Arbor Day Enduro April 26, 2008

G’s first enduro on his own bike, in the 4 to 6 year old class. No more buddy class for him. We counted down the days to this event starting back in February. That is how geeked he was for it. That excitement, coupled with the need to get him back on his bike in preparation for the event, made our extra long winter even more aggravating. We lost the last of our snow pack April 23rd, just three days before the race. And got him on his bike only a week before the event—down on the road in front of the house, with snow banks still occupying the shoulder of the road.

On race day, we had temps in the 40s. Fortunately, the cold did not dampen G’s resolve to complete his first solo enduro. Unfortunately, his enthusiasm and determination were not enough to keep his PW50 from blowing a gasket midway through the race. He and his Dad left it at a checkpoint and buddied up on Dad’s bike for the remainder of the ride.

G took it all in stride and within moments of returning to camp, joined a tag football game with fellow kid riders. A reminder that, for him, it’s all about the fun.

G’s Uncle Brad came to ride the event and Mark, Barb and Darcie were there as spectators.

We also reunited with friends from last year—Tom, Randy and his boy A—posing here with G:

Not sure how G made it, but he lasted until nearly 9 PM that night, squeezing in safety training class after the trophy ceremony.

His energy astounds me. So much so that it’s getting harder and harder to discern when he has had enough activity, hard to know when to call for quiet down time. Feels like he’s on the cusp, not quite “little” anymore, but not yet “big” either. Going to be a challenging but rewarding summer.