Written by: Pua @ 5:52 am

This next introduction is way past due, but better late than never, right?!

Watch out girls (and boys)! This next little Keiki that I am about to introduce is the big sister of Kiki, the little Firecracker, and if you were wondering where Kiki got her skills, you are about to find out!

This next Keiki is Madison Mcdaniel and she has also probably been racing a bike before she even started walking. Well, you would atleast think so if you saw her racing resume. Don’t let her pictures fool you! She has come out of her 2008 season with total domination, never settling for anything but crossing the line first! At only 7-years-old she already has a reputation – if you are at a start line with her, you will be racing for the second spot on the podium. And yes, that goes for the girls and the boys!

I have never seen such determination, domination and dedication come in such a small package and I am so excited to watch this one grow up over the years! Remember the name Madison Mcdaniel, because this will not be the first you hear of her!

So, between her school, homework, training, playing, eating and sleeping, I was able to take a few minutes of her time to find out what goes on with this little speed racer. This is also a must read, enjoy!

(pua) Show me your funniest face plase. I know this is not your forte, but everyone wants to see!

(pua) For not being very good at it, that is pretty good. Now, can you tell me something fun, funny, or exciting that happened to you in the last month?

(madison) I won the hula hoop championship at my school’s Valentine’s Day dance.

(pua) Not only can you ride, but you hula hoop too?! I understand, you just can’t get away from the competition and I am guessing you weren’t so into the dancing either. So, it doesn’t seem like there is much you can’t do, but if you could be a superhero, who would you be and why?

(madison) I did a little research on this one and I decided that I would be Kim Possible. She has an “I can do anything motto.” She is also very competitive and has a drive for perfection, just like me.

(pua) I have never heard of her, but I think her name should be Madison Possible instead! She sounds like a superhero I would want to be too! Now Madison Possible, if you could ride your bike anywhere in the world, where would you ride?

(madison) Anywhere and everywhere, except Florida. I love exploring new trails!

(pua) I agree, there is so much out there. But, for being only 7-years-old, you have seen a lot. You guys travel alot, what is your favorite vacation that you have been on?

(madison) I would have to say, the Nick Hotel in Orlando. I had a lot of fun on the slides and getting slimed on.

(pua) Slime, nice! Sounds like fun! So, what is your favorite movie?

(madison) RV….it reminds me of some of our crazy camping trips.

(pua) Yes, that was a fun movie. It definitely was like watching our trips too. And what about your favorite TV show?

(madison) I don’t watch too much TV, sometimes I’ll watch Sponge Bob in the morning before school.

(pua) That’s good that you don’t watch too much TV, but speaking of school, what is your favorite class or do I have to even ask?!

(madison) Favorite class in school would be P.E.. I love running around outside. It’s a nice change from sitting in class.

(pua) I agree, that was my favorite too! I figured that talking about cars was not even a thought for someone so young, but according to Kiki, you are never too young. So, if you could have any kind of car out there, what would it be?

(madison) I’m not sure….I think I would ride my bike everywhere.

(pua) Good answer! I will ask you again in about 8 years! Now, back to riding. Tell us about your favorite mountain bike ride or race. Describe what happened and why it was your favorite.

(madison) San Felasco was definitely the most exciting. It was the day before my race and we (my mom, dad and 4-year-old sister) decided to check out the adult course. We started riding late in the afternon not knowing that the course was 10 miles long. The trail was a lot of fun and we saw tons of deer. After riding about 7 miles we started to freak out a little. The sun was starting to set and we had no bike lights and only about a sip of gatorade left. It started to get darker and darker and harder to see the trail. I crashed going downhill and then my dad thought it would be safer to get off our bikes and walk. We walked about 2 miles, or should I say ran, until we were out of the woods and could see a little better. We made it back to the car just as the sun went completely down. We can laugh about it now, but at the time it was really scary.

