"Paper Plater"

That's some serious concentrating by our "Paper Plater," number 122, in his very first BMX track race.

On Sunday, October 14th, we met up with our friends, Mike, Natalie and their four kids, at the BMX track in Manteca. Their two oldest sons have been racing for some time now and, ever since he watched videos of them, Preston has been itching to try it too.  Preston borrowed a bike from them (a huge bike in comparison to his own!), wore his regular bike helmet, John registered him and they placed a paper plate with the number "122" on his handle bars. The first-timers are fondly referred to as "Paper Platers" because they don't have a number plaque on their bikes.

Our paper plater was so brave.  A new bike, a new experience, a crowd of people, a dirt BMX track - - he's never ridden on that terrain before. Everything was new and potentially overwhelming and he... well, he just did it!  It made us so proud of him to see him so sure of himself and excited even while feeling nervous.

Preston, John, Mike and Camden heading up to the starting gate for some practice runs.

Cam patiently rode with Preston as he got the feel for the track.
I love the way Preston is watching Cam catch air.  I am sure he's thinking he can't wait to do that, too!

A father and son moment... getting some pointers and water from Daddy after a couple of practice rides.

Hanging out, visiting, cheering on the boys! 
Nana and Papa came down to watch Preston, too, which he loved!
Sweet Cora, who like Gracie spent her night awake, slept through the day.

The boys after the qualifying races! Cole, Sam, Cam and Preston.
I'm sure Gavin will be in the mix soon enough!

Miss Gracie enjoying hanging with Natalie and balancing on Sam's bike!

At the gate with Mike who was giving him some advice and support as John clicked away.
He bites his cheek (just like me) when he is thinking or nervous.

And there they go! 
After a few practice runs and the first two qualifying races, Preston had more confidence on the new-to-him big bike to stand up some of the time!

Love this shot and his sweet, concentrating face!

The final leg of the final race!

I love the way he proudly posed as he crossed the finish line!
2nd place overall in his age group!
Camden did a great job, too, and placed 3rd in his age group and Cole rode his heart out in his qualifying races.
We are so proud of how brave Preston was and how he went up to each of the boys in his group and congratulated them on their great race.

Receiving his 2nd Place Plaque and getting it signed by a professional BMXr!
(These shots complete with track dust on my lens!)

Adorable, snack-covered Sam cheering on the kids who were receiving awards!

Preston's race is the second one in... the "Dinky Dudes" as the announcer called them (5 and under)!  Preston was the only one of the three who hadn't raced multiple times before. Check them out... they are adorable!

He is hooked, at least for now.  Looks like searching Craigslist for an affordable, used racing bike is in our immediate future and our Sunday afternoons are officially booked!