That was the quote heard all day today. I just might have to agree. For the first time ever ELITEAM rode the bus to Pine Hill Park in Rutland which is a public park that has some GREAT single track trails.
With 50 bikes loaded on a trailer along with a huge amount of food and water, we set out at 8:30am for a 6 hour adventure. Upon arrival we split into 7 groups and hit the trails. The experts b-lined it to the top of the hill and explored the trails called Stegosaurus, Broken Handlebar, and 999 while the beginners Serpentined it up to the Overlook trail.
My favorite moment was listening to the “Whoops” and “Wows” and “Yehaas” emanating form all over the woods as I waited with my camera to capture the action. I was sitting alone in the woods smiling as I heard the fun going on all around me. Then the groups started flying by with huge smiles.
Of course there are always a few bumps, scrapes and bruises that come along with young athletes pushing their limits. Today was no exception. ELITEAMer-extraordinaire Chauncey Morgan took the best crash on “Halfpipe” trail and unfortunately ended up with a sprained wrist. However, immediately after getting a brace for it, he started planning how he could run the quick-feet Slalom using only his good hand and plotting how to beat Coach Dan (who will do 50 push-ups if any camper beats his course record).
After the ride back to campus, it was time to dance. I am impressed at this group who learned it in no time. Not all the campers were loving the disco moves however, as I overheard moans of “why do we have to dance?” from the back row. I then told them that we will be performing the dance on Saturday for the parents and they started to focus much more intently.
Following the dance, we had another rotation of our cooking, rock wall and obstacle course groups. On the menu today, Chocolate Avocado Cupcakes! Excellent work by the “cooks”. (Later in the evening, the cupcakes were devoured in 5 minutes flat.)
After dinner we had our World Cup soccer tourney hosted by Coach Chad. In the Semis Japan took down Scotland, while “Las Vegas” conquered Brazil. In the finals, Las Vegas took it by winning 1-0 over Japan. The real excitement came in the penalty kick shootout for the Bronze Medal. Scotland won 2-1 in the intense PK final.
Finally it was Yoga/Relaxation time – Sun Salutations, triangle poses and more. At the end of the 20 minute session there were 45 kids, completely quiet, eyes closed, totally relaxed, lying on the floor visualizing a ski run down their favorite trail. Nice!
Videos 1 & 2 show some Mtn Bike action from the expert group. Video 3 is a POV down one of the mtn bike trails taken by Doug. VIDEO 1, VIDEO 2, VIDEO 3