Mommy, where do bike races come from?

Well, son, when people love a sport they come together and make a race.  They labor not for money, but for love.  Sometimes they make a race to remember friends lost; sometimes it's to make new friends or help friends who need support.  Regardless of the reason for creating a race, the best races are about love and not money.

Fatmarc and DennisBike

When was the last time you did a NORBA race? Exactly.

Next week is Andrew Mein's Excellent Adventure at Granogue, organized by the good folks at Velo Amis, a non-profit organization dedicated to spreading the joy of bike racing to the uninitiated.  The Velo Amis crew is responsible for next week's mountain bike race as well as the 2-day UCI cross race in the fall. Both races are favorites on the mid-Atlantic calendar.

Blake and Travis lent a helping wheel

The mountain bike race commemorates a fallen friend, Andrew Mein, killed by a car while riding on his favorite bike.  The race also shares time with the HERA foundation and their valiant efforts to kick ovarian cancer's ass.  You think mountain bike racing is tough?  It's a massage and pedicure compared to cancer.

This turn got trickier...no lie

Yesterday I joined Fatmarc and friends to help ready the trails for the big event.  They are in mint condition save for a few downed trees and rickety bridges; nothing a chain saw and some nails can't cure. Course Czar Buddy Briggs has made some interesting changes to the course, specifically on the back section that the sport and expert racers navigate.  I for one am deeply grateful and anticipate dropping fewer Fbombs.

I'm looking forward to seeing the Mid-Atlantic crew at this race.  Look for the Sturdy Girl sponsored single track between the start and the second road crossing.  And remember--these races are peoples' love children.  Treat them with the kindness and respect you accord your friends' kids.

Blue Bells Abound!