My nine year old loves to race his bike!

Golly.  Its been way too long since I have sat down to write this blog, and I really have missed it.  My head is bursting with memories and stories from the past 4 months, as we have had some really incredible times together while riding  bikes.

Each ride, a lesson is learned, a connection is made and more often than not a plan ensues for when we will be at it again.  My kids are getting hooked!

 Keller's first race in Echo that early day in March, was the spark that lit this burning fire.  He went from riding 5, to 10 to 15 miles, and now is totally self-motivated to embark on a 25mile ride this Saturday, one lap of the Test of Endurance Race in Blodgett.

Here is how that once crazy idea just a few months later, now seems like the natural progression.

The Mudslinger, In Blodgett, Oregon

Was wet and cold. Pure NW spring riding conditions at its finest.  We were bundled, but Keller's gloves (my old, thin riding gloves with holes in the fingers)  did not work to keep his hands warm.  He at one point told me that it was difficult for him to hold onto his bars, and impossible to shift.  As we stopped to exchange with dry ones I had in my pack, Barry Wicks came flying by, offering words of encouragement and reminding Keller that he was almost at the finish.  That interaction fueled Keller to get right back on his bike and not mention the cold hands again.

Keller rode on, dug deep and finished the race in very uncomfortable conditions.  1 hr and 49 minutes.

It was during this ride, that it became clear that he did not need me anymore to accompany him.  I felt confident that the next race, he could ride alone.  He is cautious, strong, smart and motivated.  If anything, my presence was holding him back.

The Cascade Chainbreaker in Bend, Oregon

 

Was HOT!  We are talking, dry dusty and warm, Central Oregon style!  Keller was on his own for this one, and Alleck and I hung out at the finish and waited.  And waited.  And waited.  And waited.  I truly thought that this would be a fairly fast course, and did not even send him out with any food, or gels, although he did have water and heed! 

 

 2 hours and 44 minutes later, he came pedaling through the finish, red faced and wet with sweat. Alleck and I greeted him with high fives and kind words, and Keller took it all in.  In all honesty, I thought he would be angry.  I thought he would hate it, hate me.  Being out in the heat, the dust, the elements for nearly 3 hours with NO food, and alone!  Nope.  The kid loved it.  Although he said to me that he could not call it "fun", he was pleased with himself for doing it.  

 

In discussing his race with us on the ride back home he mentions his highlights:

 

Getting a fist bump from women's leader Evelyn Dong as she passed. (good for you girl!  This made his day!)

Riding with the Mexican man and his young daughter who was behind on a tag-a-long, and who Keller says was barely holding on but having a blast!

Having the other junior riders who finished ahead of him, waiting to greet him at the finished.  I almost cried as I watched one of them pick Keller up and say, "Dude!  You finished!!"   A great group of boys who are excited and encouraging of each other.

 

The Sisters Stampede in Sisters, Oregon

These boys have become fast friends while riding bikes.  Bikes bring people together.

 

Alleck is ready to rock.

The Kid's race was nearly as big
as the main event!

Family photo! 

The Sister's race is one of our favorites.  The course is great, and the venue so much fun.  Posting the largest rider turnout in the series, the weekend has the energy of a big party, and the weather was PERFECT!  We all raced this weekend.  Trevor, Keller and I raced the main event, and Alleck rocked the kids race.  Spirits soared well through the weekend, as we continued to shred the amazing trails in Bend until the very bitter end of the weekend.  We rode for nearly 4 hours Sunday, visiting hot spots like the Whoops trail and The Lair.  We had a BLAST!

 

Alsea Falls Switchback.  Alsea, Oregon

 

Another race in our own backyard!  Again, all three of us were able to ride and enjoy this race, the beautiful scenery, and our many friends who were out there with us.  Alleck and I hung out with friends on the course and cheered loudly every time we passed.  Seeing him along the course is always a feel good, and especially today as this course was tough!

Keller met his goal today!  He reached the podium for a 3rd place finish!  And now, he is really hooked!

Mt. Hood 6hr Race at Ski Bowl, Mt Hood

Trevor and I intended for the High Cascades 100 miler to be our "key" race of the year, which is quickly approaching on the 20th of July.

 

Unfortunately, life is busy, and our training log is pretty low.  This 6 hour race would hopefully help prepare our legs for what lies ahead a mere 3 weeks from now.

 

Keller was invited to do the race as a team with his buddy Colin, so once again, a Norland family affair ensued on the amazingly fast and fun course at Ski Bowl.

 

I was able to see Keller out on the course twice throughout the day, and Trevor was able to ride with him for about a mile where he says the trail was flowing and Keller was riding at a pace that made Trevor super stoked.  He was racing WITH his 9 year old son and apparently going just as fast as he needed to go.  It was a good day!

Unfortunately, I have not been able to find any race pics from this event, although I know there must be some out there, because photographers were all over the place.  I was able to grab a couple of photos from someone elses blog ( thank you Beth Ann), and as you can see, it was a beautiful day.

 



 Along with all this racing, we have been riding a ton as a family.  Most recently on a road trip to Coeur D' Alene, Idaho to watch our friend compete in the Ironman.  We rode in 3 states on that 4 day journey and the kids had a blast!

Navigating the bridges on the McKenzie River Trail

Oh the learning curve of riding clip-less

So many cool things to explore on the side of the trail

We volunteered for a kids bike event and  had fun building some skills course obstacles

Oakridge kids mtn bike day.  We enjoyed the shuttle to the top of Alpine, and bombed all the way down.  This group of kids were sick fast!  So much fun!

Its moments like these, while taking in the view that keeps us coming back for more

just one of my favorite sites.  My 3 boys

Alleck is so proud of his clip-less pedals

Keller is a joyful rider.  When most others would quit because of poor conditions, he relishes in them

Just too cute.... I had too!

We spent our 10th anniversary night on a mtn bike ride in the MacDonald forest

The Lair in Bend is just one of our favorite places to ride



The Centennial Trail outside of Spokane is a very kid friendly ride. Unfortunately we had push the envelope and check out some really fun looking trails and ended up on a 25 plus mile ride.  Yes, with a 9 y/o and a 6 y/o.  A note was made:  Stop while it is still fun :)