While warming up for Short Track I saw a rider with my same kit, it was Thomas! It was the familiar face I’d seen since I landed in Alabama and I couldn’t have been happier. Thomas is hands down one of the best mechanics. He understands machines and the way things work more than anyone else I’ve met in my life. It was perfect timing since my crank had come loose. He tightened it well enough for me to race then afterwards he took it apart to see the issue. It was missing some spacers, and Thomas being Thomas of course had some to throw on there. He also worked on my rear shock with has been losing air very quickly. He traveled from Georgia with his parents in their RV. He was supposed to be racing TSE, but his plans changed last minute. It was another eye-opening experience meeting his parents. They are the most race-supportive parents I’ve ever met. They know everything you need to know as a support crew. They knew details about he course and feed zones. Barbara, his mom even had an opinion for me on camelbacks! Barbra wore her red shirt, white pants, red and black jewelry and red lipstick, all Jamis colors, all weekend (she planned all of it!). His dad wore Jamis attire the whole time as well. They let me hang out at their RV, always had cold drinks for me, let me shower after my races, checked results and podium times and cheered the whole time. They’ve traveled and raced with Thomas for years now (since he was a teenager~15 years) and completely understand everything about racing and support. Besides knowing exactly what’s happening at a race they are so kind hearted. They just shared and gave and gave. It gave me a whole appreciation for Thomas and also hope for my future. At some point I won’t race anymore (let’s hope it’s many years from now!) and perhaps at that time my son will race. I can be there to support him the way Thomas’ family does for him. One more heart warming experience from the weekend.

Barbara, Thomas and RV