It’s amazing how young athletes will seek out the mud on the bike trails and it doesn’t take long to get it transferred onto their bodies. Overall though, the trails were mostly dry and in prime condition for the 47 ELITEAMers who arrived at Catamount at 9:30AM this morning.
After splitting into groups, we all spread out and searched for our own challenges. I was with the “cruiser” group and we started out slow, but built up to some single track quickly. Coach Megan distributed some advice that was soaked up by our group. We were instantly intermediates and ripping.
We biked for three hours with a lunch break in there somewhere. As always, there were a few good crashes along with plenty of scrapes, bumps and bruises. By Saturday, the bruises will mostly be gone, but the stories will have grown.
After the bus ride home, we had a quick rest before learning this year’s dance. It has a few surprises in it for Saturday. After dance, it was the second rotation of the cooking, climbing and games. The recipe for today was Pumpkin & Squash donuts, which were devoured after yoga. Oh, I almost forgot an epic Soccer Tourney after dinner.
The lasting image of the day for me besides all the great biking, was Elsa on the field hammering out 50 burpees alone. She is intent on making the 750 total by Saturday.
SUFFERFEST awaits the campers tomorrow afternoon. It will be a life-changing event.
CAMPER QUOTES:
What did you think of the mountain biking today?
Finn- It was fun to take some crazy trails that my parents would never take me on.
Colter- I thought the downhill was fun but the uphill was a little annoying.
Tom- I had fun on Cliffs of Insanity.
Oliver- The mountain biking was sweet because of the long downhills. Also Cliffs of Insanity was fun.
Teddy- Awesome.
Emery- Mountain biking was great because Zack ate it and there was a sweet DH.
What is the key to being a good mtn biker?
Finn- Not giving up. Going and pushing up all the hills.
Colter- Make sure you are good at climbing.
Emery- Strength and endurance, along with will.
Tom- Pedaling. Turning is good also.
Oliver- Being on a good gear really helps prepare for tactical parts and you can cruise.
Trevor- Standing up.
Teddy- Get in a low gear & spin. Don’t sit in your seat!
How many times did you crash?
Colter- 1 time but I almost crashed a few times.
Oliver- 3 times.
Teddy- Zip.
What do you think of the food here at camp?
Colter- It’s the best I’ve ever had.
Emery- Great food. I love the corn flakes. I dislike the wheat pancakes.
Tom- The food is awesome. I love it.
Trevor- It’s good.
Teddy- Million times better than school.
If you could tell your mom one thing right now, what would it be?
Finn- Hi mom, I am so bruised and beaten that working out actually feels good!
Colter- I’m having a load of fun.
Emery- I love her and miss her.
Tom- My socks are cool.
Oliver- Colter came a day late.
Trevor- I’m hungry.
Teddy- Miss you but not that much.
