of the MTB Gang, Trey, Brianna, and I headed to find an interesting viewing spot. We ended up near the backside of the pee-wee track watching a hill and a creek crossing. It was amazing to see the mud that had covered the quads and the racers as they came barreling across the creek. Although it was chilly, our spot allowed us to see the racers use their various skills to maneuver diverse terrain. Unable to feel his extremities, Michael pushed through and completed the race in second place. It was another positive finish for MTB Sports.
After seeing Michael’s final pass through our viewing area, the three of us headed back to the camper to get warm and check in with the rest of the MTB Gang. As we walked into the MTB compound (AKA our camping area), we saw a rather distressed version of Michael rolling around on the ground and Michelle pulling on his boot. Okay, we saw him five minutes ago…did he break his leg in the last few miles of the race and make it back to the compound?! After some inquiry we determined that he was suffering from cramps in his calves. That doesn’t sound so bad, but amazingly it can bring about pain unlike any other. After a minute or two of stretching, the old Michael was back and headed in to take a shower. Whew…no hospital visit today!
Racing was done for the day and everyone was ready to get warm and relax. Trey and Michelle decided that they needed snacks from the ice cream man and endured the freezing cold to go and get them. When Trey returned, our camper was full of munchkins – Karlee, Kalob, Karson, and Brie had all gathered in our warmth to watch a movie and play. However, it only took them a moment to realize that “Uncle Trey” had warm boiled peanuts. In less a minute our table was surrounded by munchkins popping open peanuts and gobbling them down. From two year olds to adults – the ice cream man’s boiled peanuts were a hit.
Soon it was off to our individual campers to eat some dinner. Our normal outdoor dinner gathering was just not going to happen in the 36 degree weather. A quick meal of hot dogs and soup filled our bellies and we were ready for whatever the night had in store. For Brianna, that meant more playing with her friends, followed by the remainder of “A Bug’s Life” and bedtime. Trey spent the time trying to figure out the most effective technique for keeping his bike from freezing during the night. With the low expected to be 28 degrees for a sustained period of time this was a valid concern. He decided to treat the bike like a plant and cover it with a blanket (or two) and hope for the best. I spent my evening chatting with Mimi, who had just arrived, and writing.
Aside from the always entertaining racing that occurred today, our time was rather uneventful. Extreme weather conditions seem to have a considerable effect on our camping routine. However, as always the MTB Sports Gang had an AWESOME day of racing! Can’t wait until tomorrow – the high is supposed to be in the 50’s!!! I never thought that I would be glad for the 50’s!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
To practice or not to practice…that is the question of the morning. The temperature is just above freezing and the track will likely change quite a bit before the race, so is there any point? On the other hand it is an opportunity to get some ride time on challenging terrain and get a feel for the track before race time. After a chilly discussion, the boys (Austin, Steven, and Trey) decided that they would brave the cold and ride practice.
Slightly frozen and numb, the boys arrived back at the camper just in time to eat a warm breakfast sandwich and head out to watch the morning race. The MTB munchkins all loaded up in the Hedin’s Mule and off we headed to the starting line. There was a slight delay in start time because of an incident during practice, so we had to endure the chilly wind a bit longer than planned. The first class got off the line at 11:00 and Trey, Austin, Garrett (Austin’s friend), and I headed to the creek crossing behind the pee-wee track as we had done yesterday. Not only did this spot provide great viewing, but it was also warm and sheltered from the freezing north wind. However, the boys had to get back to the camper to grab a sandwich and get prepared for their race, so we headed back after only one lap.
As we do on most race days, the time before Trey’s race is spent relaxing and making sure that everything is ready to go. Trey had a slight issue during practice with the new brake line he installed yesterday, so they worked on that for a short time and were able to resolve the problem with plenty of time to spare. Then it was a quick sandwich and final preparations for the race. I prepped the CamelBak and goggles while Trey took care of his gear and the bike. As we were working on these final tasks we were pleasantly surprised when Keith offered to let Trey wear his helmet camera. I immediately handed the goggles over to Keith and he got it all set up for us. This was going to be a novel experience for us, as we have never seen the track from Trey’s viewpoint.
As usual, the time passed quickly and it was nearly 1:30 before we knew it. Down to the last few minutes, I made final arrangements for Brianna and handed her the CamelBak loaded down with snacks, Benadryl, and water. I hopped on the back of Trey’s bike and we were headed to the line. Because of the cold weather his bike did not want to start, so while he took his final potty break I was assigned to “revving up” the bike to help get it warm. As I stood there in the cold with the near deafening sounds of the bikes all around me, I was entranced by the amount of power I was holding at the mere twist of the throttle. All I could think about was how incredible it would feel to hop on the bike and take it for a lap around the track. Then I snapped back into reality and I realized that I would probably kill myself. It was about that time that Trey made his way back to the bike and resumed the job of bike warming. Our next few minutes were devoted to Keith’s helmet cam. I verified the directions and prepared for my new job as “helmet cam operator”. Trey took a moment to speak with his competitors and performed final checks on the bike and his gear.
The moment had arrived…the horn sounded and the first line was off. Only four minutes left. My new job had made me a bit uneasy, so I went ahead and pressed the power button and pushed the record button into the proper position. The helmet cam was up and running! Trey took his position on the line and I took my position holding the bike. The horn blew, we exchanged “I love you’s”, and Trey kicked the starter. Apparently I was not a qualified “bike warmer” because the bike failed to start on the first two tries. As they say, “the third time is the charm” – the bike started and Trey was off the line. Austin followed behind him after having starting issues as well.
