Why do we do this? The time, the investment, the focus...
Let’s face it, cycling is a hard sport. Cyclists spend a great
amount of time saying “ouch” and ignoring it. Heaven forbid, why would one
encourage kids to do the same?
Well, that’s what we’re doing. Thanks to our friends at Two Wheel TransitTrek,
Bontrager, Hammer Nutrition, and The Sufferfest Cycling
Videos, the Arrivee Cycling/2G1D Active Junior Development team came to
creation with the focus on bringing bike racing to any junior wanting to
experience the outdoors, competition, and love of time spent on two wheels.
This first year of the team has been great. From a spring break
camp focused on developing initial riding skills, to area races including
events around the Northwest, the Baddlands Twilight Series, and regular
training rides, it all came down to the biggest event of the season, the
Northwest Classic Junior Stage
Race in Elma, WA, this past weekend (August 2-3).
This stage race, held in the shadow of what was an originally
planned nuclear power facility (which never actually operated), hosts an
incredible field of some of the top junior cyclists in the country (several
national champions were involved) in a weekend stage race format of a time
trial and criterium on the first day, and a 53 mile road race on the second.
This race was an amazing opportunity for our riders. As first
year racers, the focus of the weekend was to learn what it is like to compete
in the national scene.
We arrived on Saturday with high hopes, new jerseys and shorts,
and crisply shaven legs (Coach Pat made them do it!!).
The time trial was an eye opener. The winning ride averaged 26.5
MPH for the 12 mile course. Of the two riders competing, Josiah finished mid
field, and Jackson began his weekend of tough luck with a flat tire.
The Saturday criterium was fast. As a competitive cyclist for
over 25 years, I can truly say that the group of 15-16 year olds competing in
the criterium were moving faster than
any top regional events I have participated.
Josiah fought hard, to say the least. Jackson, well...
Coming into turn three, 30 MPH, with a full focus on moving up,
Jackson found himself brushing up his Trek Madone against the far curb.
Let’s just say that the curb won.
Cycling isn’t easy. Jackson was able to get patched up, limp back
to the car, and prepare for Sunday’s event with a heavy dose of road rash to
show off. His mom, however, was not overly happy to see her only child look
like he had gone through an oversized cheese
grater.
Sunday brought the final stage. The road race covering the areas
surrounding Elma. Hills were on the menu, as were hot conditions and fast
racing.
SIDE NOTE - Upon arriving at the morning’s event, Josiah revealed
that his night’s sleep was apparently interrupted by what one could only
classify as a cyclist’s nightmare. Testimonial from his family indicate that
upon announcing “TEN MORE LAPS TO GO?!?!” Josiah stood up in his sleep, crossed
the room to his awaiting bike, and tipped it over, only to pause for a few
moments, apologize to the bike, and return to bed.
Why do I have a strong feeling that Jens Voight has this same
dream every night during the Tour?
Back to the race.
The event was epic. According to Josiah, it was, “the hardest
thing I have ever done.” His efforts were truly commendable, and his love for
the sport brought to a new level.
Jackson, looking like an advertisement for active bandages, fought
like a true champion to finish the event, bringing pride to his weekend of
tough luck.
As I said earlier, cycling is tough. Did the Arrivee/2G1D Team
win the event? No. Did we have fun? Yes. Will we return? Heck yes.
As the coach of the squad, and a lifelong cyclist, This was one
of the first truly dedicated events to Juniors, and I must say that the
organizers deserve great respect. If you compete in the sport, you likely
notice that kids are a rarity to the start line. Perhaps it is time commitments, other activities drawing their attention, or the allure of video
games. We can all attempt to place blame on the reason for why kids aren’t getting out
there.
All I can say is this... Cycling and kids go together like peanut
butter and jelly. Get your kids on a bike, ride with them, let them win every
once in a while, and BOTH of your lives will change.
Coach Pat (standing pigeon toed watching his SON start the TT)
