DEVO Three Springs Race #1

We signed Emery up for a DEVO series "Crit" race and took the chance that she might not like it. The race was held at "Three Springs" an new neighborhood in Durango that is located halfway to the airport as you leave town east on Hwy. 160 where they have built a brand new hospital for the region. The course has just been built for the event and it is still soft dirt in a lot of places, tricky at times for a novice rider. Emery was not quite the smallest but not far from. I (dad) and Emery take a lap on the course first and I can tell that it will be tough for her in spots. The race has a pre race lap and then she has to go two laps in the race so by the time it is over she should be tired. Emery has been chasing grasshoppers while getting ready for the event and has one in her back pocket just before the start.

As the race gets started I tell Emery to follow the smooth line on the course and to watch for the soft corners. On the second lap Emery is just in front of Liam as they head up the hill to the back side. The action takes place as Liam gets around her then in one of the next few turns washes out. Emery gets back by but Liam is up quick and he passes her on the last stretch before the finish. What a great race with such hard compitition.

DW2 Second Ride

Well, the last day of DEVO. We met out at coach Deb Hall's house for a relaxed lap around DW2, where we reviewed everything the kids learned in this session. Very enjoyable ride, and Deb & I were both struck by how much they had improved since we first started weeks ago, back on the pavement of the Animas River Trail. They are doing great - and feeling pretty comfortable on their bikes, on singletrack trails. Afterwards, everyone enjoyed pizza and beverages and awards were given out to all of our graduating riders. There was a big tinge of bittersweet tho, as they have been a blast to be with and thank you so much parents, for allowing us the privilege of "borrowing" your great kids for two hours a week of riding around. It's been a pretty sweet gig for us and a real pleasure. Hoping to see all of them again soon - or just riding around the trails of Durango. Thanks again. - humble mini coach, Bryan

College Rim Trail Ride

Our second to last week started off ominously in the Fort Lewis College parking lot, with nothing but menacing looking clouds everywhere. Jimmy Nicholson was pointing out places all around where it was pouring rain. The kids werent all that excited about it, but we took off to the trails! Just in time for a lovely explosion of wind gusts and light, sidewise-blowing rain. Five minutes later it had stopped and much to, trust me, everyone's relief, the sun came out. And the rest was just great. Neil Hannum joined us again and took photos and video. Oh! And they found ant larvae under a rock! The group had ALL improved much, since the earlier time we had been at FLC. They did great on the "pump track", the singletrack and the loose sand little downhill. The usual couple tumbles, couple grumbles, and couple scratches - but all in all a real nice ride with them. They have really improved. That was fun to watch. mini-coach, Bryan

High bridge to the BMX track and back

this week: Everybody took another step forward with a wee bit harder route. The group biked singletrack along the animas river and ended up working on hike-a-bike more than anything. :) This track was their biggest challenge so far, with many dips and small climbs. Then we crossed over and they tore up the bmx course. A lost helmet visor was found and we ended back at the High Bridge take-out. Good ride - they're doing great! - Helper Coach Bryan

Durango DEVO Juniors - MTB ride day

This past Wednesday, (after a few practice weeks of the Animas River Trail, BMX track and FLC), we went out to DW2 for some full-on, solid single track. I dont think the little DEVO dudes would've felt comfortable doing this just a few short weeks ago - but they all did great and loved it! As an adult you don't see it, but you could tell by the end it was plenty of riding for them, and they were all getting a little tired (gummy bears only take you so far). Seeing their parents at the end of the trail, i'm sure, was a welcome sight. Good job, kids! It's been fun, and a real pleasure watching you all REALLY getting better and trying things you didnt think you could do, like the little downhills, the little uphills, (grunt) and the bmx bumps and jumps. They're doing great! - Bryan Peterson, Deb Hall's indentured servant.