After the final class got off the line Mimi and I headed for the creek crossing. The rest of the MTB Gang headed to various spots on the course to find the premier viewing locale. For the MTB munchkins that place seemed to have a great deal of dirt in which they could build sand castles. Mimi and I enjoyed our spot as we got to see the riders select various lines. Some turned out to be a good selection, while others decided to try a new line the next time through. Like this morning, this location provided shelter from the wind and at one point it was almost warm enough to take off our sweatshirts. Even with the AA riders flying through as if they were one with their bike and the sun keeping us warm, the best part of watching the race from this spot is that I got to see my sweetheart jump the creek. He didn’t take the “safe” route as he has so many times in the past, but he “Cowboyed Up” and rode to his capabilities. Regardless of his finishing position, I am proud of him for pushing himself! Great race, Darling!
As the race concluded, Trey came off of the track in 9th place. We chatted for a few moments at the finish and Brie climbed on the bike to head back to the MTB compound with her daddy. The rest of us grabbed our chairs and made our way back through the mud. Our camping adventure had come to an end. The time had come to devote our energy to packing up…once again! The cold weather was an inspiring presence to encourage us to hurry the process along. As we were finishing the process Keith made the unfortunate discovery that their camper would not start. Luckily, through the use of two sets of jumper cables the boys were able to get it going. Before we knew it the kids were loaded in the Hedin’s rig and we were all headed to Pizza Hut for a nice warm dinner.
When we arrived, we left the front parking spot to the Hedin’s. They had discovered that the problem originated with the battery-generator connection and once it was turned off it would not start again. Everyone quickly piled out of their respective rides and made a cold dash for the warmth of the Pizza Hut dining room. What a surprise it was to us all to discover that Pizza Hut was not equipped with a heating unit. So, out we ran to the campers to unpack all of the sweatshirts that we had just packed up. Although it was a chilly dining experience, the pizza and the company was terrific.
With our bellies full we loaded up to finish up the drive home. Another race weekend had truly come to an end. It was time to unload and clean out our weekend home…until the next time!
“Okay, we’ll leave by 4:30!” Well that didn’t happen! After final preparations and last minute inspections of bags and bays, we got on our way by around 6:00. We made a quick stop at the Frostproof McDonalds and we were on the road for the two hour drive to Myakka City. This race was another relatively close one with a pleasant evening drive. We encountered a bit of rain as we neared our arrival, but barely enough to dampen the roads.
When we arrived, the Hedin’s already had their rig set up and Michael, Michelle, and Mikey J. were completing the final tasks for their setup (McKenzie stayed home with Mimi to go to a birthday party). We picked our parking spot and began our setup process. The air was damp and the temperature was around 40 degrees, so we got organized quickly. Our setup was complete in record time! Of course the frigid weather did not stop the munchkins from enjoying each other’s company. They went right on ahead running around and tackling each other onto the cold, damp ground…and loving every moment! Our evening socializing, and the kids’ playtime, was cut short by the chilliness though. It wasn’t long before we all headed into our warm, cozy campers for a good night’s sleep.
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Our camper must have been extremely warm and cozy this morning because even Trey slept in until 8:30. It was about that same time that I heard my Angel inquiring about the location of her donuts. That was my cue to get my warm self out of bed and begin my day. I got Brie her donuts and peeked outside to check out the weather. The thermometer that we installed last night was reading 40 degrees and there was a light, but steady mist. I took my time getting ready while Brianna watched a few episodes of her newest Scooby-Doo series that Santa brought her. Trey on the other hand, got up and going fairy quickly and was headed outside to see what was going on.
Michael was already warming up his quad and preparing himself for his morning practice. Michael J. was following in his Daddy’s footsteps and getting his gear on as well. Trey went out with Michelle to Mikey’s quad practice and his Daddy joined them after his practice was over. Brianna and I chose to stay in the camper for this excursion and let the rest of the MTB crew handle pee-wee practice. Brianna and I passed the time watching a bit more Scooby-Doo and playing games. The crew soon arrived back at the campers and spent some time relaxing as well.
The time passed quickly and before we knew it, we were all out at the start of Mikey’s race. The official called for hands on their heads and the horn sounded. As always it was an exciting start – some are quick, some a bit slower – but it is always exciting. Then, as if another horn had sounded, the parents raced to snag a prime viewing position on the track. Brie, Trey, and I opted for the back portion of the course. The whole track was pretty muddy and we managed to find a corner with mud, roots, and trees – it doesn’t get much better than that. We witnessed a few rear end collisions and almost got to see a few riders turn upside down, but fortunately there were no major incidents. Both Karlee and Michael J. seem to be getting faster and more confident with each racing experience. Way to go, Munchkins!!!
It was back to the campers and time for lunch for the MTB Gang. In an unusual change to our routine, lunch was served inside our campers and very little lunchtime socializing was done. All of this thanks to the frosty weather. Now it was time to wait until Michael’s 3:30 quad race. Trey had some work to do on his bike, so Brie and I explored her new travel games. They all have little holders for the extra pieces and they fold up so neatly. Where was that kind of stuff when I was a kid??? Anyway, we played, watched TV, and snacked until it was time to pack up and head to watch Michael.
