Racing at Baja in the Summer Sunshine

Baja isn't one of my favorite tracks.  It's very challenging and I see way too many kids leave there in ambulances.  But I do have to admit, that's it's one of the prettiest tracks when it's a beautiful summer day with the giant hardwood trees all over - of course, none where the spectators can watch and use their wonderful shade...

Motocross Boy (who wants to be called Motocross Man now that he's almost 14) had his work cut out for him at these races.  He's the one in the middle of the hill in the picture below.

This is a huge 3 level step up.  It just keeps going up and up.

Lots of places to catch some air.

Here's a better picture of that giant step up.  Motocross Boy/Man is on the left next to the kid on the green bike.

Pictures like this one always scare the crap out of me.  First of all, what the heck is my baby doing flying through the air like this?  And second, watch out for the kid below you!!!!!!  In pictures its easy to forget that the one on the ground is moving just as fast as the ones in the air so he's long out of the way before they hit the ground.  Hopefully on both tires and saying upright.

Now the real race begins.  Motocross Boy/Man and #846 are neck to neck in points for 2nd and 3rd place.  #846 is bound and determined he's going to get that 2nd place spot and keep it.  So is #55.

Uh oh.  Motocross Boy/Man gave #846 the inside!  That's a big no-no.

We take a break from the play by play to point out this beautiful summer day floating by behind the boy/man.  You can also see that huge step-up on the back left behind him.

Back to the race.  Still holding tight but #55 keeps the inside this time.

Um, that's not #846 and Motocross Boy has on different clothes...must be a new moto.  Oops.

But there they are again - #846 didn't change his clothes.  Peeeweeeie!  But maybe the stink helps - he takes the lead.

There's that air again.  Gulp.

Sometimes motocross is like mountain climbing. This is one steep hill.

Coming down can be just as scary.

I liked the way this birch tree framed the picture.  I get distracted sometimes with taking pictures of dirt all day.

Looking serious there, boy!  I mean man.  Baby.