Junior Cycle Tour 2019

For the first time since 2013 I did not participate in Junior Cycle Tour this year. It was quite something to acknowledge considering that this has become a bit if an institution in our family.

Back when we first started, I would like the kids in their buggy for a fairly relaxed stroll. Both Sam and Bayley have done the race in utero while I push an older sibling or cousin through the route. As the kids got older they would move onto push bikes; their tiny, chubby legs racing them around the circuit as fast as possible, and after that to small kid bikes - with pedals but no need for a helmet - while I run breathlessly behind them.

This year though, we finally had a child graduate to big bike. And this means having a co-pilot that rides alongside you, the whole route. And so I was relieved. (Well, that, and the fact that I was on band duty at church).

Sam, when he thought he "won"

While the big kids were racing

Waiting at the finish line

Zac crossing the finish with a loud "boo-yah!"

Jorja: cool, calm and completely in control!

Ethan and Angel racing to the line

Post race drinks and celebrations for all

Thanks to:
Aunty Ash for always organising everything
Uncle PJ for setting up video footage
Andel for riding the route with the big kids
Pops for bussing everyone to the venue

It was fun and exhausting, and for a moment crossing the finish line, each kid felt like a rockstar! It was a good day.