Fair Winds Manor 5K Quality Life Series #2

We look forward to the Fair Winds Manor 5K every year, partly because it's just down the road from where we live, the very reasonable race fees ($12 pre-reg, $15 race-day reg) include a delicious pulled pork bbq sandwich dinner and some years (sponsors withstanding) a shot at some prize money. It also feels pretty good to know that our participation goes towards helping fulfill the wishes of some nursing home residents via the 'Dream a Little Dream' program.

A steady bone-chilling drizzle was in progress as we pulled in to the parking lot. Aside from two people we spotted running down the road as we arrived, there wasn't a soul in sight and there were only two other vehicles parked there. That did not portend well for the race, I thought. 

Just a few minutes before 7 pm, when the race was supposed to start, the rain miraculously stopped. Spencer got out and started his warm up routine. Would this race be a wash? I didn't see anyone! 

Yellow Creek SP Monthly Race: June

We were anticipating a 100 degree F scorcher of a race this time, but conditions ended up cool with a short refreshing drizzle instead.

I photographed the bikers and runners as they partook of the immaculately groomed race course (thanks to the wonderful efforts of the Friends of YC trail maintenance crew).  Having ridden most of the race course last month (where I DNFed - and I say this with my head held high hee hee), I had in mind a couple of spots that might make for good pics. Before the 10.30 am race start, I had skulked away and made haste towards the first choice spot in the Pine Forest where I crouched silently, waiting to shoot unsuspecting athletes as they came by.

The Yellow Creek Grassroots Mountain Bike Race #3

This was gonna be my first mtb race but I DNFed! And Dave on a unicycle, completed the entire twelve bumpy, rock-studded, root-riddled miles. On a unicycle. :o

Dave Krack on his unicycle, towers over me

Still, I had a whale of a time! The organizers - Friends of Yellow Creek State Park - have been putting up these monthly races for several years now and the rides just keep getting better! ( from what Spencer says anyway). For a total noob such as myself, some sections were a lot of fun - gentle little mounds on single track. And I managed to make it up a couple of hills too! But I walked my bike down a few, and I walked over all the narrow bridges. And the baby creeks. And whenever I felt scared (which was a lot hehe). *hangs head in pretend shame*

There was this CRAZY drop into the raging river. I barely made it across alive!