We again have been taught life lessons by Cannon.
Today we went to Cannon's first flat track quad race.
First of all, we are in awe that Cannon even wanted to race his quad. There we more times than not in the last two years that Cannon cried because he didn't want to ride his quad. Secondly, we feared that Cannon might get to the races tonight and decide that he didn't want to do it after all. But that wasn't the case. We have two successes already!
We were so proud of Cannon for taking on this new sport, listening and learning the rules. He didn't seem the least bit scared as he went and lined up for his first practice and was excited each time he got to put his helmet on and ride. This is an area where we thought Cannon may have trouble since he usually doesn't like the 'unknown'. However we underestimated him! (And another success!)
Cannon did a pretty good job in practice and really was just getting the feel for the track. The straightaways were lengthy and he needed to hold the throttle on longer than he was. (Which is still something we are working on!) He got faster each practice (success!) and even was passing another new kid. Cannon was on the inside passing and the other rider came down on Cannon's bike, almost spinning him out. Cannon did a great job saving it and continued on. Another success!
On race day, there is time to practice and time to race, but there is also a lot of time to wait. Cannon had his bicycle with him and rode around everywhere! He loved the freedom of riding around the pits and around buildings, checking things out. He still wears that same smile on his face as he did the first day he rode his bike for the first time without help! Big success!
Cannon made friends with both of the other boys he raced against and spent a lot of time playing with Cameron. Cameron is much more outgoing compared to Cannon and it always takes Cannon awhile to warm up. But soon they were laughing and they actually hung out for most of the evening together, playing, talking, chasing and being kids. Success!
There were two races. The first race, Cannon wasn't even looking at the lights when they flashed green and was left 'in the dust' as the other two riders took off. Cannon got going and quickly caught up to second place but then slowed down and just followed the rider in second place. Chris and I were dying in the stands watching him go so slow! When he came off and we met him in the pits, he was happy. He didn't know anything had gone 'wrong'. Well, Cannon...your right. Nothing went wrong. You learned that the lights will flash green really fast after the starter moves out of the way and that you can go faster and pass people. However the second race was similar except he started a little better (but still didn't go until the other two racers had started) and then Cannon went even slower. He rode around not even half throttle, just coasting and following the second place quad. Seriously? Maybe he didn't really understand some of the lessons learned from the first race.
When we met Cannon in the pits the second time, the first thing out of his mouth was, "Did I do perfect?"
Gulp. Reality Check.
Yes, Cannon. You did perfect.
You tried something you haven't ever done.
You raced in front of a big crowd of people.
You kept racing and never quit.
You believed in yourself.
You were happy.
That's all that matters.
Enjoying every moment.
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