As with the start of the pee-wee races, the big-boy starts never fail to provide quality entertainment. We saw one well-maneuvered spinout, as well as the #1 quad racer miss the double greens and have to turn around to come back and go through them. Michael got a solid start in the middle of the pack and was off to endure an hour and a half of pain and pleasure in the freezing cold. Since we were unsure of the whereabouts of the rest of the MTB Gang, Trey, Brianna, and I headed to find an interesting viewing spot. We ended up near the backside of the pee-wee track watching a hill and a creek crossing. It was amazing to see the mud that had covered the quads and the racers as they came barreling across the creek. Although it was chilly, our spot allowed us to see the racers use their various skills to maneuver diverse terrain. Unable to feel his extremities, Michael pushed through and completed the race in second place. It was another positive finish for MTB Sports.
After seeing Michael’s final pass through our viewing area, the three of us headed back to the camper to get warm and check in with the rest of the MTB Gang. As we walked into the MTB compound (AKA our camping area), we saw a rather distressed version of Michael rolling around on the ground and Michelle pulling on his boot. Okay, we saw him five minutes ago…did he break his leg in the last few miles of the race and make it back to the compound?! After some inquiry we determined that he was suffering from cramps in his calves. That doesn’t sound so bad, but amazingly it can bring about pain unlike any other. After a minute or two of stretching, the old Michael was back and headed in to take a shower. Whew…no hospital visit today!
Racing was done for the day and everyone was ready to get warm and relax. Trey and Michelle decided that they needed snacks from the ice cream man and endured the freezing cold to go and get them. When Trey returned, our camper was full of munchkins – Karlee, Kalob, Karson, and Brie had all gathered in our warmth to watch a movie and play. However, it only took them a moment to realize that “Uncle Trey” had warm boiled peanuts. In less a minute our table was surrounded by munchkins popping open peanuts and gobbling them down. From two year olds to adults – the ice cream man’s boiled peanuts were a hit.
Soon it was off to our individual campers to eat some dinner. Our normal outdoor dinner gathering was just not going to happen in the 36 degree weather. A quick meal of hot dogs and soup filled our bellies and we were ready for whatever the night had in store. For Brianna, that meant more playing with her friends, followed by the remainder of “A Bug’s Life” and bedtime. Trey spent the time trying to figure out the most effective technique for keeping his bike from freezing during the night. With the low expected to be 28 degrees for a sustained period of time this was a valid concern. He decided to treat the bike like a plant and cover it with a blanket (or two) and hope for the best. I spent my evening chatting with Mimi, who had just arrived, and writing.
Aside from the always entertaining racing that occurred today, our time was rather uneventful. Extreme weather conditions seem to have a considerable effect on our camping routine. However, as always the MTB Sports Gang had an AWESOME day of racing! Can’t wait until tomorrow – the high is supposed to be in the 50’s!!! I never thought that I would be glad for the 50’s!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
To practice or not to practice…that is the question of the morning. The temperature is just above freezing and the track will likely change quite a bit before the race, so is there any point? On the other hand it is an opportunity to get some ride time on challenging terrain and get a feel for the track before race time. After a chilly discussion, the boys (Austin, Steven, and Trey) decided that they would brave the cold and ride practice.
Slightly frozen and numb, the boys arrived back at the camper just in time to eat a warm breakfast sandwich and head out to watch the morning race. The MTB munchkins all loaded up in the Hedin’s Mule and off we headed to the starting line. There was a slight delay in start time because of an incident during practice, so we had to endure the chilly wind a bit longer than planned. The first class got off the line at 11:00 and Trey, Austin, Garrett (Austin’s friend), and I headed to the creek crossing behind the pee-wee track as we had done yesterday. Not only did this spot provide great viewing, but it was also warm and sheltered from the freezing north wind. However, the boys had to get back to the camper to grab a sandwich and get prepared for their race, so we headed back after only one lap.
As we do on most race days, the time before Trey’s race is spent relaxing and making sure that everything is ready to go. Trey had a slight issue during practice with the new brake line he installed yesterday, so they worked on that for a short time and were able to resolve the problem with plenty of time to spare. Then it was a quick sandwich and final preparations for the race. I prepped the CamelBak and goggles while Trey took care of his gear and the bike. As we were working on these final tasks we were pleasantly surprised when Keith offered to let Trey wear his helmet camera. I immediately handed the goggles over to Keith and he got it all set up for us. This was going to be a novel experience for us, as we have never seen the track from Trey’s viewpoint.
As usual, the time passed quickly and it was nearly 1:30 before we knew it. Down to the last few minutes, I made final arrangements for Brianna and handed her the CamelBak loaded down with snacks, Benadryl, and water. I hopped on the back of Trey’s bike and we were headed to the line. Because of the cold weather his bike did not want to start, so while he took his final potty break I was assigned to “revving up” the bike to help get it warm. As I stood there in the cold with the near deafening sounds of the bikes all around me, I was entranced by the amount of power I was holding at the mere twist of the throttle. All I could think about was how incredible it would feel to hop on the bike and take it for a lap around the track. Then I snapped back into reality and I realized that I would probably kill myself. It was about that time that Trey made his way back to the bike and resumed the job of bike warming. Our next few minutes were devoted to Keith’s helmet cam. I verified the directions and prepared for my new job as “helmet cam operator”. Trey took a moment to speak with his competitors and performed final checks on the bike and his gear.
The moment had arrived…the horn sounded and the first line was off. Only four minutes left. My new job had made me a bit uneasy, so I went ahead and pressed the power button and pushed the record button into the proper position. The helmet cam was up and running! Trey took his position on the line and I took my position holding the bike. The horn blew, we exchanged “I love you’s”, and Trey kicked the starter. Apparently I was not a qualified “bike warmer” because the bike failed to start on the first two tries. As they say, “the third time is the charm” – the bike started and Trey was off the line. Austin followed behind him after having starting issues as well.
