Honestly, I had no idea this was going to be such a big deal. Instead it was hundreds of kids - and quite a few adults - from all over the area. I stood in the grass between trails and took dozens* of pictures that I probably shouldn't share since I didn't get model releases. I did post a few on reddit where you can't actually make out enough of the cyclist's face to ID them but my absolute favorite pick is one I didn't post - a pre-schooler on his tiny little bike storming around "Pork Chop's Knock Knock" while his grandmother chased after him on foot. I even met an elementary school teacher of my acquaintance and it turns out she actually coaches a cycling team and was there with the team and was going to do some laps herself.

There was also the moment when a guy looked up and said "You're Porkchop?!?" and led a round of applause for me. Cue the stammering and blushing...

And all I can think of is how I would never have even gotten into cycling if it weren't for the cyclists right here on this site so, Hulver, GZT, WireDog, lm, Herring, and everyone I've forgotten - all you guys own a piece of this. Whether you like it or not you were such a good influence on me that that influence has now extended to a future generation of cyclists.

As for the back surgeon; he gave me a clean bill - everything appears to be fusing nicely and I should be good for many years. His eyes did cross when he thought I might be trying out the new bike park but I explained that, no, I'm sticking to road cycling. 

Absolutely the best week I've had in YEARS.

* It was actually "hundreds" since I was shooting in sports mode but you know how that goes - delete, delete, delete, keep, delete, delete, maybe, delete, delete...