(pua) Yikes, what an adventure! I have to admit that Ron and I have been in very similar situations many, many times and it is always better when you are looking back at it and laughing. Ok, now food. What is your favorite?

(madison) Taco salad, I think it’s because my mom ate tons of tacos while I was in her belly.

(pua) Mmmm, tacos are yummy! Last question. I know you are very athletic and love playing sports, but besides mountain biking, what other sports do you like to play? Who is your favorite athlete in another sport?

(madison) I also love running and swimming. I don’t have a favorite athlete in another sport, but in the same sport I think Jeff Lenosky is awesome!!

(pua) Right on! Lastly, is there anything else that you would like to share with us?

(madison) During the day, I go….go….go, but in the evening I like my quiet time. I enjoy reading in my favorite chair, adding stuff to my blog (mtbracergirl.blogspot.com), and playing with my hamster named Stink. Do you know why I call him stink?? It is because he is so excited to see me that he poops about a million times when I pick him up!

(pua) Sounds like you picked a very appropriate name. Thank you so much Madison for taking time out of your busy day, it was a lot of fun! So, you gave us your funny face, can you show us a pic of you doing something other than riding your bike? Thank you! Goodluck this year!

I am working on the pictures, so check back on that real soon!

Written by: Pua @ 8:42 am

Over the next couple of months I will be featuring each Keiki so that you can get to know the team a little more and so you can see what sparks those little legs that makes the bike go so fast!

The first  Keiki that I would like to introduce is the youngest and the smallest of the group, but don’t let her age or her size fool you because when you put her on the saddle at the starting line and she hears “go,” she can move!  This little firecrackers name is Makenzie Lauren Mcdaniel and we call her Kiki.

Kiki is 4-years-old and I think she probably started riding a bike before she started walking.  At only 2 1/2 years-old she was racing her mountain bike with the 3-5 year-olds and after a season of learning what the racing thing was all about, she went from finishing 10th or 11th to finishing 1st through 4th consistently. And now 2 years later, she is standing at the top of the podium, dominating the whole series and showing the boys how to ride!

I got to take some time out of this busy little girls day and got some answers to some questions that I have been wanting to ask her and it is a must read! Enjoy!

(pua) Show me your funniest face please.

(pua) That is pretty funny, now can you tell me something fun, funny, or exciting that happened to you in the last month?

(kiki) I can’t remember, I’m only 4.

(pua)  Ok.  So, if you could be a superhero, who would you be and why?

(kiki)  I think Wonder Women, I like her dress up clothes, especially her cape.  Does she fly?? Because I would like to fly!!  I want to be free like a bird.  

(pua)  Being free like a bird would be pretty cool!  Now, if you could ride your bike anywhere in the world, where would you ride?

(kiki)  I don’t know much about the whole world, but I do know that I love the pump track at Santos!  I’m getting really good on it!

(pua)  I should start training on a pump track too!  You guys travel a lot, what is your favorite vacation that you have been on?

(kiki)  It was going to the Nick Hotel.  I loved the slides and the room was really cool.  It was decorated like the Jimmy Newtron show and even had bunk beds.

(pua)  Sounds like a pretty fun place, now what is your favorite movie?

(kiki)  The Bridge to Terabithia.  I wish I had a tree house just like them.  Every time I go riding I pretend like it’s a magical forest just like in the movie.

(pua)  That was a fun movie, it would be cool to have a tree house like that.  What about your favorite TV show?

(kiki)  A new show called Olivia.  I love that piggie, she is so cute!  My other favorite show is Oswald.

(pua)  I can’t say that I have heard of those shows, but I am sure they are great!  Now how about school.  What is your favorite class?

(kiki)  Outside time.  I love playing on the playground!

(pua)  Of course!  The playground is pretty awesome!  Now, a big girl question.  I know you are a little young, but, if you could have any kind of car out there, what would it be?

(kiki)  I’m not too young, I wish I could drive.  I would do the grocery shopping for my Mom.  I would love a little blue car just like my Papa, it is so cute!!

