It’s Thursday. In St. Louis. Missouri. And the mountain bikers go WILD for the dirt crit races not so secretly tucked back into Castlewood State Park. This is what we wait all week for… to ride around in circles through the woods, across the creek, in the hot, steamy, humid air that only the Lou can bestow.

There was an awesome showing of support from the road racers with their cheers and cowbells – thanks for that! Kube even perfected the art of water throwing as racers passed her zone. And she provided Twizzler hand-ups.

Lo getting some much needed relief from Kube's amazing water throw.

The cheers and screams are amazing as you come around the corner from out of the woods and back into the crowd.  Hearing your name yelled out is one of the prettiest sounds of the night.  There were kids cheering for parents.  There were parents cheering for kids. 

the Cash kids cheering for Mommy

Vera Bradley pro racer, Carrie Cash, was even on site to delight the crowds with her lightning speed and poise. Best line of the night: “Hey [insert name of several male racers shouted-at here] GET MOVIN’! Carrie Cash is up there in front of you and she is wearing pink for godsake!!!!” Ya gotta love seeing the girls whip up on the boys!

Kube with her "my aim is true" shot to Carrie

I was the lucky recipient of two perfectly aimed water throws by Kube. They felt fantastic at the time, but quickly got masked by the sweat pouring out of my pores from the humidity and the strenuous effort I was putting forth.

After the races we stand around eating the free food, drinking the free drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), congratulating each other on the evening’s racing successes and enjoying the company and camaraderie of some of the neatest people in the world – mountain bikers.

exhilerated after a race well executed

Walking back to the parking lot with my friends I muse, “I am having more fun than should be allowed!” One friend says, “Yeah! These are our golden years.” I think about that statement and have to disagree. Golden years are when you old and retired. I am young and full of life with adventures yet to discover. I am in my Platinum years! The golden years are centuries away.

Lo, Alice, Dessa, Jackie, Suzanne & Britt