Border Battle WORS vs. MNSCS

Yesterday I got to the Border Battle Race early for the First Timers Race. No I was not doing a warm up. I was there with the City of Lakes Loppet Foundation to help a few kids do their first mountain bike race. I had never met the kids before, but I thought it would be fun to help them out.

The City of Lakes Loppet Foundation took over the Trips for Kids which was formerly operated by QBP. They have a trailer full of mountain bikes that are lent to several kids to ride at Theodore Wirth trails.

After completing multiple training sessions put on by the Loppet Foundation, the kids were ready for their first mountain bike race. Of the about ten kids in the program, three were in town for the race. Their names were Rochelle, Charles and Wanaye.

The first thing I did after I met the guys was show them how to fill out registration forms and how to pin on their numbers. I explained what gear to be in on the start and what the Gel packets are used for. I tried to come up with some race tips, but all I could come up with was remember to drink.

The guys kicked some butt! They are ages 10- 14. For their respected age category they were all top five out of over fifteen racers. When they passed me on the trail, they were all hardly breathing. Imagine how fast they will be able to go when they can start to learn and push their limits.

After their race, I showed them the cookie “recovery” table and they were super stoked on that. Then I brought out the rollers and let them pedal while I supported them. Next, they wanted me to do some tricks so I showed them a couple little wheelies and bunny hops. Finally, we washed up the bikes and then they left with John Swain and Lewis who work for the Loppet Foundation.

Congrats on your first race guys, it was cool to watch you!

After some big time chatting I realized that my race start was less than twenty minutes away. I did a couple quick pick ups but then let the sun do the rest of my warm up for me.

On the first lap I lost the front group of about five or six. I could not match their speed in the muddy singletrack. On the second lap I hooked up with Sam O and as usual he showed off his singletrack skills. If you ever want to learn how to ride singletrack fast, watch Sam. One thing I notice is how calm he is on his bike. He shifts very little and is always in a relaxed position. On short climbs he loses no speed and his transition from standing to sitting is seamless.

As the trail started to dry, my super fast Xr1’s began to make up lost ground. I passed TJ near the fourth lap and I could tell the heat was getting to him. I ended up fourth and was very pleased with the race.

My mom was at the finish to greet me with a cold rag and watermelon. I almost forgot to mention that once again my mom did a super job with hand offs. Thanks mom!

WORS did an excellent job as always- the course was fun- a good mix of singletrack, one sustained climb and flowing singletrack. It was an awesome day!