After the final class got off the line Mimi and I headed for the creek crossing. The rest of the MTB Gang headed to various spots on the course to find the premier viewing locale. For the MTB munchkins that place seemed to have a great deal of dirt in which they could build sand castles. Mimi and I enjoyed our spot as we got to see the riders select various lines. Some turned out to be a good selection, while others decided to try a new line the next time through. Like this morning, this location provided shelter from the wind and at one point it was almost warm enough to take off our sweatshirts. Even with the AA riders flying through as if they were one with their bike and the sun keeping us warm, the best part of watching the race from this spot is that I got to see my sweetheart jump the creek. He didn’t take the “safe” route as he has so many times in the past, but he “Cowboyed Up” and rode to his capabilities. Regardless of his finishing position, I am proud of him for pushing himself! Great race, Darling!
As the race concluded, Trey came off of the track in 9th place. We chatted for a few moments at the finish and Brie climbed on the bike to head back to the MTB compound with her daddy. The rest of us grabbed our chairs and made our way back through the mud. Our camping adventure had come to an end. The time had come to devote our energy to packing up…once again! The cold weather was an inspiring presence to encourage us to hurry the process along. As we were finishing the process Keith made the unfortunate discovery that their camper would not start. Luckily, through the use of two sets of jumper cables the boys were able to get it going. Before we knew it the kids were loaded in the Hedin’s rig and we were all headed to Pizza Hut for a nice warm dinner.
When we arrived, we left the front parking spot to the Hedin’s. They had discovered that the problem originated with the battery-generator connection and once it was turned off it would not start again. Everyone quickly piled out of their respective rides and made a cold dash for the warmth of the Pizza Hut dining room. What a surprise it was to us all to discover that Pizza Hut was not equipped with a heating unit. So, out we ran to the campers to unpack all of the sweatshirts that we had just packed up. Although it was a chilly dining experience, the pizza and the company was terrific.
With our bellies full we loaded up to finish up the drive home. Another race weekend had truly come to an end. It was time to unload and clean out our weekend home…until the next time!
Brooksville 12-31-09
Thursday, December 31, 2010
The MTB Sports gang got on the road at about 10:00 this morning. The weather was cool, but the clear blue skies and sunshine made the two hour drive to Brooksville quite enjoyable. After a quick lunch stop at the local McDonalds, we were back on the road for the last 15 minutes of our relatively short journey.
As members of the club, we were able to arrive at the track a day early and search out the premier parking and camping location. The back corner of the club parking, by a large oak tree, seemed the perfect spot for the munchkins to run around and play. However, the club decided that our generators would disturb the tent campers, so we moved to the next best spot a little further up. This seemed to meet everyone’s approval.
As usual, we spent the next little while setting up the campers and getting organized. Stephanie decided to be a part of the MTB gang this weekend, so Michelle filled her in on the ins and outs of camping shower and bathroom etiquette. The kids got into their camping routine quickly and began running around and playing while the adults continued setting up.
We then set out to enjoy one of the other perks of having our club host the race. We got the kids geared up and headed out to the pee-wee track for some free ride time. Michael J. hopped on his quad and took off – ready to go. Brie was a bit tentative, so Trey led she and I – with me hanging on tightly to the fenders – around the track for her first practice lap on a real race course. We spent most of the afternoon at the pee-wee track taking turns riding the quads and the TTR 50. By the end of practice Mikey J. had improved his lap time, Brianna was more comfortable on a racetrack, and McKenzie was enjoying riding around the track with her Daddy and Brie. A successful afternoon for the MTB Munchkins!
A new experience was in store for the two Michelle’s in the late afternoon. Michael and Trey decided that they wanted us to experience what they do on race day. So, we threw on our helmets (Michelle had to wear McKenzie’s…which didn’t exactly fit) and hopped on behind our husbands. Off we went, not sure exactly how well having a tag along on the back of a quad or bike was going to work on a harescramble track. After a good 30 minute ride, the MTB wives have a completely new respect for our husbands’ abilities. Maneuvering through the tight woods, in and out of trees, up and down hills, around tight corners, and through mud and sand cannot be easy with someone sitting behind you holding on to your shirt for dear life. All in all, I hope we get to do that again!!!!
The club was providing fried turkey for the club members for dinner, so while we were waiting, the MTB gang decided to wander around and get some ideas for how we were going to handle the GNCC camping. We found a few enclosed trailers that seemed workable, as well as a two room tent with sleeping room for two queen size air mattresses. I say we go with the enclosed trailer, but the tent would save a lot of money. We’ll have to debate that a bit more when the time comes.
The club dinner was fabulous. The pot luck choices made a great addition to the wonderful flavor of the five turkeys that they fried. Dessert finished it all off with the sweet taste of brownies, chocolate mousse cake, and a variety of pies.
The remainder of the evening was spent by Michael’s campfire. The boys worked on Trey’s bike; Michelle, Steph, and Michael J. played “Tip It”, the girls did girlie stuff, and I worked on crossword puzzles. Everyone was relaxing and enjoying the blue moon (which we won’t see again for another 15-20 years) until Michael had to mess with the fire. Okay, so it wasn’t his fault, but all of a sudden the grass beneath the fire pit was ablaze. Michael was trying to kick dirt on it and stomp it out, Trey grabbed our 7 gallon water container and began pouring water on it, and Michelle grabbed a little water bottle. The rest of us…we just sat and watched. The newly appointed MTB fire squad saved the day, well night.
