Eli and His New Mountain Bike Adventures

The plague hasn't been kind to a lot of folks on planet Earth.  But it has been kind to us, however hard it's been coping with the masks and the distancing and the angry idiots.  We have been working 100% since the start, and have made it a point to do as many outdoor activities as possible.  Along the way, Eli was introduced to the NICA team and that got a bit of fire going in his belly.  He's been bitten by the mountain biking bug, the same as I was 33 years ago, and just as the Beautiful Mrs K was.  A couple weeks ago, we just about finished a wonderful ride at Bluffview when Mrs K took a shot of us looking out over the Meramec. 

We've gone to a lot of different places now with him to get in more and more interesting mountain bike rides.  This wave ride at Forest City in St. James, Missouri became a favorite of his.  He probably rode it 20 times.  We've also been to Broemmelsick, Indian Camp Creek, Greensfelder, Cliff Cave, and Forest City.

He's started to accompany us on our weekend adventures.  We went to Greensfelder last weekend.  Mrs K took Remi for a hike while Eli and I rocked Fossil Ridge, Buelah, the Overlook Trail, and Eagle valley.  Before and after pics show that Eli fared better than Remi.

At Forest City, we all had fun things to do.  The little downhill course, the short technical loop, and the Marathon Race Course were awesome.  Beautiful weather, great trails, fun times.

On Tuesday nights, the South City NICA team is dedicated and growing.  18 kids this night....

...and 21 kids this night.  If only a third of these kids keep riding once their other sports return, it will be a huge win for mountain biking and a huge win for kids and the outdoors.  Eli records all of his rides on Strava for gym class at school, and has a massive lead in mileage.

Cliff Cave is still one of my favorite places to go.  Eli has it mastered, as he's even able to make it through the rocky bluff section.  I'm super proud of him.  Mountain biking isn't easy, but it's very rewarding and it's something we can enjoy together.