Trial and error

When Jason was 5, he used to ride his bike in the 'Cookie Monster' races at Capitol City BMX while Thomas raced competitively. Jason liked it, but wasn't very good at it and did not want to join in the real racing, even though he was old enough to do it. The problem with the Cookie Monster race was that it was a free for all of children on all kinds of different bikes riding with differing skill levels. Some were older than Jay, many were younger. So, when they dropped the gate, which Jason used, there were kids in front, some in back of him and the first hill was a killer.

Here's Jay at the start of the race on the far left side of the gate:

Here's Jason half way up the first hill:

Ouch! Okay, so some of you are thinking, what the hell are you doing taking a photo instead of dropping your camera and running out to aid your child? First, I was helping him, I set him up for the ride, his dad took the photo. Second, it happened so fast, his dad didn't know he got this shot until later that night when we looked at the photos. Third, I totally would have taken more photos. Maybe a reaction shot or two, parents running out to help, you get the idea.

Here's Jay soothing his rattled nerves. I only wish we had a shot of the tire tread bruise he has along his rib cage, it was awesome!

Little man got back on that horse for the next race- check out that look of determination!

Later, with his trophy in hand, Jay took some consolation from his dad.
Jason is a funny kid. He is tough, even though he is not particularly gifted in the physical sports. (Btw, BMX riding is haaard.) He rode out his fears of getting back on the track, but he never did race again after that time. And that was okay with me, too.