Once the excitement ceased our activities resumed, until the rain started. Then it was a frenzy of people covering generators, chairs, bikes, and quads. It was about 10:00 anyway, so we decided to head inside and get ready for bed. We knew tomorrow would be a day filled with excitement, especially for the MTB munchkins. Good night to all and Happy New Year!!!!
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year!!!!! What an exciting feeling, to wake up on the first day of a new year. Trey was starting the year off with a morning run and I was enjoying sleeping in (Pea-Pod was enjoying it too!). That worked out well for us girls, as the rain from last night was not ceasing and the wind had picked up, but Trey was going for his run anyway. As he opened the camper door at the completion of his run, soaked basically from head to toe I realized how proud of him I should be. He started the New Year out right, no matter what Mother Nature had in store. Brie and I were still lazing in bed.
So, I finally got up and got ready to face the world. Brie wanted some pancakes, so I set up the generators and the griddle. We prepared the pancake mix and we were ready to get started, when the clouds really let loose. The pancakes got soaked on the griddle and I was a mess. Brie and McKenzie had escaped to the safety of the camper and left me to handle the cooking. Needless to say, six pancakes were the only things to get cooked.
Meanwhile Trey, Michael, and Mikey J. set off toward the pasture to work on the track. The cows had eaten many of the arrows and knocked down a few of the posts, so their job was to get everything back to race-ready. They had planned to be back in about an hour, but with the downpour, it was a good two hours before they arrived back for lunch. Not long after shoving down an amazing chicken salad sandwich (thanks Daddy!), they were back on the track hard at work. Michelle, Stephanie, the munchkins, and I made a Wal-Mart run for a new pair of boots (Trey’s got destroyed in the mud) and a few others odds and ends.
The boys returned to the camper shortly after we returned from Wal-Mart and the MTB Sports gang decided to explore the track on foot. Trey, Stephanie, Brie, Kenzie, and I headed for “The Claw” while the rest of the gang helped the Hedins unpack. By the time we had mastered “The Claw”, “The Log”, and a number of other hills we had one muddy tush and some dirty hands, but we had a great adventure. As we headed toward the motocross track, we ran into the rest of the gang and spent some more time on the muddy hills.
By this time we were all ready for a hearty dinner – cheeseburgers and Amish macaroni salad (the Amish macaroni salad from Wal-Mart has become a favorite of the MTB gang). As we were preparing this seemingly appropriate camping meal, Michelle and I realized that it was New Year’s Day and we hadn’t prepared our New Year’s food. We scurried in to round up our canned black-eyed peas, canned collard greens, and the slab of hog fat (better known as hog jowls). Steph took over the indoor cooking and I handled the outside food preparation. I thought I was going to freeze to death, but I managed to survive and we all enjoyed a tasty dinner.
The evening concluded as usual with the kids playing and the adults chit-chatting about anything and everything. Another incredible day at the races!!!!
Saturday, January 02, 2010
So the morning started a bit off track since Trey overslept and was late heading out to his work post. Fortunately he was able to get on his way quickly and the rest of the gang got back into our Saturday routine. Michael headed out to his practice and Mimi arrived a bit before Mikey J. headed out to his pee-wee practice. As usual watching practice was interesting – anywhere from 50cc to 90cc quads with munchkins from 4-11 years old all on the track at the same time. Mikey had fun though and made it through…even Karlee was out there this weekend.
Then it was back to the camper to chill out until Mikey J.’s race. A bit of playing was in store for the kids and more chatting for the adults. It wasn’t too long before it was Mikey J.’s time to race. The MTB gang (now known as Mikey J.’s cheering squad) was strategically placed over the track – prepared to rescue anyone from a tree or perhaps a pile up in a tight corner. Luckily no one needed rescuing and the race was a success. Michael J. finished ____ and received a participation medal.
Lunch and more relaxing was in store for the next few hours while we waited until time for Michael to race. As the day progressed we realized that the weather forecast was on target this time and a cold front was upon us. So we grabbed our hoodies, beanies, gloves, sweaters, blankets, and a Snuggie (yes…Stephanie has a Snuggie) and hiked out to the track to watch Michael race. Thankfully the afternoon sun kept us warm for the first half of the race, but as the sun sank down behind the trees the north wind made it extremely chilly.
More important than the comfort of the MTB spectators, Michael got off the line in second place. As he passed Trey in the pasture he had acquired first place. Unfortunately he crashed not long after and was back to the end of his class. He toughed it out and made it through, which paid off in the end. Another rider dropped out and Michael finished in second.
Then it was back to the campers for another camp meal. Michelle was in charge tonight and got busy stirring her huge pot of chili. So, Steph and I made a quick trip to the gas station to get gas for the generators (a couple of limeades from Sonic were our reward for the trip). By the time we got back the boys had finished eating and were headed to the Harescramble Committee Meeting. I decided to join them just to hear what issues were being discussed, so I grabbed my bowl of chili – and a warm blanket – and went to the sign up tent. After a good hour of discussion and not accomplishing too much, I thought I should get back to check on my munchkin. It was just too cold to do much socializing tonight so the munchkins watched a bit of Curious George and we all headed to bed. Yet another fabulous day for the MTB gang!!!! Looking forward to tomorrow!!!!
