Yes, we ride in the rain.

"Are you really going to ride in the rain"? I've heard that question many times over the years. It may not be the smartest idea, but yes, the St. Francis team WAS going to ride in the rain.

On a cold and wet Saturday morning, we headed up to Cherry Canyon for a couple hours of singletrack and skills. The conditions made us work that much harder to stay focused.

At the end of the ride, Mrs. Kubly greeted us with bagels, coffee cake, and juice. (Thanks Mr. Koklas and Mrs. Snyder for helping also). It was a great way to end our morning adventure.

Coach Bird with the team in Cherry Canyon

The team, aka "Hearty Souls"

Coach Marshall carbing up after a cold, wet, and fun ride

Scott and Michael under the umbrellas getting some food

Gettin' Dirty

Last week we rode in Hahamonga Park again. It was the day after a pretty good rainstorm. As the ride leader, I thought that it would be fun to clip the edge of the puddles and splash up a bit of mud. A few other guys got into it and before you knew it, we were all laughing and having a good times. A bunch of guys on mountain bikes, clipping mud puddles.

That wasn't good enough for Daniel. Daniel proved that he was the real kid that day. As we approached a pool size mud puddle, Daniel sped up and rode right through the middle of it. Way to go Daniel! You proved that a little mud is no big deal....good times.

Second Practice

The season is off to a fast start. We had our first practice on Thursday, a morning workout on Friday, and our second practice today. Today we focused on more skills including tight switchback turns and riding over obstacles. Michael Greenberg won today's competition and made the tightest turn possible. Even Mr. Sercel, a scientist, said it couldn't be done. Great job Michael!

The team assembling for our 8:00am start.

Coach Bird providing instructions on today's drills.

Matt Kubly and Trent Carlson demonstrating the "tight turn" skills training.

Michael Greenberg leading the team up and over the obstacles.

Thursday, December 2nd - Our first practice of the season

Our first practice of the season. 17 riders made it out, along with 6 coaches!

The team practiced the "gauntlet". Steve Shushnar won the NICA jersey. He outlasted all of the other riders and showed the best bike handling skills, at least on this day.