Sunday, November 13, 2011

Unfortunately, the "BIKE GODS" were against Madison today.  Back it up to Saturday.  She had an awesome practice and about 90% of the course was the same as our family loop (we do at least twice a month).  She has never done a XC race at Carter, but has competed in (2) 6 hour endurance races there and did very well.  So today going into the race, she felt extremely confident and relaxed. 

Madison's great mood quickly made a turn for the worse. Kind of like for Christmas, you were expecting a new set of wheels and you got some ugly sweater. Well, Madison was expecting to do very well and it went to crap in a matter of minutes.  She crashed on Horseshoe (a trail she has been on a thousand times without difficulty). Flipped over the handle bars landing on her face and shoulder.  When I came across her shortly after the crash, she was riding with one hand and looked to be in a lot of pain.  She had planned on continuing with a the race, but I pulled her out.  As a father, it was a difficult decision to make, but I felt that in her condition it would be way too dangerous to go on (especially with the second finger being in the race course).

It was a quiet drive home. Madison was disappointed in herself and felt like she let everyone down.  After some time passing by and a little pep talk, she started to feel better.  All and all, I think she had a pretty good race season and some cool changes are under way for next year.

2 comments:

Mountain Bike Mike said...

Madison, I'm sorry to hear you crashed yesterday, but glad you didn't get hurt too bad (unlike poor Dustin who broke his wrist on the 2nd finger). I was wondering what happened because I usually see you on the trail during the race or afterwards and I didn't.

Your dad is right that you should still be very proud of yourself for what you've accomplished this year. Not every 10 year old can podium when competing against adults and you've done it several times. I look forward to seeing you around the trails. JUST KEEP PEDALING!!! :-D

Madison said...

Thanks Mike!! Can't wait to read your race report.