(pua)  Sorry, I guess you can never be too young to want to drive.  Cute cars are good, my first car was a blue VW bug and I loved that thing.  Now, can you tell us about your favorite mountain bike ride or race?  What happened and why was it your favorite?

(kiki)  I love riding on my favorite trail at Alafia, it is called River Loop.  I like to take my time and check things out, like the river, sometimes we see animals.  Last weekend my sister touched an armadillo, that was funny!

(pua)  You guys have to take me there someday, it sounds like a great place to ride.  What about your favorite food?  What do you like to eat?

(kiki)  Just a Grilled Cheese, I hate meat.

(pua)  Grilled cheese is good, my mom used to make that for me a lot.  So, when you are not riding your bike and getting dirty, you like to be pretty and play with your barbies.  How many barbies do you have and which ones do you have?  You also mentioned that you would like to be a model, do you have a favorite model?

(kiki)  I like to play with my babies more than barbies now.  I have 8 babies that I take care of.  Everyday I give them a bath, feed them, and put fresh clothes on them.  It is a lot of work, but I love them.  My favorite baby is Madeline, she used to be my sisters doll.  Sorry, but I do not have a favorite model.  Is Barbie a model?

(pua)  I don’t think Barbie would be considered a model although she looks like one.  Is there anything else you would like to share with us?  You can talk about anything you want here, so tell us more!

(kiki)  No thank you, not today.  I will let you know if I think of something.

(pua)  Ok, just let me know.  Thank you so much for taking some time out of your busy day to share your life with us Kiki and goodluck this year!  But one last thing, we saw your funniest face, can you show us a picture of you doing something other than riding your bike please?

Written by: Pua @ 8:28 am

The first year of Team Mata Keiki has come and gone and now we are heading into 2009 and it is going to be an even bigger and better year.  Our first year was a huge success and a ton of fun, these kids are absolutely amazing!  The team saw many races, many podiums and lots of riding, here are a few highlights:

Levi Ascher
Multiple podiums in the Breckenridge Summit Series
3rd Overall Junior 11-12 in Summit Series

Gene Capinas
Multiple podiums in National Series Junior Sport Category
2nd Overall Juniors 12 Hours of Temecula Series

Willie McClure
1st Overall Juniors 12 Hours of Temecula Series

Nikita Mamochine
Was our little world traveler and raced when he could and did awesome

Madison Mcdaniel
Undefeated in the 2008 Florida State Series
1st Place Florida State Series

Kiki Mcdaniel
Almost undefeated in 2008 Florida State Series
1st Place Florida State Series

For this year, we will be expanding our team and welcoming 2 new racers.  I would like to introduce you to Gunner and Sofia!

Gunner Gilliam is 14-years-old and from Roswell, Georgia.  When he isn’t riding his bike he is either playing the drums or playing soccer.  He races on the local scene in Georgia and frequents the podium.  He is definitely looking forward to an awesome 2009.

Sofia Trujillo is 9-years-old and from Ensendada B.C. Mexico.  When she isn’t riding her bike she is doing the Flamenco (Spanish Dance).  She has been tasting the State Championship title with consistent 2nd and 3rd place finishes, keep your eye out for her!

So, this is our team for 2009 and I hope you enjoy watching them grow and rip it out there as much as I do.

This year we will be starting a blog with the team so make sure to check back and read about what is going on with each of our Keikis.  For the next couple of months I will be highlighting one of the Keikis and having them write a little about themselves so each of you can get to know them a little better.

The first Keiki that you will meet is Willie McClure.  He is 12-years-old, from Southern California and a rockstar both on and off the bike.  When he isn’t pedaling he is either skateboarding, surfing, snowboarding, playing football or playing guitar and bass with his band at different gigs.

I met Wiilie a couple of years ago at a 12 hour race in Temecula, California.  I was racing solo and so was Willie.  At that time, Willie was so small and I remember seeing him pushing himself and never giving up and I was simply amazed.

