Biking in the Mountains

Ian/Jack had his first mountain bike race Saturday. We got there at 9:00 for his group photo, and left at 6:00 after the awards ceremony. It was a long day.

They started way back and to the right, with many rows of about eight abreast. This was Jack's first race ever, so he started near the back.

Here, after the start, they are all funneling down to single file as they enter the narrow part of the course. From then on, they had to ask if they wanted to pass someone. Race rules say they have to let you go.

Jack's age group did only one circuit of the 4.5 mile track. Here he is, nearing the end. By this time he was in fifth place.

With no challengers.

I didn't see the very end, but apparently he was so dazed, he had to be helped off his bike, taken by both elbows, and walked to a seat. Water helped.

Here he is, recovering.

Since there were 58 people in his race, they gave medals all the way down to fifth, so woohoo!