Possible kid's cyclocross event 5:30 Wed Oct 14 location TBA

[Lister Farrar]

The Wed cyclocross training event organizers are considering allowing a kids event before the adult event, if we can guarantee enough kids will come. It would have no particular age limits, but stronger teens will enjoy the adult event more. The event would be about 15 minutes or 3-4 laps, long enough to master the challenges, and to avoid too much lapping, short enough to avoid death-march-itis.

The location is tba, but previous ones have been not far from downtown.

Any kid who can ride two wheels off-road would be welcome. I'm inquiring whether waivers or other paperwork are required.

The courses are generally flattish with short climbs only, but usually lots of corners (including hairpins), grass, dirt and wood chip surfaces, sand pits, and at least one dismount/remount point.

The course is defined by caution tape strung from trees and stakes, and is wider and easier than a typical mtb trail, especially at kid speeds, so there is room for passing.

I'm hoping to show 15 kids will attend. Maybe note names below so the organizers can see there's a commitment?

Una Farrar age 11 will ride.

[steve]

I'm in...
My 7 year old son Evan Young and his friend Logan Warde are both excited to try cyclocross...
let me know the details when available.

Steve

[JohnT]

My kids would be keen, but I am away next week and can't escort them - Heidi might not be as keen. After that, we're certainly in.

John

[dreeves]

Isabel is 2. She has a wicked off-road trike. She will there to pace Una.

Dylan

[Lister Farrar]

It's never too early to brainwash, er I mean guide, your children. And isn't it time that cross bike of yours saw some mud and not just rain spray?

Others: We need more names; it won't happen without 15 kids. Thx

[mlawless]

Lister,

I was at a meeting last night and so could not drag my kids out. We are planning to come next Wednesday and give it a whirl - I expect Patrick (15) and Brian (12) will give it a go and we will see what Erin (10) wants to do.

Thanks,

Michael

[Chris Watt]

Lister- Angus (12) is keen in future events but I'm out of town this coming week so I'm no help to you for this race. I'll hit you up for more info on the next ride.

Chris

[Lister Farrar]

Lister- Angus (12) is keen in future events but I'm out of town this coming week so I'm no help to you for this race. I'll hit you up for more info on the next ride.

Chris

I can drive up to 3 other kids, in addition to my daughter and me, if Angus is interested. Your place is more or less on the way to the likely venues.

[Lister Farrar]

Only have 5 or 6 names, I'm thinking we can't ask for the course time unless we have 15. If the ride is the problem, I can fit 3 more with bikes besides me and Una.

[mlawless]

Lister,

I will have Brian (12) and Patrick (15) coming out to play. I am still working on Erin (10). Please let me know if this is going to go ahead - I think I would be killed if I took them to a bike race that failed to materialize and they had to just watch me fall falt on my face - well, now that I read this, they may still be interested!

Michael

[Lister Farrar]

Thx Mike. Got three more names from the school club. Still need more.

[Lister Farrar]

The race is on. 5:20 arrive, 5;30 start. Please be on time so the kids get their full 15 minutes of fame before the adults take the course. Park at the foot of Grange street, near marigold school, just off the Goose, just west of Mackenize. We have 11 kids, but please encourage more to come.

http://maps.google.ca/maps/ms?f=q&sourc ... 4&t=h&z=17" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false

Marigold elementary and has a playground if there are siblings to be entertained while older ones ride.

[ART BOY]

Jasper's in
I might have to bring the entourage to cheer him on.

[steve]

Lister,

Thanks again for taking the kids out for a group ride when the scheduled track got canceled. Evan had a great time and is definitely up for a ride anytime!

Steve

[Lister Farrar]

Too bad about the cancellation, but I guess that's what a casual training occasion is subject to. Thanks all for bringling kids out. 'Hope the hassle of rounding up kids and getting them there in traffic wasn't too bad. I should have mentioned this possiblity for parents trying to squeeze things in.

On the other hand, discovering the Colquitz river trail was amazing (one kid said, "Hey, that bridge looks just like a Monet's bridge!") and the trails near Tillicum mall are much nicer than I expected. I had been told they were random use trails where kids built dirt jumps, but they were really nice hardpack dirt and gravel. Perfect for a fast ride (if not too many dog walkers around), or for taking kids new to off-road. The 15 year old I was with seemed to like it and 3 year old Lyndon on his like-a-bike was hassling his 6 year old brother to go faster. And the experienced riders seemed to have fun trying to drop each other.

Hmm, sound like a regular triple shot ride, eh?

So, about next week. Shall we try again but have a plan for what happens if the race gets called?

[ART BOY]

Very fun Lister
the kids had a blast rocketing trough the trails! Here's a few shots - one of which is Lister being passed by a newbie on a wooden bike. Perhaps he's pondering an upgrade

[Lister Farrar]

Perhaps he's pondering an upgrade

Me or Lyndon?

[Lister Farrar]

http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=h ... sgPkr8mNBg

Huh, it did look like Monet's 'Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies'. Through the eyes of kids eh....?

[Alec]

Lister, it looks like you had those kids on the rivet. Congrats on a well deserved win....

Official Results:
1)Lister Farrar (47yrs) 39:40
2)Little Bobby Jacks (11) 49:23
3)Julie Brooks (5) 55:09 -first finisher with training wheels
4)Una Farrar (11) 56:09 (mechanical)
5)Frank Vandenbrook - DNS

Top Prize was an Archie comic and a decoder ring.