The End of an Era... Mnt Biking

 It's been an amazing adventure for our family as Ella competed for 6 years with the mnt bike team at her schools.  The friends and people she has met are unforgettable.  They have shaped her into who she is now.  

Ella wrote this essay, which won her a 1,000$ scholarship for college.  I am proud of her for all the hard work.  Darren has been an incredible coach and Dad, and a support through all.  He was also recognized as an outstanding ride leader.  He is loved by so many on the team. 

Chargers rise to the challenge when we fall and rise by lifting others. These principles are at the core of our team values. Describe the ways you have been able to rise and help others rise this year as a CCHS team member

Halfway through my senior year, I started to feel exhaustion and burnout. The constant pressure to do well in mountain biking started to take a toll on me. I mentally checked out, and I didn't enjoy riding my bike like I used to. After a while of feeling this way, I decided that my mindset needed to change, not just for me but for the people around me. It was my last season, and I wanted to enjoy it. Instead of focusing on the negatives, I decided to focus on the positives. I was often reminded that I was fortunate to be part of such an amazing team with people who supported and pushed each other to become better. Once I changed my mindset, I noticed how much having a good attitude can influence others around me. I made an effort each practice to talk to all the girls in my group, as well as others outside my group. By focusing on lifting others, I found myself rising too. It helped me to remember why I started mountain biking in the first place, because of the community and the love of the sport. The team has taught me that success isn't about what place you finish but rather the relationships you make and the memories you create along the way.

October 2025

 Ella and Jimmy at the Halloween dance- Pirates and Mermaids.  Ella has a lots of different groups of friends.  Some are close good friends.  But I love that she can jump into several settings and have a great time.  

I took some neighborhood girls to do a big service project for My Hometown.  We worked on trimming for a Russian Lady and then cleaned up the yard for a Veteran.  It makes me so happy to go make a difference for someone with a need and do it in a short amount of time.  

I also spent some time at the cabin with Eric Allen.  We worked on getting more rocks put up on the foundation.  It is beautiful up there.  Cold plunging in the river is 5 starts up there. 

We love our weekly talks with Tyler.  We are always eager to talk to him, and he says he loves to talk to us!  A lovely hike up Rock Canyon with Pamela.  Long time, amazing friend.  Fixing the fence between Chad's yard and ours.  What a project.  I had no idea it would take as much work as it did.  

Ella is applying to colleges. That means applications and essays.  We went to the "Purple Carpet" event at Weber State.  So many exciting things ahead of her! Also, a fun weekend for the girls in Marysvale with the Dowlands.  Darren and I had a whole weekend to ourselves.  Win Win. 

My chicken girls.  So glad they can help chad with the chickens.  And... Dr Pepper for Halloween. 

Gunnison Race, End of the Season, and Cedar City State Championship

It is always great when we get to visit Pam because there is a bike race in Central Utah.  Its pretty sad we didn't get any pictures besides me trying to get a cookie in my mouth.  It was a great night.  My nephew Spencer came over and we had Oreos.  He got to meet Tenna and Andi, Pams daughters.  Then the next morning Jimmy showed up to cheer Ella on.  We finished the race and got out of there.  We missed the crazy storm that was coming in.  

Ella has given it her all for 6 years.  She is ready to move on to new adventures in her life.  The team had Wheres Waldo night and Senior Picnic.  She will miss these girls who she has ridden with for years.  Darren will miss these girls.  He has been a great ride leader.  

Cedar City State Champs.  What a great day.  So many awesome people who have helped my family to be better.  We love Lauren Monague more than words can express.   What a great friendship they have had. Abby has friends at the races also.  She is still my little buddy though!  Ella passed almost 50 people on the State course.  It was a great last race.  She was awarded the Ironman Award along with others who raced in every race since 7th grade.