Blaire's Third Mountain Bike Race

 Another uphill start on a gravel fireroad. This was a particularly well-organized event held in an ancient limestone quarry. Blaire is getting better with each race.

The girl in the Background is Blaire's mentor, Vicky, ranked 3rd in France (FSGT). The girl on the left is ranked first in France (FSGT) in Blaire's catagorie.

Here is the start!

On the podium again. How are we going to get all these trophies home?

Illegal activities

Caught in the act: 6-year-old juvenile delinquent buying 10 litres of excellent wine in a French "Cave".

 Just when you thought it couldn't get any better. The wine is even more financially accessible if you bring in your own container. This "wine station" next to the till works exactly like a gas station with each nozzle suppling a different "Grade" of wine with the prices listed on the board above.

It gets worse.

Unpasteurized Brie aged less than 30 days.

 Jail time will result if you are caught selling this substance in Canada.

"Start the car!, start the car!!"

Suspect leaving the scene with a fresh, hot baguette.

Fresh butter croissants and croquise for breakfast. 

The following items should be illegal.

Fresh Macaroons

Chocolate exposition

Macaroons

Chocolate art

Nougat

"Muskrat houses"

Chocolate fountain

Every day I', shufllin!!!! For the other runners out there

A friend said to me " enjoy the training, the race will be over too fast". Thanks for the great advice.... A new way to look at RUNNING.  

 Here are a few photos from my 27 km trail race.

Pretty happy...huh...Haven't started yet.....

Not the biggest run I have ever done but pretty cool to have your neighbors cheer you on!

Can't complain about the view!

It is ok to slow down some times

C'est beau!

Still smiling and almost finished

EVERYDAY I'M SHUFFLIN  .... and I wasn't last...fifth last but not last!
PARTY ROCK IS IN THE HOUSE TONITE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQ6zr6kCPj8
I REALLY HAD THE MOVES DOWN BY THE END...SHUFFLING

Merci Madame Balai!

KEEP ON SHUFFLIN ......and look around.......even stop.....

.THE FINISH ISN'T ALWAYS THE GOAL

MERCI TAGYN ;)

Blaire's Second Mountain Bike Race

 Mountain bike race number two. The "Pupille" group of mixed boys and girls at the starting gate. The tension is enormous for both the kids and the parents. Another uphill start on a gravel fire road and then into the trees on a windy single track. Two laps on a 1.25 km trail stretches the group out so there is lots of room for everyone. I was one of the parents running between different view points on the trail to cheer on the kids in "our club" and encourage our own children.

Blair's MTB skills have increased dramatically with the last race and although she came in last in her group, she is closing the gap. She is super-proud of her first trophy and said that she was a little scared standing up on the podium with all the people looking at her.
We can't say enough about what a great community the French have here with all the different cycling clubs hosting competitions, the inclusion and support for the kids and the involvement of the parents.
One more competition to go!

Awards Ceremony