Category: BMX

Ready, set, GO {to Spokane}…

As we begin to recover from the chaos at Saturdays’ race – we prepare for another adventure for BMX racing. We are taking our motorhome (usually referred to as the ‘bus’) over to Spokane, ‘dry camping’ and racing 4 days in a row at their local BMX Track. We will then leave the track, and spend a few days of enjoying some R&R at a RV Resort and Country Club before heading back home.

In order to make this journey happen, we have had some serious chores to get done! We have been storing the bus over at the grandparents’ house. Yesterday, Painter Dan picked it up and brought it home. We’ve since then, we got 2 more new tires on it (in addition to the two new ones we got over ‘Nationals’ wknd), cleaned and washed it inside & out, filled the propane, emptied the tanks at a local rest stop, filled the bus with diesel and the generator with unleaded, filled the water tanks, got a few little repairs/fixes done, and now I just have to re-pack it! We are sooooo close; I can taste it 😉

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Now, I’ve just got to get caught up on laundry, and get everyone packed! Although this may seem be a daunting task, we are fortunate enough to have a ‘clothes room’/XXL walk-in closet in our home that I sort EVERYONE’S clothes in when they come out of the dryer – making packing fairly easy. Riding gear (jerseys and track pants) are in one section, summer clothing in another – and shoes are sorted by season. This shouldn’t take too long; in fact, it will likely take longer to pack it and get it out to the motorhome than it will to find and select the items.

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And food…now that the fridge is ‘on’ in the bus – I will get grocery shopping and food prep done here soon. I hate loading food from the grocery store, into the house, and then back into the bus (it just seems like too much unnecessary shuffling) – so I try to avoid it at all costs. Sometimes we will even plan our grocery shopping to be at the start of the trip, and just load from the grocery store right into the bus. Anyhow, I plan to boil a carton of eggs, make ‘protein balls’, prepare some raw veggies and salads, make some meat & cheese trays, etc. ahead of time – to make sure healthy snacks are just a reach away!

The lists go on and on. But I am feeling accomplished – we are soooooo close to being READY! Onward & upward. The count-down in on until we hit the open road!

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{{PS- Received this AMAZZZZING photo of Penelope, from Lee Cejalvo Photography, at Saturday’s SCR/ProAm. Love the determination that shows through her ‘race face’…}}

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Stay tuned for updates as we ‘get the show on the road‘…

#MotoMom

A tough day at the track!

Oh well, I may as well just vent it all out – right here and right now! What a sad day for Team #77 Racing…

Today was McCollum Park BMXs’ SCR. This is our home track, so we’d like to think that may play an advantage considering we practice and race here, like all the time. That wasn’t the case today.

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We showed up right at 10, set up a few items, and headed over to registration. It wasn’t quite open yet, but one window opened within a few minutes. 45 minutes or so later, the girls’ were ready to go. They both got a handful of practices in, and then we waited. And waited. And kept waiting. Racing was to start shortly after registration ended (noon), but the ball didn’t get rolling until about 2pm. By that time, both girls were anxious to get on the track.

Penelope’s moto was first. Her class had 2 racks, totaling 15 kids. To qualify for the main, she had to get 1st or 2nd in either of her first two motos. In her first moto, she asked me to go up to the gate with her (which she rarely ever does, usually she asks one of her team-mates to assist) – and she balanced really well and was standing on the gate (with my two feet holding her back tire up) – PROGRESS! The gate went down, she got about 3ft, and the rider next to her went down and took her out. It took her a minute or two to get up, and she finished the race (2nd to last). She was pretty darn bummed.

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Mayhem’s moto was up next! Her class also had 2 racks, with a total of 12 kids. To qualify for the main, she had to get 1st or 2nd in either of her first two motos. In her first moto, she got out of the gate first but slowly lost momentum throughout the track. She ended up finishing 4th!

