T's rides the Hilly

Thompson has been itching to ride on the road for some time now; however, we've talked about how dangerous the roads can be and that he's not quite old enough yet.  Well...this morning, we let him give it a whirl...and what a whirl it was!  The Asheville Youth Cycling Club sponsors the Holly Hellacious each fall.  This year they introduced a "family" ride, which we thought might provide the best opportunity to ride the road (translation: lots of cyclists on the road would make us more visible to drivers).  When we shared news of this ride with him earlier in the week, it would be an understatement to say he was thrilled.  He's been counting down the days telling everyone about his upcoming 20-mile road ride.  We started rolling shortly before 9 am, and 2 hours 45 minutes later, Thompson had cranked his bike around the 28 mile "family" course. (yes, it was longer than the anticipated 20 miles.)  In addition to being the youngest rider, he was the only rider on a mountain bike, so we figure he one was of the hardest working riders, moving the heaviest bike with the smallest wheels.  Super proud of him and throughout the ride, he claimed he was having fun...that's what it's all about, right!?  (And as a bonus, Brent and Jamie Bookwalter turned out to ride the 100-mile course and took some time to catch up with Thompson.)