The 2009 inaugural Over the Hump season brought out the families, not just the individual tried and true racers.

#736 Makayla Dulac (11yrs) took 2nd in Women's Juniors, behind her sister Samantha (12yrs), and in front of sister Danielle (9yrs) (photo courtesy IHARRIS)

For some it was about the kids…You may have read the story about the Dulacs (a vision for the future for both John and I)..  Samantha (12), Makayla (11), and Danielle (9) all raced in the September 15^th race, with their parents Dan and Diane and were covered in David Whiting’s column OC Outdoors on September 21.

Whiting quoted mom, Diane, “After the first time around, I was ready to call it a day. But we still had another lap and Danielle just kept going.” Diane’s husband Dan, said, “My only goal was to watch my daughter and complete the race”. And all 5 Dulacs completed the race…together.

For some it was about the parents…A  rider posted on STR (socaltrailriders.org) “My wife and kids also came out. My 5-year-old girl had a total blast…just spectating… she was so wound up by the energy of the race she took forever going to sleep (not so much for the two-year-old and one-year-old who were ready to crash at the race…). Although I was one of the slower riders in my class,(S2) it was awesome to hear my 5-year-old yelling for me each time I passed.”

Experienced riders/racers enjoyed the mix of race and family, too.  Ross Bennett, a dad who has ridden several of the Warrior’s Society’s Vision Quest and Counting Coupe races, rode with his son, Ben. For them it was a perfect blend of competition and father son camaraderie.

“I enjoyed riding OTH with Ben because it was the first time I followed his lead, yet helped him navigate the obstacles and other racers,” commented Ross.

Ben enjoyed the mid-week, close to home venue, which made it more fun to race. “I liked riding with my dad because he could coach and encourage me.”

Unlike other races, OTH beginning racers share the course with Professional riders on the 4 mile short course.  Ben “loved watching the pros blow by…”  Ben, among many other racers have found the pros and experts participation really encouraged and inspired them to ride harder.

One dad, a first time racer, saddled up with his son, while mom and other kids came out to cheer.. Matt Morse, a coach and operations director Southern California Seahorses Soccer and director of a soccer club in Orange County, brought his family out to the race. Matt and his son, Josh (14), were among many father/son or daughter teams that strapped on a number plate.

Racing the first OTH race on his birthday, August 26 Matt tells his story, “I am 37 years old and I have wanted to do a MTB race since I was about 16 years old.  I have always been involved in mountain biking but my soccer “career” – playing and coaching – has always taken precedence over racing…it’s just been too far out of reach, either too much travel, too much money, or too nervous to take that step.”

Father Matt Morse (left) and son Josh raced their first mountain bike race together

“ Arriving in the parking lot at about 4:15pm I got nervous.  There were a lot of expensive bikes and people working on their bikes…guys who knew each other in the parking lot.  I was sure I would be out of place, not have the right equipment, etc.  A friend helped a lot with my nerves, he was able to encourage me and put me at ease.  It also helped a lot to have my son, Josh, there with me to share in the experience.  I was able to take it all in, enjoy the people, check out their bikes and get ready for race time.  Josh and I, along with my other son, Ben-11, pre-rode the course. I am so glad we did, it really prepared me for what to expect.  It was a lot longer than I thought at first ride, but by the time I finished the loop I felt really good about doing it two more times in the beginner’s bracket.

“The second time through I actually went over the handlebars trying to avoid a person in front of me on the last single track section with the short downhill.  I am so glad I crashed because I shook off all the jitters and I didn’t have to worry any more about crashing. “

“It was humbling to be coming down the first section…having the expert guys already lapping me!  I started towards the back of the beginner group because I didn’t know what to expect.  I realized that not too many beginners passed me, but a lot of the sport and experts did.  Having them on the same course was definitely encouraging me to ride harder and give more of myself.

“(Josh) was excited about the race and probably as nervous as I was.  He had a great time and I was so proud of him and his endurance to finish strong.  Biking is something we have been able to do together and I am sure that since this race we will be doing it more often together.

Matt and Josh’s family are their greatest fans.  They had their cow bell out and cheered. Josh says he will be back, “this was my first (mountain bike race) so it made me want to do more, especially when I heard that I got fourth in my level!”

Even if two wheels and pedals isn’t your ideal day around Irvine Lake, mom, Di Morse is a big fan of the whole family coming out to see the action, “It was awesome to see so many riders.  We had no idea what to expect … there was a feeling of excitement and anticipation being part of something like this.  Watching the race from under the trees was perfect-we had a great view of the start and could see the riders go through the various parts of the course.  We brought our chairs, snacks, and our dog,  and made ourselves comfortable.

“We kept our eyes on the pros, watching them set the pace and seeing how fast they went by-that was fun.  The length of the race was perfect-not too long and not too short, so we watched Matt or Josh go by every few minutes…it was really exciting.”

With another season approaching, we are excited that Over the Hump brings families together, and gives all levels of racers a new and great experience.

Doug Grant kicks off 25 mile ride, and introduces Mtn Bike Legend Tom Ritchey Founder of Project Rwanda

Here’s a quick note from Doug Grant, founder of 50 Mile Ride, which Supports Project Rwanda.

“Hi gang:
What a day!  To quote Mary Poppins (that famous downhill racer) our 4^th annual event was “practically perfect in every way”.  We are blessed, and God was truly smiling down on us Saturday.  Terrific riding weather, smooth and flowing trails, friendly and encouraging volunteers everywhere you looked, yummy bbq on a sunny patio, TONS of fabulous prizes, and huge support from our 485 riders and their friends and family.  I’ll remember this day for the rest of my life.

Check out this story that will appear in Tuesday’s edition of the OC Register (OC Outdoors page, back page of the sports section).

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/ride-243701-grant-artates.html

David Whiting has indeed caught the Rwandan fever.  He’s got the bug, big time – and he’s done a terrific job of capturing the essence of our event.  Each of you should be proud.  It is because of your unselfish care and commitment, the hours and the energy you have invested, that this event is successful.  Thank you.  And thank you again.  We need to do a big group hug.

Sandy has tabulated where we stand so far – and we’re now over $52,000 in funds raised (including that generous Allstate 15% match – thank you John!).  I heard we may have even more donations coming in, so that number could go higher.  This is so humbling.  So far beyond our wildest expectations, that it can only be a God thing.  I love it when He does this.

Treve, could you please forward this email to all of the volunteers in your list?  I want to be sure they know how much we appreciate their help and support.  I say this every year and I really mean it – our planning team and our volunteer team are the number one reason why this event is so fun and so organized and so safe and so successful.  I am so very grateful for every one of you, and I’m honored to call you my friends.

God bless you,

Doug Grant-

www.wagraphics.com“