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The second set of motos came around fairly quickly, and Penelope was up first again. She had her team-mate, Ty, take her up to the gate this time. She got out of the gate pretty well, and rode 2nd place most of the track. As she came into the finish line, another little guy shot right by her – essentially a tie for 2nd place. We heard the announcer call #41 as the winner (which is Penelope), but know that is it up to the ‘finish line officials’ to determine. After a few motos went by, we went up and asked who was marked 2nd, and they said Penelope was. Yay, great – she is moving on to the main! (Meanwhile, friends visiting at the races took photos at the finish line, and had shared them with us! Wow, it was SOOOOOO CLOSE! Tough call…)

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Mayhem was next! She fought hard from the start line to the finish line, taking 2nd place – advancing to the main, YAY!

Then came the mains! Between the 2nd moto and the mains was over 2 hours of waiting and anticipation – BOTH GIRLS MADE THEIR MAINS AT A STATE RACE (pretty exciting, eh?). They had lunch (killer Taco Truck the track invited in) and hung out with team-mates and friends.

Nelly’s main was first. Again, Ty took her up to the gate. I headed over to the opposite side of the track from where we ‘pit’ (but near the start line where Nelly was). Within a few short minutes, Nelly came up bawling (with her helmet still on) that ‘they’ wouldn’t let her race because she didn’t qualify for the main. The next few minutes where full of chaos and disturbance – as I try to work through the 50+ ppl staging to race on bikes, inquiring with every volunteer (aka track official) in sight on what to do to get this corrected, all while still trying to deal with a 5 year old who is in an emotional breakdown because she just wants to race. Several motos go by, and all we get in response is: Our paperwork says she didn’t qualify – there are only 8 gates, she can’t race. Extremely frustrating! By that point, I realized it’s a lost cause. Nelly missed her moto, but we made it back to our team tent just in time for Mayhem’s race!

Mayhem got out of the gate first again, and fell to the back of the pack in the first corner. She made up for it in the 2nd and 3rd stretch (meanwhile 2 kids go down and she passes by them), coming into the 4th stretch 3 kids deep, all fighting for 3rd. All 3 kids crossed the line just about the same time – but the one who shot ahead the most ‘got the stick’ (meaning he could go exchange the stick for a trophy). We inquired at the trophy tent to find out where she actually placed, but they had no idea either. Such a mess!

By the time we left the track, we were all an emotional mess. I try so hard not to involve emotions in these ‘fun activities’ for the girls’ – but at times, it’s next to impossible. Penelope has been working SOOOOOOO HARD at improving her skills and applying them with BMX; it makes me sad to see her sad that she ‘didn’t make it to the end’ even after she was told that she did. I wish we could have prepared her for that! Maybelline always fights hard, and I am always so proud to see her so happy about her accomplishments. She felt shafted today, and I felt that as her mom. As I have mentioned before, BMX is extremely different than flat track. In flat track, no matter where you place in the ‘heat race’ – you will always still qualify to race the ‘main race’… it’s an adjustment, and we are still getting used to that. Either way, I am proud of both the girls – and their ambition to hit the track any day, anytime, any circumstance. Today wasn’t their time to shine, but there is plenty more time for that. We’ve got 4 days of rest ahead, and then we hit the road for a 4 day ‘marathon’ of BMX racing, followed by a few days of R&R. Onward & upward for Team #77 Racing!

On a positive note: I am sooooooo happy to announce that our team-mate and the girls’ BMX coach, Ty Pellham, became EXPERT tonight! We are SO PROUD of you Ty, and can’t wait to see what you conquer next buddy…

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Stay tuned! More updates to come as we prepare to hit the road…

#Moto Mom

SCR/Big $ Pro Am at McCollum Park BMX Track

It’s a typical Friday morning – except that it’s summer, and raining out. We weren’t able to make it out to McCollum for any practice this week, so planned on hitting the track this evening. Well, I think the rain may have another idea in mind…BOO!