Sunday, January 03, 2010
So, this morning started at about 4:30 when Trey noticed that the camper was unusually chilly. After trying to get the furnace to put out some heat, he realized that we were out of propane in the active tank. In a valiant effort to rescue the ladies from what seemed to be turning into an ice box, Trey ran outside to switch the tanks – in his underwear! Did I mention that the temperature was barely 30 degrees??? Needless to say, he made a mad dash back inside the camper and slid beneath the covers. We quickly fell back to sleep for another few hours of warmth.
7:30 came too quickly, but Trey was up and ready to head out to practice. While he walked in the freezing cold to sign-up, I threw together an egg sandwich. Soon after gobbling down breakfast he was geared up and heading out to the track. My Angel was still snoozing, so I went ahead and got ready to go. This included my thermal undies (shirt and pants) as well as a long sleeve shirt, hoodie, jeans, two pairs of socks, and my boots. At a little after 10:00 Brie finally awoke. She hastily brushed her teeth and piled on the same layers as her mommy. We just aren’t used to the chilly weather.
The Saturday races were not permitted to use “The Claw” or any of the surrounding area, so Trey wanted to go out and watch the Sunday morning racers attempt the challenge. Most who tried any of the three uphills made it without a struggle, but there are always a few who have difficulties and today was no exception. We witnessed a few bobbles, as well as a few complete failures, but fortunately no injuries.
Soon it was time to head back and start the preparations for Trey’s race. Brie was completely enthralled with watching the excitement at “The Claw” so she opted to hang out with the rest of the MTB gang (except Michael, who was working the race). Trey and I ate a simple lunch and suddenly realized that time had flown by – it was time for serious race preparations. My next 30 minutes or so consisted of filling Camelbak’s (one for Trey and one for Brie), bandaging various sensitive areas, prepping goggles, etc. Trey spent his time getting on his many layers of gear (some for protection and some for the cold) and trying to relax as it was nearing 12:45.
As usual we finished the preparations just in time to head to the line. I left Brie (equipped her Camelbak and snacks) with the MTB gang, grabbed my Thermos and my chair, and hopped on the bike with Trey. After four days of camping it was finally time to do what he was here for. We approached his line, the fifth row back, and took one of the few spots that were left. He didn’t have the best starting location, but he usually doesn’t. As 1:00 drew near, Trey took his last potty break and spoke with a few of his competitors.
Finally the horn blew – only four minutes to go. The time flew by and soon row four was gone. One minute to go – the B250 boys moved to their line and, as always, Trey told me he loved me. Each competitor on the line was looking at his bike (probably hoping that one of us holding their bikes for them didn’t drop it). The horn blew and they were off. Unfortunately, Trey’s bike didn’t start (not uncommon) and he got off of the line in 18th place. There was one competitor that had worse luck than him and started last. As the laps went by Trey managed to make up time, completing the race in 11th place. A pretty good finish for the MTB Sports team.
The MTB gang gathered up our chairs, snacks, blankets, gloves, etc. and headed to finish to hear all the ups and downs of the race. It seems Trey made some great moves and had a few bobbles, but he got some more ride time and finished in one piece. It is all part of the work necessary to reach the ultimate goal. Three years, Baby. Keep pushing!!!
The next hour or so was spent cleaning and packing up the mess that it took us four days to create. Amazingly we were not the last ones to leave (we usually are). After a final check to ensure that the camper bays were locked and our antennas were down properly, the MTB Sports gang was on their way to dinner – Waffle House here we come.
Dinner together on the way home from our races has been a tradition since Trey and I started our racing journeys five or so years ago. It’s nice to sit down for a few minutes and discuss the highlights of the weekend – and the track. It took about two hours to get home, which is a short journey compared to most, leaving us time to get the camper unpacked before heading in to relax.
Our New Year’s race weekend has come to an end – too soon! Tomorrow we head back to our normal lives. But I am thankful for another safe and fun race weekend with my family. I am looking forward to a busy week of cleaning and re-packing to do it again next weekend – the Myakka City make-up race!!!!
The MTB Sports gang got on the road at about 10:00 this morning. The weather was cool, but the clear blue skies and sunshine made the two hour drive to Brooksville quite enjoyable. After a quick lunch stop at the local McDonalds, we were back on the road for the last 15 minutes of our relatively short journey.
As members of the club, we were able to arrive at the track a day early and search out the premier parking and camping location. The back corner of the club parking, by a large oak tree, seemed the perfect spot for the munchkins to run around and play. However, the club decided that our generators would disturb the tent campers, so we moved to the next best spot a little further up. This seemed to meet everyone’s approval.
As usual, we spent the next little while setting up the campers and getting organized. Stephanie decided to be a part of the MTB gang this weekend, so Michelle filled her in on the ins and outs of camping shower and bathroom etiquette. The kids got into their camping routine quickly and began running around and playing while the adults continued setting up.
We then set out to enjoy one of the other perks of having our club host the race. We got the kids geared up and headed out to the pee-wee track for some free ride time. Michael J. hopped on his quad and took off – ready to go. Brie was a bit tentative, so Trey led she and I – with me hanging on tightly to the fenders – around the track for her first practice lap on a real race course. We spent most of the afternoon at the pee-wee track taking turns riding the quads and the TTR 50. By the end of practice Mikey J. had improved his lap time, Brianna was more comfortable on a racetrack, and McKenzie was enjoying riding around the track with her Daddy and Brie. A successful afternoon for the MTB Munchkins!
