the race

layla had just got in from her 2.5 mile race. she was a little worn out, but was so excited when she ended up on a podium. there were only three girl riders in the kids race and so they all ended up on the podium. 

maiko (in the red above) was the only ten year old to ride in the 10 mile race. i was so proud. he rode 10 miles with 1100 ft of ascent, against 12 and 13 year olds and he even placed 7th out of 14.

and my husband, matt, raced in the novice category the same 10 mile loop as maiko and came in first. it was such an exciting time for all of us. since there were so many people from my family doing the various races there was almost always someone taking off or someone coming in... so much excitement.

one of my favorite things about mountain biking as a sport (aside from the obvious... that it's excellent exercise) is how even though it is a competition that everyone is kind, encouraging, and supportive of each other. each competitor would like to win the race but they are also so excited for those that come before them, and everyone who just finishes the course. my husband said often when he would pass someone on the course they would encourage him on...

 how's that for awesome sportsmanship? 

next weekend, we are all traveling to a race in the mountains. my in-laws have a house there so we plan to make a weekend out of it. matt will be competing in the sport category now, he felt two first place medals, and a second mean it's time to move up, and now he will be riding a longer course. i am not a very athletic person so i am so excited that matt is encouraging the kids to join him in a sport that promotes life long exercise (there were people racing in a 60+ category!!!).

and he says that i'm next.