I continued seeing him at the races over the years and I have watched him grow and get faster really fast.  When we began putting Team Mata Keiki together, I knew I would want Willie to be a part of it and luckily he wanted to be a part of it too.

A couple of weeks ago, Willie raced at the 12 Hours of Temecula and rocked the solo category.  He had his best race ever and was amazing.  Even though he was feeling a little under the weather, he pushed through and had his most solid race ever!

Below is a little write-up of the race from Willie himself and a few pics.  Read his story and enjoy!  Congratulations again Willie, you rock!

This year at the first 12 Hours of Temecula race of 2009 Jason Ranoa, the race director completely changed up the course.  He actually took the evil dam climb out of the race for the first time and it was awesome!  The course was great.  We started off climbing to Marine Hill and then the course led up and around to a not very fun climb called Bridges, then up to the the Dragon Backs. After that climb you go down the backside of the hike-a-bike and go all the way down to the fire road and then clmib back up to Marlin (it was funny — there were bullet casings all over the ground in front of the fiberglas marlin       that is on the trail there). After riding down Marlin Ridge you drop down and ride up the Ambulance Road climb and then get to go downthe Tunnel of Love, through the BMX park and then back home.
I did this course seven times during the race, and on my final lap this guy was just sitting there in the middle of Ambulance trying to fix his broken chain. I was lucky that my dad had some speed links. He gave them to me for the race in case I broke my chain (I did that a few weeks ago when I was on a ride with my dad).  So, I stopped and helped him.  I whipped out the speed links and told him to take the pins out of both sides of the chain, and then I popped them on for him and off we went. That made me feel really good to help someone out because other people have stopped to help me out before, so I decided to return the favor.
All of my laps felt really solid.  They were all around 1:05, but I rested in between them so it is kinda hard to get an average for my ride times that makes real sense. It took me about 11 hours for all my laps.  I took second place in the Junior Solo category.  The guy who won is a great rider and a couple of years older than me.  The course was great, but Jason is changing the next race up to Rim Nordic near Lake Arrowhead, so come and check out the next race.  It will be new to all of us.

Written by: Pua @ 5:10 pm

As many of you know, Ron and I live on the road full-time. Most would call this the opportunity of a life-time (this includes us) or if you were my dad, you would call us nomads! Either way, we have traveled across the US quite a few times. Along the way, we have not only seen the most amazing places, met the sweetest people and ridden the best trails all over the country, we have had the opportunity to meet the most incredible kids.

We always loved seeing kids on bikes. Whether it was seeing them out on the race course pushing just as hard as I was, working it on a trail while training or just seeing them smile because they share the love of the bicycle and they love to just pedal. I always wanted a way to help support that and after a brief meeting with two young boys one year ago, we finally found a way.

The meeting happened after the Marathon National Championships in Breckenridge, Colorado. I had just finished the race and was at the truck cleaning up, when two little boys came riding over to me. They were both on their bikes, wearing jerseys and their helmets. They introduced themselves, Levi and Nikita, and asked if they could be on Team Mata. I was honored by the question and wanted to say “absolutely,” but I did not want to promise something that I could not deliver. We sat on the grass and talked for a while, exchanged emails and I told them I would be in touch.

Now, we are almost at exactly a year later and I am introducing Team Mata Keikis. This team is a way for us to support the future of our sport, promote a positive lifestyle, give these kids something to be proud of and represent. When I was their age, I had the most incredible support from my parents and that meant the world to me and made all the difference in my life. We know how important that is and we want to be able to help that. There is no expectations, only to do their best and continue to have fun! At the moment I have about 5 Keikis and they are each unique in their own way and are amazing kids. I hope they continue to love the bike and I hope that you have fun watching them grow and cheering them on!

Fun Fact. Keiki (kay-kee). Hawaiian word for child.