Today is the day, the kick off of the SCR/Big Money Pro Am at McCollum Park BMX Track {our ‘home’ track}! Tonight is practice and time trials from 6-8pm with lots of live entertainment. Tomorrow sign-ups for the big race are 10-noon and first round of racing to soon follow.

Come on out; it’s free to watch, there will be an array of food trucks, and it will be an action packed event!

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The track operators and volunteers have been pouring in several weeks of hard labor to get the track ready – we are so thankful to all the people out at McCollum for making this event happen! Can’t hardly wait…

#MotoMom

Sometimes ya’ win; and sometimes ya’ lose {at least we are having FUN}…

Last week was full of adventures: Picking Mayhem up at the airport, swim lessons, fishing, play dates, a picnic, dropping Poppa Wheelie off at the airport, and THREE DAYS of BMX =).

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Friday evening, we headed out to our home track (McCollum) for some BMX practice. This was the first time Nelly has been back on her bike since the ‘sitting down and lack of peddling’ incident at the LumberJack Nationals. As much as she always wants to win, she is definitely just now starting to realize how much effort it takes. Anyhow, she was ON FIRE at Friday’s practice, which was a good sign of things to come. Maybelline, as usual, was taking each lap as hard as she good – progressing her skills and knowledge one day at a time. Her determination sure makes me proud!

We woke up Saturday morning, had breakfast, and headed back to McCollum for a single point race. The turn-out at the track was pretty good; Nelly had 3 kids in her class (all 5 and under) and May had 5 (ages 7-9). Nelly fought hard and took 1st in all her motos – taking home her 1st ever win {and a SWEET plaque to remember it}. Maybelline also rode very well, and took 4th in all here motos!

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We had earlier agreed that whoever got the best win of the day would get to choose where we were going for lunch after the race. Both girls had different choices; but in the end, settled on their favorite Mexican restaurant (Todo Mexico). We had lunch, Margaritas, and went home to rest for the remainder of the day.

We were up bright and early Sunday morning, heading north to Mt. Vernon for the Bakerview SCR. This was a track the girls had never raced before. We left early enough that we had time to stop and eat breakfast on the way at HopJack’s in Smokey Point. When we arrived, we were the only people in the restaurant (other than staff). When we left, we were the only people in the restaurant. None-the-less, we had some great food and even better service!

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As we arrived to the track, our team captain had a Team Diablos ‘pit-area’ ready right next to staging, and a place for us to park right there. Great set-up! Things at the track were moving quite slowly for the day – so both the girls were able to get in 10 or so practice laps with long breaks in-between. By the time motos started, they were both feeling excited and confident.

Nelly’s class (5N) is a TOUGH one – as at double or triple point races, they will get 3-5 racks full of kids under the age of 5 all fighting for a chance in the main. At this particular race, they had 3 racks of 5, and only 1st and 2nd place would advance to the semi qualifier; AND THEN you had to qualify in the semi to advance up to the main moto. Penelope took 3rd in her first moto (so she didn’t yet qualify), then took 2nd in her second moto (qualifying her for the semi); but then took a tumble out of the first corner in her semi (dis-qualifying her for the main moto). She got right up, hopped on her bike, and finished out the semi with just a bruised ego. It was clear that these past few days of racing, she had really been progressing and riding her best – she knew it, we knew it – so a little crash isn’t going to stop her.

Maybelline had 2 racks of kids in her class (8N). She took 3rd in all her motos, automatically advancing her to main. But in the main, she also took a tumble in the second corner – taking her from 3rd to last. She got right up, hopped on her bike, and finished out race in tears. She is a strong girl, but is often too hard on herself if she isn’t ‘winning at everything’ (which is usually the case, so losses are just that much harder for her). It took some chatting and ‘ego-boosting’ to get a smile back on her face – she has forgiven herself, but will never forget.

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By Monday, we were getting back into our ‘normal’ summer routine of chaos and even more chaos. We plan to get to McCollum a few times this week for some practice, as Saturday is their ProAm/SCR event, and both the girls are planning on competing in it.

