The stoke was high Saturday morning as youth riders gathered for registration at the top of Cheech and Chong's Wild Ride for the third race of the year, hosted by Galbraith Gravity Racing (GGR).
The race took place on the south side of Galbraith Mountain, less than 10 minutes southeast of downtown Bellingham.
This weekend's race saw over 50 participants, split into categories (CAT) based on their age. Categories range from under 7 to under 18; above them are coaches and professionals who get a chance to ride at the end of the event, showing the youth how it’s done.
Racers who are the same age are split up into categories based on their previous race times. This is done for competitiveness and to keep the race running smoothly.
Six-year-old Saoirse Read was one of the first riders for the day and set the energy high upon her descent. Shouts and hollers could be heard around Galbraith as everyone cheered her on.
Read took home first place for the girls U7 category, finishing with a time of 7 minutes and 24 seconds. Read already has two years of racing under her belt.
Read isn’t the only rider who’s young and experienced.
“I started riding six to seven years ago," said 13-year-old Liam Schultz. “I started on the strider bike right as I could walk.”
Shultz races for Mission6ix racing, one of the few teams that racers at the GGR event ride for.
Racing isn’t limited to riders who are part of a team. It’s open to all kids under 18 who register and have a USA Cycling permit.
The CAT three Boys U10 group showed out strong with eight racers. Gunnar Shepherd took first-place with a time of 3:31. Following close behind him was Brecken Larson, finishing in 3:38.
The CAT three Boys U14 had a great show out as well. Harrison Hill stood above the rest with a time of 3:26.
In the CAT two U14 group, Chris Stokes just scraped by Riley Larson with only seven-tenths of a second to space, earning him the first-place award with a time of 3:05.
Grahame Shepherd (U16) was flying down the dirt and finished with the fastest time of the day, clocking in at 3:04. Shepherd impressively rode faster than those older than him. Shepherd’s time put him above all the youth racers, but the pros and coaches gave him something to look up to. Pro rider JT Fisher finished in 2:39.
Penelope Longman had the fastest girls’ time of the day with 3:35. Next to her was Sofia Ruiz-Crook with 3:50 and Hannah Lee with 4:34.
The competitive aspect of GGR events is met with support from a loving community, which is what riders find so special about it.
“I like how everybody is so friendly, and when you need help with something people are always willing to help you or coach you or teach you stuff or anything like that,” GGR racer Beck Potter said.
Beck's buddy Owen Nauman chimed in with his thoughts.
“People are really nice to you on this team, and it's nice. They also show you how to get better. They don't just tell you. They really show you,” Nauman said.
Being local is what makes GGR what it is: affordable and friendly. Matt Shepherd, one of the founders of GGR, speaks on how it came to be.
“About five years ago, we started putting on our own races because there are a lot of people who wanna try the sport, but it's a big commitment,” Shepherd said. “So, we're like, let's make it super cheap, five or $10 to come up here and race, let them try it. If they love it, they could start.”
The next GGR race is Saturday, April 12. Race and registration information can be found here.
Ben Magnus (he/him) is a Sports and Recreation reporter for The Front. He is in his first year at Western, majoring in Visual Journalism. When he’s not taking pictures, he enjoys spending time with his dogs, running and skiing. He can be contacted at benmagnus.thefront@gmail.com.