A new experience was in store for the two Michelle’s in the late afternoon. Michael and Trey decided that they wanted us to experience what they do on race day. So, we threw on our helmets (Michelle had to wear McKenzie’s…which didn’t exactly fit) and hopped on behind our husbands. Off we went, not sure exactly how well having a tag along on the back of a quad or bike was going to work on a harescramble track. After a good 30 minute ride, the MTB wives have a completely new respect for our husbands’ abilities. Maneuvering through the tight woods, in and out of trees, up and down hills, around tight corners, and through mud and sand cannot be easy with someone sitting behind you holding on to your shirt for dear life. All in all, I hope we get to do that again!!!!
The club was providing fried turkey for the club members for dinner, so while we were waiting, the MTB gang decided to wander around and get some ideas for how we were going to handle the GNCC camping. We found a few enclosed trailers that seemed workable, as well as a two room tent with sleeping room for two queen size air mattresses. I say we go with the enclosed trailer, but the tent would save a lot of money. We’ll have to debate that a bit more when the time comes.
The club dinner was fabulous. The pot luck choices made a great addition to the wonderful flavor of the five turkeys that they fried. Dessert finished it all off with the sweet taste of brownies, chocolate mousse cake, and a variety of pies.
The remainder of the evening was spent by Michael’s campfire. The boys worked on Trey’s bike; Michelle, Steph, and Michael J. played “Tip It”, the girls did girlie stuff, and I worked on crossword puzzles. Everyone was relaxing and enjoying the blue moon (which we won’t see again for another 15-20 years) until Michael had to mess with the fire. Okay, so it wasn’t his fault, but all of a sudden the grass beneath the fire pit was ablaze. Michael was trying to kick dirt on it and stomp it out, Trey grabbed our 7 gallon water container and began pouring water on it, and Michelle grabbed a little water bottle. The rest of us…we just sat and watched. The newly appointed MTB fire squad saved the day, well night.
Once the excitement ceased our activities resumed, until the rain started. Then it was a frenzy of people covering generators, chairs, bikes, and quads. It was about 10:00 anyway, so we decided to head inside and get ready for bed. We knew tomorrow would be a day filled with excitement, especially for the MTB munchkins. Good night to all and Happy New Year!!!!
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year!!!!! What an exciting feeling, to wake up on the first day of a new year. Trey was starting the year off with a morning run and I was enjoying sleeping in (Pea-Pod was enjoying it too!). That worked out well for us girls, as the rain from last night was not ceasing and the wind had picked up, but Trey was going for his run anyway. As he opened the camper door at the completion of his run, soaked basically from head to toe I realized how proud of him I should be. He started the New Year out right, no matter what Mother Nature had in store. Brie and I were still lazing in bed.
So, I finally got up and got ready to face the world. Brie wanted some pancakes, so I set up the generators and the griddle. We prepared the pancake mix and we were ready to get started, when the clouds really let loose. The pancakes got soaked on the griddle and I was a mess. Brie and McKenzie had escaped to the safety of the camper and left me to handle the cooking. Needless to say, six pancakes were the only things to get cooked.
Meanwhile Trey, Michael, and Mikey J. set off toward the pasture to work on the track. The cows had eaten many of the arrows and knocked down a few of the posts, so their job was to get everything back to race-ready. They had planned to be back in about an hour, but with the downpour, it was a good two hours before they arrived back for lunch. Not long after shoving down an amazing chicken salad sandwich (thanks Daddy!), they were back on the track hard at work. Michelle, Stephanie, the munchkins, and I made a Wal-Mart run for a new pair of boots (Trey’s got destroyed in the mud) and a few others odds and ends.
The boys returned to the camper shortly after we returned from Wal-Mart and the MTB Sports gang decided to explore the track on foot. Trey, Stephanie, Brie, Kenzie, and I headed for “The Claw” while the rest of the gang helped the Hedins unpack. By the time we had mastered “The Claw”, “The Log”, and a number of other hills we had one muddy tush and some dirty hands, but we had a great adventure. As we headed toward the motocross track, we ran into the rest of the gang and spent some more time on the muddy hills.
By this time we were all ready for a hearty dinner – cheeseburgers and Amish macaroni salad (the Amish macaroni salad from Wal-Mart has become a favorite of the MTB gang). As we were preparing this seemingly appropriate camping meal, Michelle and I realized that it was New Year’s Day and we hadn’t prepared our New Year’s food. We scurried in to round up our canned black-eyed peas, canned collard greens, and the slab of hog fat (better known as hog jowls). Steph took over the indoor cooking and I handled the outside food preparation. I thought I was going to freeze to death, but I managed to survive and we all enjoyed a tasty dinner.
The evening concluded as usual with the kids playing and the adults chit-chatting about anything and everything. Another incredible day at the races!!!!
Saturday, January 02, 2010
So the morning started a bit off track since Trey overslept and was late heading out to his work post. Fortunately he was able to get on his way quickly and the rest of the gang got back into our Saturday routine. Michael headed out to his practice and Mimi arrived a bit before Mikey J. headed out to his pee-wee practice. As usual watching practice was interesting – anywhere from 50cc to 90cc quads with munchkins from 4-11 years old all on the track at the same time. Mikey had fun though and made it through…even Karlee was out there this weekend.
Then it was back to the camper to chill out until Mikey J.’s race. A bit of playing was in store for the kids and more chatting for the adults. It wasn’t too long before it was Mikey J.’s time to race. The MTB gang (now known as Mikey J.’s cheering squad) was strategically placed over the track – prepared to rescue anyone from a tree or perhaps a pile up in a tight corner. Luckily no one needed rescuing and the race was a success. Michael J. finished ____ and received a participation medal.