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Meanwhile, we’ve got play dates, a birthday party, and many chores to get done; adios!

#MotoMom

BMX LumberJack Nationals: Day #3 & #4

We are home from the LumberJack Nationals! We had such a great time, but are all sooooo exhausted. There were some up’s, and some down’s, but overall – it was a huge success…

The 2nd day of racing (Saturday, which was our 3rd day at the track) began with 8:50am practice. The girls’ had to share a bed in the motorhome the night before because Poppa Wheelie was staying with us and stole the couch. Although we began our bedtime routine about 8pm, the girls bickered and fought with each other until 11:30pm (when they were finally separated and May ended up sleeping on the floor) – none of us getting to bed until midnight. Well, as expected, 8am came VERYYYY early for them (both of them struggled to get out of bed and dressed). Both made it to practice, and all seemed to be going well.

AND THEN…breakfast time hit. What was a small request for Penelope to finish her cereal (that she asked for) and her cup of juice (that she poured a second serving of herself) – quickly turned into ‘World War #77’. Needless to say, Penelope ended up ‘grounded’ for the day, which meant no racing for her. We had already registered and paid for her, so it was a pretty significant financial hit to us – but being a ‘team-player’ and displaying good behavior is not an option. Her loss, and she was pretty bummed about it.

Maybelline went on to race and did SOOOOO GOOD in all her motos. She qualified for the main, and ended up taking 4th place overall (in the 8N class). Her team-mates also had some great victories (Ty took 1st, and Megan took 4th).

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The kids celebrated in the evening with some kick-ball and hacky sack, while the adults celebrated over PBR. Having such an eventful day, ending in some great wins… always makes for some good ol’ camping and team celebration! But with Penelope’s recent events/behavior, the girls were again beginning their bedtime routine at 8pm. This time, Penelope slept in our bed in order to separate them (I stayed with the girls while Dan tended to the fire with the neighbors, later coming to bed and putting her back in her bed once asleep). The girls’ were ‘lights-out’ by 9pm – THANK GOODNESS.

Saturday morning came quickly! Racing began at 8am sharp – no registration and no practice. Both girls struggled just a bit to get up and out of bed (at about 7:20am) – but once they did, they both had smiles on their faces and were ready to RACE!

Maybelline cruised through her motos, qualifying for her main, and taking 4th place overall (again). She pushed hard, and did some of her best racing this day! Penelope placed 3rd in her first moto (but only 1st and 2nd were advancing to the main). In her second moto, she took 2nd, so she was finally qualified to move on to the main. When the 3rd moto/main arrived, I am no quite sure where her head was at. She cruised through the whole race, sitting down, peddling as little as possible – and finished 6th. She was happy to get a trophy; but it was a tad disappointing to see that she had surely ‘checked-out’ of the competition (especially since she had previously put in so much effort to qualifying for it in the first place). Hoping this was just a ‘bad moment’ for her…

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Once racing was over (noon-ish), we all began packing up to head home. We all filled our bellies with lunch, and took down camp, one item at a time. We were on the road by 1ish, and home by 2:30ish. This arrival home was a day earlier than we had initially anticipated, but much needed.

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Once home, we unpacked the motorhome, everyone enjoyed much needed showers, and relaxed while enjoying a family movie (Cheaper by the Dozen #2) followed by dinner (homemade beef Gyros).

Another successful trip in the books – and we can now say that we tackled USA BMX Nationals and survived!

Now, the week ahead: 4th of July celebrations, Swim Lessons, Motocross Practice at EMXP (on dirt bikes), and Maybelline heads to Idaho…solo! Stay tuned for more updates from Team #77 Racing…

#MotoMom

 

 

BMX LumberJack Nationals: Day #2

What a GREAT day of racing for Team #77 Racing (and Team Diablos BMX Racing)! Today was the first time anyone was allowed on the track for the LumberJack Nationals. Practice started around 10; and racing began at 1pm sharp. Penelope’s age practiced first, and she was able to get in a good 5 or so laps. Maybelline followed, with again, 5 or so laps.

