The preview was met by some first time XTERRA racers as well as some veteran athletes. It was a good day of riding and the sun stayed just behind the clouds with no rain.
We set out on the trails, tackled the switchbacks, rocks, fast fire roads, and grueling uphills. After the bike we went quickly over transitioning, and then set out for the run. We climbed Toboggan Hill, hung out for a few mins to take a picture and then let it roll down hill to the bottom, out on the street..and end up on the beach.
Glad we did it, missed those who didn't join us, and hoping for a good day on race day!
As we were eating lunch by the cars, we saw a 13 yr old boy with a MASS race plate who was out mtb riding with his mom for the day. I asked him about racing.. and now he is joining an all teen relay for the King of the Hill XTERRA as the mtb leg. We asked Mom to race too! The Round Valley Recreation area is one of the coolest places in NJ, besides the shore, and the state of NJ is looking to shut it down this summer. We will have racers sign a petition to avoid this mistaken act of the government. NJ will close 9 parks to save 8.8 million dollars... but imagine taking away a place where families and people gather to enoy their off time. Time... is worth more than money. NJ will be closing down time for many people, and will be taking away people's jobs. An intervention is needed to keep this park open, and to keep the grounds open for families, hikers, bikers, campers, and swimmers. If NJ closes the park, we will not have a local XTERRA race for the city folk of New York and Philadelphia. With all the building of new homes, we need to keep open land to roam and run. especially in New Jersey!
