Tag: #MotoHome

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

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