Biking Goes Back to the Fort
NorCal Race 3 “Back to the Fort” Sunday March 25, 2018
NorCal Race 3 “Back to the Fort” Sunday March 25, 2018
Race three was scheduled for Toro Park in Salinas, but for the second year in a row, we were rained out of that venue and therefore returned to the excellent back-up of the well-drained rolling hills soil of Fort Ord. Hence, “back to the fort” we went, and what a treat of a day. The weather, the student racers, the live music, the community of teams and families from all over Northern California, is hard to beat, and worth the hours on the road back and forth.
Race three was scheduled for Toro Park in Salinas, but for the second year in a row, we were rained out of that venue and therefore returned to the excellent back-up of the well-drained rolling hills soil of Fort Ord. Hence, “back to the fort” we went, and what a treat of a day. The weather, the student racers, the live music, the community of teams and families from all over Northern California, is hard to beat, and worth the hours on the road back and forth.
Sunday morning got off to an early start with the team families setting up the pitzone for a day of racing. Coach Mike set the tone with a team meeting, which was capped off by a moment of prayer led by Team Chaplain and Captain Siena McGibben. And then it was off to the races! Recovering from illness, Siena completed the varsity race doing three laps (6.5 miles each). Our sophomore girls then kicked it up a notch with Katie Shearin leading the way and finishing on podium again in 3d place (she is now also 3d overall halfway through the season!), Lauren Mullin finished in the top 10 at 7th place (she is now 6th overall), and Clare Abele brought home our sophomore girl trifecta. Right on the girls’ heels was wave two of the day: the boys. Sophomore Dillon Solway finally reached the podium he’s been working so hard for, at 5th place (and is now also ranked 5th overall in a huge field of 64 NorCal riders), Nate Wilson was in the top half at 25th, and Chris Timboe brought in a strong finish as well, to round out our sophomore boys trio. Frosh Harrison Turner also dug deep and impressively managed to finish his race despite quite a crash.
After all the podium ceremony at the end of the day, Siena quickly collected the remaining riders and families in a brief prayer for Harrison’s good health and quick recovery. It’s what we do. Our Wildcats finished 6th place for the day, so at halfway through the season we are now ranked 8th overall in a field of 35 Division 2 teams. New rider parent Clare Mullen captured it well when she said ”I loved being at the race for my first time and seeing the team in action and supporting each other.” We feel the same way, Clare. Speaking of which, a special thank you to the Wilson and Kelly families for hosting food for the day, and thank you also to the coaches (Mike M and Mike Y) for being everywhere at once, pushing our students, and always being supportive. We are better as a community because of each of you. Peace on dirt…
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