Nationals Day 1 Report

Today was supposed to be my first race. I wanted to race the B race, get an understanding of how the course rode and pass that along to Mackenzie, who would ride the next morning. This never came to be. The Red Zone van pulled into town with our shoes, helmets, wheels, and Mackenzie's bike around 6:30pm this evening, well after racing was finished.

Every thing turned out OK though. We got to spend a lot more time watching the riders on the course today than we would have otherwise. We watched every angle a lot of places and watched where they had success and where they failed. We watched some riders go up the big hill riding, we watched others run, and we watch do both in an unplanned way. We walked on the course and found big rocks and edges of ice and little off-cambers - most of which you wouldn't have really noticed riding the course.

I think this was valuable to the kids. We could discuss it in place and not while trying to ride around the course. Instruction came as we went and not quickly as we tried to ride. We still wish they had their bikes to try to ride a bit, but it wasn't awful to walk around.

One of the more interesting things we learned today was the snow was a 'dry' snow. I don't know how this happens, but the snow was dusty enough due to the cold temps and the dry air that instead of just melting it seemed to disappear. There were several sections of the course that we snow covered when we got there in the morning, but at 4pm were clear. No mud, no wet, no ick, just clear.

For being snow covered the course was very fast. It was a grippy snow and very unlike what we have in the Midwest. This again points to the dryness. In the Midwest the air is so damp that any melting becomes wet ick. The kids are going to race and the ground should be solid and mostly grippy.

I think the kids are prepared. Doug and I were up late (and it is 2am EST right now) working on bikes and getting them ready. He will be in the pits tomorrow while I am out on the course watching the kids. We will be conferenced in with each other most of the race communicating and making sure everyone is doing well.

The best part is that I am excited. More excited than when I race myself. Excited for my daughter and her progression this year and her ability to get done what 4 months ago was impossible. Excited that she has been able to see what hard work can do for her, not just in sports, but in her life. Excited that she will be competing and I get to support her.

Simply excited that I am here with her.