Lunch and more relaxing was in store for the next few hours while we waited until time for Michael to race. As the day progressed we realized that the weather forecast was on target this time and a cold front was upon us. So we grabbed our hoodies, beanies, gloves, sweaters, blankets, and a Snuggie (yes…Stephanie has a Snuggie) and hiked out to the track to watch Michael race. Thankfully the afternoon sun kept us warm for the first half of the race, but as the sun sank down behind the trees the north wind made it extremely chilly.
More important than the comfort of the MTB spectators, Michael got off the line in second place. As he passed Trey in the pasture he had acquired first place. Unfortunately he crashed not long after and was back to the end of his class. He toughed it out and made it through, which paid off in the end. Another rider dropped out and Michael finished in second.
Then it was back to the campers for another camp meal. Michelle was in charge tonight and got busy stirring her huge pot of chili. So, Steph and I made a quick trip to the gas station to get gas for the generators (a couple of limeades from Sonic were our reward for the trip). By the time we got back the boys had finished eating and were headed to the Harescramble Committee Meeting. I decided to join them just to hear what issues were being discussed, so I grabbed my bowl of chili – and a warm blanket – and went to the sign up tent. After a good hour of discussion and not accomplishing too much, I thought I should get back to check on my munchkin. It was just too cold to do much socializing tonight so the munchkins watched a bit of Curious George and we all headed to bed. Yet another fabulous day for the MTB gang!!!! Looking forward to tomorrow!!!!
Sunday, January 03, 2010
So, this morning started at about 4:30 when Trey noticed that the camper was unusually chilly. After trying to get the furnace to put out some heat, he realized that we were out of propane in the active tank. In a valiant effort to rescue the ladies from what seemed to be turning into an ice box, Trey ran outside to switch the tanks – in his underwear! Did I mention that the temperature was barely 30 degrees??? Needless to say, he made a mad dash back inside the camper and slid beneath the covers. We quickly fell back to sleep for another few hours of warmth.
7:30 came too quickly, but Trey was up and ready to head out to practice. While he walked in the freezing cold to sign-up, I threw together an egg sandwich. Soon after gobbling down breakfast he was geared up and heading out to the track. My Angel was still snoozing, so I went ahead and got ready to go. This included my thermal undies (shirt and pants) as well as a long sleeve shirt, hoodie, jeans, two pairs of socks, and my boots. At a little after 10:00 Brie finally awoke. She hastily brushed her teeth and piled on the same layers as her mommy. We just aren’t used to the chilly weather.
The Saturday races were not permitted to use “The Claw” or any of the surrounding area, so Trey wanted to go out and watch the Sunday morning racers attempt the challenge. Most who tried any of the three uphills made it without a struggle, but there are always a few who have difficulties and today was no exception. We witnessed a few bobbles, as well as a few complete failures, but fortunately no injuries.
Soon it was time to head back and start the preparations for Trey’s race. Brie was completely enthralled with watching the excitement at “The Claw” so she opted to hang out with the rest of the MTB gang (except Michael, who was working the race). Trey and I ate a simple lunch and suddenly realized that time had flown by – it was time for serious race preparations. My next 30 minutes or so consisted of filling Camelbak’s (one for Trey and one for Brie), bandaging various sensitive areas, prepping goggles, etc. Trey spent his time getting on his many layers of gear (some for protection and some for the cold) and trying to relax as it was nearing 12:45.
As usual we finished the preparations just in time to head to the line. I left Brie (equipped her Camelbak and snacks) with the MTB gang, grabbed my Thermos and my chair, and hopped on the bike with Trey. After four days of camping it was finally time to do what he was here for. We approached his line, the fifth row back, and took one of the few spots that were left. He didn’t have the best starting location, but he usually doesn’t. As 1:00 drew near, Trey took his last potty break and spoke with a few of his competitors.
Finally the horn blew – only four minutes to go. The time flew by and soon row four was gone. One minute to go – the B250 boys moved to their line and, as always, Trey told me he loved me. Each competitor on the line was looking at his bike (probably hoping that one of us holding their bikes for them didn’t drop it). The horn blew and they were off. Unfortunately, Trey’s bike didn’t start (not uncommon) and he got off of the line in 18th place. There was one competitor that had worse luck than him and started last. As the laps went by Trey managed to make up time, completing the race in 11th place. A pretty good finish for the MTB Sports team.
The MTB gang gathered up our chairs, snacks, blankets, gloves, etc. and headed to finish to hear all the ups and downs of the race. It seems Trey made some great moves and had a few bobbles, but he got some more ride time and finished in one piece. It is all part of the work necessary to reach the ultimate goal. Three years, Baby. Keep pushing!!!
The next hour or so was spent cleaning and packing up the mess that it took us four days to create. Amazingly we were not the last ones to leave (we usually are). After a final check to ensure that the camper bays were locked and our antennas were down properly, the MTB Sports gang was on their way to dinner – Waffle House here we come.
Dinner together on the way home from our races has been a tradition since Trey and I started our racing journeys five or so years ago. It’s nice to sit down for a few minutes and discuss the highlights of the weekend – and the track. It took about two hours to get home, which is a short journey compared to most, leaving us time to get the camper unpacked before heading in to relax.
Our New Year’s race weekend has come to an end – too soon! Tomorrow we head back to our normal lives. But I am thankful for another safe and fun race weekend with my family. I am looking forward to a busy week of cleaning and re-packing to do it again next weekend – the Myakka City make-up race!!!!
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