Pajarito Middle School Race Report 4

The Taos Composite Middle School Team competed in their 4^th race of the season at Pajarito, NM. Part of the New Mexico Interscholastic Cycling League (www.newmexicomtb.org), these races offer courses where all levels of riders can participate and find success. The course at Pajarito is a lot like the higher elevation riding we do in the Taos area. That means there are some loose climbs and descents, cold nights, and glowing aspen trees at this time of year. Photos below!

Unfortunately, a full half of our middle school crew was sick or out of town for this race, leaving us with just 7 hardy souls who were beyond ready for this race. Isla Chavez (former Taos Composite high school racer who now attends UNM in Albuquerque) was the Head Coach of the weekend, supported by Coach Val Henderson on race day. The crew of parents who were at the race were fully capable of also supporting the athletes.

8^th grade A riders, Elliot Conn and Malcolm Breier along with 7^th grader Bridger Smith represented the middle school boys. Elliot and Malcolm both race in the more competitive and longer A division, completing 3 laps on the course while all other middle school groups complete 2 laps. These boys have all been really working hard and having fun on training rides leading up to this race. Elliot was riding great when he slid out on a turn and fell. “I was feeling great but I came into that turn with way too much speed and went down,” reported Elliot. “I lost focus and didn’t have a great second lap but I am proud to say I came back strong and finished well, staying in 3^rd place.” Elliot’s 3^rd lap was, in fact, his fastest. Malcolm finished right behind Elliot in 4^th place. “The race itself was difficult and pushed me to try harder than I have before. It was good and the team had a great vibe,” Malcolm shared.

Bridger finished 6^th after a strong ride. “The race felt much shorter than last time so that was fun!” This is a testament to just how much stronger Bridger has become this season. Though he was frustrated not to make it onto the podium, Bridger still had a positive takeaway which is everything.

We were missing many of our girls but the 4 who were able to race showed their determination and passion. In the 3 lap 8^th grade girls race, Kalia Velarde was out to prove that she is still the strongest (which she is). She had taken the lead and was feeling great when disaster struck and she fell in a turn. Of course, it wasn’t one of the more technical, challenging turns but, nonetheless, she was unable to continue and had to take a DNF. This is two disappointing races in a row for Kalia and her teammates are making a point of giving her lots of support. This, too, is what this team is about. Amaya Dean, also racing 8^th grade A, landed on the podium in 3^rd place. Amaya’s report: “It was really, really fun and for the first time, I found my competitive beast mode! Something clicked when I realized I had to represent the team.” Lhotse Johnson continued to absolutely dominate the 7^th grade girls field, winning by nearly 8 minutes and maintaining her series leader jersey. Once again, out of the entire middle school field, only one 8^th grade A boy faster lap times. Samara Dean represented the 6^th grade girls by taking the win and earning the series leader jersey. “I had a not so great first lap but on the second one I went as fast as I could, pulled ahead, and had so much fun!”

Thank you to Syd and Macky for sponsoring the team at this race and to all of the amazing parents who keep showing up and supporting these awesome kids.

And, for those of you who missed the Pajarito race, it has just been announced that the final race of the season (October 25th) has been moved from Socorro to Pajarito due to extensive rain damage sustained on the Socorro course. So everyone on the middle school team gets another chance. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for good weather!

Next up, Ride the Rift this Sunday October 18!!! All team members, families, friends, and the entire community is invited to come participate in this free community event. See you there. Bring your friends! www.RidetheRiftTaos.com

Donate to riders fundraising pages here: Donate to the Teams!