The hosts of the latest event on the NICA Kansas calendar had outdone themselves. While the location is a three and one half hour drive from Hutchinson, the league made us feel like we were home. From trophies to a team dinner, the team vibe was palpable.
Part of the team arrived early on Saturday morning and jumped into the volunteer fold, helping put up the trail fence. But the morning had already been beyond awesome. As Haydon and I were traveling east, there was a moment when the morning mist had drifted across the highway in the sunrise. Just off to the right of the roadway stood a fence, and on that fence post, an Eagle. Yes, an eagle, fully spread and sunning itself with its wings facing the morning sun and looking upward.
The nature theme continued as we turned onto the gravel roads with our freshly washed black truck. On and on we went, turning here and there, to the point of thinking Google Maps had made a mistake… then the NICA flag signalled the driveway (another gravel road) into the event.
As we breached the trees, the expanse of the property presented itself in a picture postcard manner. This is a beautiful, picturesque locale. Greeted by a pair of puppies, we registered and hung the fencing. From there, we chose a team camp spot at the back end of the camping area. (another extension of hospitality)
By Noon, other members of the team had begun to arrive, and we were able to set the pit area up and direct people to the camp spot. Coach Kevin has been slaying it with the trailer maintenance and prep, and unloading to set up was a breeze.
Then the BLUR starts
We had the coaches’ meeting at 12:30, followed by the coaches’ ride at 1:00 pm. Head Coach Ethan was on the way in, so we waited for him (good for me, as I only needed one lap)
The trail is a challenge. It starts with mowed grass serpentine sweeping into a hairpin at the bottom to the left, and drops into the woods.
The wooded areas are packed with features: narrow tree passes, rock gardens, roller coaster/pump sections, punchy climbs, water crossings, and more. The pace through the course in its architecture invites you to ride at your limits and experience not just the thrill of competition, but the sense of accomplishment for successful navigation. There were a few banked corners that required focus to not overshoot the berms.
At 2:00 pm it is time to tour the team around the track. We break our team into smaller groups to focus better on the needs of the young riders. This is a great time to train, work out, and strategize. In our group, we sessioned (focused practice) a rocky climb.
As we approached the section of the trail, Coach Brian entered the climb and bounced up the hill. The team bailed. This reminded me of a practice we had in Coronado Heights. “Let’s not approach an obstacle and decide we can or can’t… let’s approach with the question of ‘how far up can I go?'” We gathered everyone up and walked the section of the course, strategized its attack line by examining the “witness marks” of other riders… then one by one attacked.
Most of the team made it, and absolutely everyone sustained a marked improvement. Being able to stay in the saddle and make progress in a race is majorly advantageous compared to dismounting and remounting your bike on the trail.
Who’s Hungry?
By 5:00 pm, most of the team had retired to the camp area. The space had begun to fill, and the camaraderie was off the charts. Between the bike riding, frisbee, snacks, and beverages, we were having a blast. Then about 6:00 pm, NICA delivered pizza to us.
The pizza was a payoff for last year’s fundraising. Tasty. The kiddos loved it.
The festivities went into the night while a handful of adults hung out at the SWAT truck. Beverage, music, and great conversation took up a few hours, and many of us got to learn more about each other. This is what I remember about great events as a kid.
Kids running, biking, playing
Adults laughing, telling bad stories
The only thing missing was a campfire, but it was plenty warm.
Race Day
As race day breaks, the coaches get up early and start breakfast. Others begin to swarm around and jump in to help. Eggs, sausage, protein pancakes, and coffee with Orange Juice. The goal is to properly fuel the kids to do well, and many of them start racing at 9:00 am. We plan breakfast for about 7:15 am.
For families that prefer hotels, we begin to see them rolling in around 8 am.
Once we get to the Pit Area, that is home for the day.
We’ve got the best team of moms and dads. From helping with the camp area, to packing in lunches for the team, to cheering and taking pictures… the team is solid. I, for one, was a fan of the homemade cookies.
Killing It
Here’s a blurb from coach…
As I write this and think to my stint working the Feed Zone… where we pass the riders drinks and nutrition for the next lap… I think of how many riders stopped at the feed zone to breathe and recover. The heat and the challenge of this track were making themselves known.
Flat tires on bikes were causing riders to jog out of the woods and struggle to finish their current laps. However, time after time… on time, our kiddos came out of the woods victorious.
Not only were they victorious in the completion of laps, but their attitude was on point. It is so rewarding to coach a team that has the bit in their teeth – as a group. This is a great time to clarify if you are new to this league. It isn’t about being first or having to win. If that is your choice, we are here to help, but in the spirit of the individual we are there to coach to the rider’s level of goals. This weekend was full of goal setting and goal attainment.
The High School classes were on fire. Our team has bloomed in this class with the addition of multiple riders to this age group. Last year, it was just Haydon. This year, we add Reggie, Kye, Blake and Ashtun to the line up.
As a dad, seeing your kid bail into the woods in second place at this level of riding is a phenomenal experience.
But We Did Claim Some Metal
In the end we had two on the podium. Haydon and Collin got to stand the podium and represent Hutchinson – both in fifth place for their respective rides.