Once motos were posted, we had a better idea of their competition. I would say there were over 600 riders at the track today – most gates being completely full. Penelope’s class (5N) had 12 riders overall, split into 2 racks. The first and second place rider from moto #1 and moto #2 both got to advance to the main/moto #3 (consisting of 8 total riders). Maybelline’s class (8N – which she has JUST moved up to since yesterday was her 8th birthday) consisted of 9 riders overall. It, also, was split into 2 racks – with the first and second place rider from moto #1 and moto #2 both getting to advance to the main/moto #3 (consisting of 8 total riders).

Penelope’s moto #1 was first. She was slow out of the gate, and upon the first jump (a tabletop) – she completely mowed over a ‘rider-down’ and immediately took a tumble. It took her a minute or so to get up and back on the bike, but she did, and she finished 5th. Maybelline’s moto shortly followed. She also struggled to get out of the gate, but held in there and finished 3rd. Since neither of them finished 1st or 2nd, they needed to try again to make it to the main.

In moto #2, (not sure exactly where Penelope ended up placing) but she didn’t make it thorough to the final round. Luckily, she didn’t even seem to mind. Maybelline fought hard, and took 2nd – advancing her over to the main/moto #3.

By the time the main/moto #3 came around, both kids were hot and tired. Maybelline pushed through, and ended up taking 5th overall for the day.

IMAG1940Not only am I proud of these little ladies- but our Diablos Team had some pretty significant wins today! Ty took 2nd, Megan placed 3rd, and Grace stole 1st (in ALL her motos). #WHORIDES

As far as a day of racing, we couldn’t have asked for anything better (no injuries, some great wins, and a whole ton of fun). In the world of being a #MotoMom, the day had a few bumps, but we made it through. Les Schwab made it out this morning to look at the motorhome tire we blew on upon arrival; and they quickly discovered that we actually blew out TWO tires. $1,000 later – we have two new tires and are ready to roll. Combine that with the costs of 3 days of racing (at $50 per racer, per day), plus the cost of travel (food, fuel, parking, etc) – this is one VERY expensive race weekend. But I would do it again a million times over to just enjoy the smiles and excitement these girls share!

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Tomorrow, it’s BACK TO THE TRACK for Race Day #2 (of 3) of the LumberJack Nationals. Stay tuned for more updates from Team #77 Racing and Team Diablos BMX Racing…

#MotoMom

BMX LumberJack Nationals: Day #1

2016-LUMBERJACK__1__mxw460_mxha.pdfWe made it! Although it’s only a 1.5hr drive from home, it seems as if it took DAYS to get here.

Once we arrived, we pulled into our weekend camping spot, and immediately blew out a tire. Ugh! Motorhome tires are NOT cheap, nor is it easy to get it replaced. We have a service call into the local Les Schwab and are hoping they will make it out first thing in the morning (before this place becomes a mad-house).

Less than 10 minutes following that episode, I stepped on a large piece of glass (hiding in the gravel) that went right through my shoe and sliced the bottom of my foot open. Double damn (as great-grandma would say)!

Getting the bad stuff out of the way first thing…the rest of the day hanging with our team mates has been a pleasure. The girls spent most of the afternoon running around, playing, and causing mischief whenever possible.

To celebrate Mayhem’s ACTUAL birthday (and Dan & I’s anniversary), we headed into town for dinner at Hop Jack’s. It was good, but nothing worth bragging about.

Now, we are bundled up in the motorhome watching ‘Parent Trap’ – hoping the kids will wind down and get well rested. Practice starts about 10 tomorrow, with racing immediately following. Can’t wait…!

Stay tuned for more updates from the BMX LumberJack Nationals…

#WHORIDES #TEAM77RACING #TEAMDIABLOSBMX

#MotoMom

 

 

Maybelline’s 8th Birthday SURPRISE!

