Jay Richards

Last weekend, Jonell and Jake flew out to Colorado for the USA Cycling National Championships in mountain biking. Event was held at Sol Vista ski area near Granby. Since I haven't been racing this summer and feeling Lyme gunk now and then, thought better for Jonell to go. As expected, flying with the bike went deep it the pocket book. We talked about it and if it is about weight, I think they should have a scale. Have everyone step on it and you get charged if you are over suggested weight for your age bracket etc. Maybe it would curve the obesity problem in the country. Anyways.....



They met up with fellow Maplelag team members Sam and Eric Oftedahl, Lars Ellefson and Trek-Coop rider Jack Hinkens. They all stayed in the same condo and Jonell enjoyed taking care of "the boys" (she would say when we talked). The boys are biking, the boys are swimming, the boys are watching four cross, the boys are at Tad Elliots place etc. All good.

Jake's first race was cross country. He had a okay start before moving up in to the field, working with one of the Expo riders from WI to place 23rd. He was racing Jr 17-18 Cat 1 as a 17 year old. Most of the riders were from the mountain states, and like most flatlanders, the altitude is tricky racing. But his legs felt great despite burning lungs and felt good about the race.
Saturday they watched the Pros, Lars, Sam and Eric race. Sunday was Super D and Short Track. Last year Jake was 2nd in Super D in JR 18 and under with the downhill bike but used his full sus, feeling totally comfortable but said it was super scary which I haven't heard come out of Jake's mouth before so it must of been wicked. Mainly guys taking weird lines and crashing and pretty chaotic. He recorded a 14th place and mom just happy to have him come down in one piece. Lars killed it once again on his hard tail taking second in his age group and would of been top 15 in the Pro race. Jake's best race was in the short track. He made it through without getting pulled and was in the top 10 until the last lap he thought he was going to get pulled and stopped. But they said to keep going so he hopped back on and did the last lap. Legs felt great and had a good time so yeah, right on!
They did a lot of swimming in the mountain lakes and rivers. The cool water helps keep the "swelling" down on the legs.
Jack went back to Denver with Jonell and Jake. They drove through Rocky Mountain Natl Park after bumping in to former DL resident Brian Ballard who suggested they go back home that way. Found some snow which is pretty much awesome.
A short but fun trip and nice for Jonell to watch Jake and take in the scene, having never been to Natz before. Jonell said we made a mistake not buying some property in Montana when we lived out there because she wants to live in the mountains again some day.