Learning

This past Saturday was all about learning. I'll try to tell the experience in a brief way....but let me start out by saying that we all learned from this bike race! First of all, mom and dad learned to pay attention to time zone differences, being that we are from Nevada, going into Utah (where time zones change), we kind of forgot about that and got to the starting line of the race when the race was starting. We patted Alex on the behind, threw him on his bike and sent him with the rest of the 500 riders when we got there. You couldn't ask for a more beautiful day, weather-wise. A little chilly in the morning, but perfect the rest of the day. Alex pushed real hard, pulling from behind the pack, to the nearly the front, just in the first 50 miles. These were miles that were 80% uphill all the way. He clocked himself averaging 9 mph up the hills (most riders travel at average of 3 mph). The next lesson was what Alex learned. He learned that putting that much energy into the first half of the race is exhausting. He also learned that training for a race like this (mostly hills), but for only 30 miles at a time (versus 100 miles), is not recommended. He also learned that a support crew is essential (it's even better if it's your family!) Mostly, don't quit! He was very discouraged half-way through, but everything changed after downing a 6-inch sub sandwich! His attitude on the way back improved and he finish 38th, but 1st in his age group. The hills were a challenge for him. No flats or mechanical problems, though. We're proud of him.

Besides the cycling circuit, we are also keeping up with other events. Erik's parents are here with us this week and experiencing life in our household. Naturally, it only rains here in Vegas when someone from out of town comes to visit, expecting nice, sunny, warm weather! We'll try not to ruin them while they are here, just recruit them into helping us take out our tile kitchen counters before our new ones get here...Thanks to all who have left comments and sweet notes. We think of you often and promise we won't put you to work if you come visit!!