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Today was Maybelline’s 8th birthday party! And as usual, she chose to have it at Poppa Wheelie’s house. About 40 or so WONDERFUL people showed up to ride (quads, dirt bikes, 3-wheelers, ORV’s, and horses too), BBQ, have root beer floats, and wish the growing sprout a HAPPY BIRFFFDAY…

And – the icing on the cake: she got a KTM Pro Senior 50 dirt bike! She has long wished for and awaited this bike (especially since taking the championship at NW Flat Track and outgrowing her current CRF 50). She has been working with her dad painting, pulling wagons at the Monroe Swap Meet, and taking on many other tasks in order to save for it (and just breached $200). Prior to our Silverwood trip, we found this KTM bike in Bend, Oregon – and Poppa Wheelie set off early on a 16 hour road trip to buy it. We had to keep it hid for the 4 days of vacation, as well as at Poppa’s house so it would be a surprise. And boy, was it a SURPRISE!

We are beyond blessed for all of our family and friends! Her new bike was funded by her biggest sponsors: Mom&Dad, Poppa Wheelie, Auntie Rockie, and Gma Susie. Her awesome aunt/uncle got her a matching KTM helmet, and her best buddy EZ&family got her a super sweet KTM zip up hoddie. Wild Bill&Ty knocked it out of the park with red Vans BMX shoes, and many lovely people stocked up her scrapbooking supplies. Gosh, (I know we are all saying this about now)… I wish I was her when I was younger! She truly deserves it.

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Now as we prepare to wrap up the birthday shenanigans; we shall turn about-face, and start preparing/packing for the LumberJack BMX Nationals this next weekend. Both girls will be racing this 3 day event, as we camp out in our motorhome at the track. Stay tuned for updates!

#WHORIDES #TEAMDIABLOSBMX

#MotoMom

Well, here we go!

Aweee, hello! It’s so great to finally get to this point. I suppose introducing myself may be a good start. I’m Emily! Mom to 2 girls – Maybelline (turning 8 this next week), and Penelope (age 5). I’ve long considered doing this (writing a blog); as we are a family of 4 who LOVES to ride and race (quads, 3 wheelers, dirt bikes, ORV’s, bicycles, etc). In midst of getting married and starting our own family, we discovered that this tradition was quickly becoming a life long family passion. Almost 10 years in, we are knees deep. Both girls are currently racing an indoor flat track series on both quads and dirt bikes; and race BMX the other 9 months of the year. Yes, this keeps our schedules full – but WE LOVE IT!

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Rather than re-capping history (most info can be found in the ‘rider bio’s section); let’s jump off from here. We just arrived home from our annual Father’s Day vacation to Silverwood Theme Park in Athol, ID. What a blast we had! We took our RV over (and Poppa Wheelie met us there – as he had to leave  day early to scope out a potential birthday present for Mayhem in Oregon…more to come) and ‘glamped’ in the RV lot at Silverwood. We spent 1 day at the amusement park, 1 day at the water park, and 1 day visiting with family (always so great to see family)! The other 2 days were spent DRIVING, ughhh.

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We are now back home, settled…well, kinda. Although I am off work for the summer, I find myself plenty busy trying to keep up with the two little ladies! Getting the motorhome unpacked, cleaned – and all the clothes/dishes/food unpacked, cleaned – and the kids…unpacked, cleaned – and so on. In midst of it all, comes Maybelline’s 2nd grade graduation (today) – and Maybelline’s 8th birthday (party this weekend, and birthday next week)! This is a BUSY week for us. BUT, as soon as it ends…

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I will be re-packing, re-cleaning, re-organizing…and we are headed off to the Lumberjack Nationals for BMX at River Valley in Sumner for the 4th of July weekend! This will be the first national BMX event for either of the girls to race. They just recently joined the Diablo’s BMX Team which has opened many doors for them. We look forward to a great weekend full of friends, family, and great memories!

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…stay tuned! This is just the beginning for Team #77 Racing!

#Moto Mom