Small Fry Race 2012

To celebrate a beautiful Easter Sunday we headed to the mountains for a day on the ski slopes.  Today both kids participated in the 59th running of the Steve Madison Small Fry race at Stevens Pass.  I am sure that everyone remembers the post from the race last year.  But just in case you do not have it bookmarked so that you can watch the video often like I do here is the link: Small Fry Race 2011.

This was Olivia third race this winter, but Caedan's first.  He was so excited to get his chance after watching his sister race earlier this year.  Caedan's field of six and unders had nine racers, six of whom were affiliated with a race team.  Olivia's field of seven and eight year olds was 13 skiers strong and was made up almost entirely of race team members.  The six and younger skiers had a nice long 15 gate course this year which included a steeper faster pitch.  Olivia's age group was moved to the full size course typically used by the nine and older racers.  This favored the more experienced racers as it was longer overall and the second run course was quite technical, "tricky and confusing" in the words of one of the race team coaches during course inspection.  So tricky she had her girls inspect the course twice so they wouldn't miss a gate in the delay to flush to delay finish.  Olivia was unfazed and excited about the second course set.

Waiting for the race to start.

Caedan at the starting gate.

Olivia in the starting gate.

Caedan collecting his SECOND place trophy.  The kid who came in first is seven.  Like any good parent I was ready to protest the 0-6 race that was won by a seven year old, but I had trouble finding the race officials!  

Olivia receiving her trophy for ninth place.

The kids took their trophies on a tour of the mountain after the awards cerimony.  Here they are at the top of Hogsback.

After a long day of racing both racers fell asleep in the car on the way home.  Notice that Caedan still has his trophy in his hand.

Olivia claims that she was not sleeping.  She was just resting her head!

In order to remain competitive Olivia has decided that she would like to commit to a racing team next season.  The start up costs to join a team are a little steep.

Racing team $1140

Racing skis $300
Ski suit $175
Season's pass $279
Race team jacket $50 (This is not required by the team - just Olivia)
Race helmet $115
Cow bell $10
The total for just next year is $2069.

This total doesn't contain gas, food or seasons passes for the rest of the family.  Why should the rest of the family sit in the lodge while she is learning to race? 
Since I know you all want to someday cheer for Olivia in the winter Olympics I have come up with a way for everyone to help Olivia achieve her dream. 

SPONSORSHIPS

We are now accepting applications for sponsorships for the 2012-2013 racing season.  Logos can be placed on her helmet or prominently placed on her sleeve.