Tinker rider down(?)

Tristan had a pretty serious crash yesterday.
I didn't know if we'd be facing a series of facial surgeries or worse. Here's what happened.
I and the whole family undertook to circumnavigate Lake Minnewasta on our bikes (with the trailer). This was the first part of the Back 40 race loop.
Having made it around, we continued past the spillway into Morden and coasted down Conner Hill Rd (biggest hill within 30 miles(?). We kept to a reasonable speed since there was some light traffic. After a left turn, we tucked for a final bit of gravity racing. I heard a yell and turned around.

You have to understand, this is therapy for me. Tristan turned out to be ok, but when I saw this and heard the smack, it was tearing my heart in two. Replaying the scene has been agonizing but is getting better.

I had to ride my bike two blocks to get the van. We sped to the hospital and they took him in instantly. Dr. Gord Zacharias was on (he rides and works on trails at Tinker Creek too!) and looked Tristan over real good. Examination and X-rays showed nothing seriously wrong.

Here he is that evening at home.

And the following day (Sunday).

As you may or may not have gathered from the header of this blog, Jesus Christ is the real trailhero. After all, he made the hills, trees, and gravity. But today he's a hero for me because without me deserving it, he saved my son's skull, bones, brain, and maybe his life.

Coasting with your head down at somewhere around 20 km/h and hitting a parked car with a spoiler on its trunk should result in some considerable injury. The way his face instantly purpled and swelled, I was sure there would be crushed facial bones. I didn't even consider at that moment the possibility of brain damage and spinal injury. I am not overplaying this, this is a miracle. I didn't make a special prayer for protection. I wasn't extra holy or even trying to be nice. God just gave us an unsolicited gift. Tristan is barely having pain today. Hallelujah!

Here are some pictures from the carefree part of the day.

Ramona and the kids.

If you want to make a comment for Tristan, post it and I'll pass it on.

If you pray, do it for Tristan to heal up quick and not have traumatic fears.

Oh, and Tristan was back on his bike today at home! Rider down, nothing. Can't keep a good man down!

Tread the Thunder!

We had a fantastic time at Swan River. Kudos to honorary trailhero Randy Shenk, who has spent so much time creating and grooming the fabulous xc trails.

Cool at the start line.
First place finisher U11 girls.
The race was fun. I placed 2nd, my best in 10 years of racing. I had to pull my chain out of my spokes 3 times.

I have to specially thank Jaydi, who held the gatorade for me. My bottle was still half full, so I didn't even grab it (note of parental regret).
We camped on the premises. It was so peaceful and beautiful!
Canola everywhere. And fair flowers in the midst of it!
The fairest of the fair... on her bike! Note the imported jersey, from her European cycling team days.

After the race, we found a piece of someone's chain on the final ascent. Could it be beefed up secret hardware from a hardcore singlespeeder? Or did all of our equipment feel this heavy on that hill? I know mine did.

On the Yellowhead west of Neepawa somewhere, I spotted an unusual sight in a canola field.


Going 6 hours northwest with the family and camping on the beautiful Thunder Hill was more than just going to a race. This was an experience, an encounter, and a blessing. Thank the Lord!

Birch (or Peril Sensitive Sunglasses)

At Birch, my peril sensitive sunglasses were acting up. With the humidity, flying sweat, the greasy switchbacks, the falling, and the distant thunder, they shut my vision out almost completely. I ditched them after a lap of slimy fun.

A highlight of my race was listening to James B riding away from me singing about Alice in Wonderland at the top of his lungs. I had said "If you can sing while climbing this hill, you should be riding faster." Shouldn't have said that.

My race wasn't much to write home about, but this rider got a lot of attention.

Perhaps cyclocross in fall?
M was more interested in other lifeforms.




After a big day in the spotlight, everyone was tired. Paulos gets honorary trailhero status for this: when we got home, he stirred in his carseat, nearly opened his eyes, and said "bike helmet." In other words, get me back in the saddle!

Back 40 Fun

Here are a bunch of photos from our beautiful God-given day at Lake Minnewasta.

The excitement of a LeMans start.

First kid's race: 4 year olds.

Just where does the course go here?

Paulos exiting (exciting) the singletrack.

Now the 6 year old group (4 riders). Tristan didn't want to hurt his time by riding the ramps.

Last race - ages 7-9 (one of each). Here's Jaydi in the lead.

As soon as their 6 laps were completed, Jaydi and her friend took to running the course. All under blazing sun, too!

Meski's racing was simpler.

Final race: open class. See the two year old? Right in front of #80 (the dad).

We had a great day. I was so proud of the three Wiebe first place finishers. Results posted online.