School ended June, 4 2021. We celebrated Brody’s eighth grade graduation with friends at one of our favorite local restaurants, Ellie’s Farmhouse. After a delicious brunch, it was time to head home to pack the gear and rack the bikes for the King Pine Tri/ Duathlon. Friday night, we all stayed in North Conway, NH to avoid a long early morning drive. Although Mom and Dad wanted Gavin and Brody to take it easy and rest their bodies, the hotel’s indoor water park was too exciting to pass up. The hotel provided a bagged breakfast, but neither Gavin nor Brody were very hungry. While they checked in and set up their transition area, Mom and Dad volunteered to help and were placed on drink chilling duty. Mom and Dad may not race, but they are eager to help where they can while supporting the boys in their races. Chase helps by carrying bags and assisting where he can too! Although this was Brody’s second adult duathlon, this was his first mountain course. He raced hard and finished strong! Seventeen duathletes competed in this race. Gavin placed second overall and in the men’s division. Brody placed twelfth overall and sixth in the men’s division. Gavin had the opportunity to cycle alongside a racer who is a former U. S. senator and former U. S. ambassador. He kindly encouraged Gavin in his racing and suggested that if Gavin had a better bike, he’d be a rocket. It wasn’t the first time Gavin was told it was time to think upgrading. Our favorite bike shop, Philbricks, has amazing staff! In the spring of 2021, he was told to start thinking about an upgrade because of his growth. These comments settled in Gavin’s mind, and he began researching his best options for tri bikes. He purchased his current bike, an acid-green Cannondale CAAD Optimo, in the summer of 2018. It has served him well, but we all know it’s time for him to kick it up another notch!
King Pine Tri/ Duathlon 2021
Team AFR 