Marlborough Express - Weekend Express
When daddy gets cyclo-cross
After last week’s rain-induced cabin fever, the whole family was keen to get out, burn some energy and get their dose of Vitamin D.
So last Sunday, George, his two new teeth and I decided to take Ally and her two older sons Harry and Isaac, along on one of our adventures.
We loaded up the bikes and entered into the family-friendly Marlborough Cyclo-cross series.
An off-road cycle series aimed at getting the whole family involved. With a combination of sunny skies, mud, cowbells and laughter, it was just what we needed after a wet week inside.
George was entered with Isaac in the kid’s event. A smaller version of the adults, weaving around a marked cycle maze on grass, with some tight turns and muddy spots to give them a good taste of what they may progress to as they grow older.
Isaac had a great time testing his bike skills in the mud. Unfortunately, George decided this was a good time to take his nap. I guess if there’s one law of napping; it’s that there is no law of napping. When George needs to nap, he needs to nap regardless of any prior plans.
However, this did mean he was awake in time to make some noise cheering on his older brother Harry and I, in the adult and junior mountainbike event.
With cowbells ringing and pots and pans banging, it’s encouraged that participants ride in fancy dress to add to the fun. So I pulled out a tutu and chicken hat, and decided to ride Gladys, the unicycle, to add to the mix.
George hung out with Ally on the side lines, exercising his lungs cheering us on as he watched on in amusement.
He soon decided he wanted to join in, so Ally found a neutral part of the track where he could ride his little trike up and down, showing off to nanny and grandad with his favourite trick, the wheelie. A trick complemented with his extra toothy grin, it’s a sight to be seen.
All in all, it was the perfect outlet for the whole family to get out in the sunshine and have fun on bikes. With an event every other Sunday through the winter, we’ll definitely be joining the fun again.
Hopefully George will stay awake next time, and we may even get Ally participating if nanny and grandad are keen to help George cheer us on from the side line.
For information, check the CX Marlborough Facebook page, or pop into Bikefit.