This is what all the work was for. He finally started getting nervous right before the actual race run. We were only able to get three practice runs in before the race. We spent most of the first two days at Sea Otter standing in line waiting to ride the Downhill course. Gage rode with out to much trouble but the course definitely favored a BMX background. Not really a true DH. He will have to learn how to jump before next year to be competitive.  

 Race over! He was bummed by his result, 6 out of 6. I was just happy he rode well and had fun for his first race and didn't get hurt. The first day we were there somebody broke their neck. Final run 4:54.1

 Hands down Gage has the cutest fans.

 When it was time for my run the trail got a lot more serious at higher speeds. I spent half my practice riding slow with Gage. It was still not what I would consider a proper DH course but it was a lot of fun and would be cool to practice more on. I was also penalized be a lack of jumping skills. Final run 3:11.7

 It was the hottest Sea Otter I have attended. Finding shade was essential. Gage is relaxing now that his race is over.

 The kids had lots of fun playing at the beach after.

She should make an awesome mountain biker, as much as she likes to eat dirt.

Sea Otter Prep

 This whole last month has kept us busy getting ready for the Sea Otter. Gage and I are going to do our first down hill race together on this coming Saturday. Sunday I am racing the XC with Sean. Here Bobby and I tried our hands at MTB hill climbing. Its harder than it looks. He got to watch me flip over and land on my back on my first attempt.  

 Sean and I went to Auburn for 32miles and 4400ft of gain. The plan was to make the Sea Otter course seem easy. We'll see. 

 Bobby and I did 32miles before the snow took out our trails again.

 Jeanie has been shuttling Gage and I every chance we get. He has made huge improvements in both skill and speed.

 He no rides the whole trail non stop and keeps shaving time on every run.

 He is tearing it up.

This was an earlier run were hit hit pretty hard. After this wreck and watching some on line vids on the Sea Otter DH we decided to get him a Leatt neck brace. He still wanted to get back on and ride another lap though. What more could I ask.