Grand River Shootout
Everything about my husband's first ever Crit race in Grand Rapids.
First of all, you might have a question “What is a Crit race?” That was myself. I had no idea about Crit. I learned it 3 years ago. Go check on Entry#146 (8/07/2023).
Crit = Criterium
In the cycling world, it seems a very popular term. Here are videos for you. The first one created by Mr. Matt Tingley who is a great fast handcyclist (now a para triathloner!) is Handcycle Crit. So you can feel and see how the Crit race happens. I get scared a lot just watching it. (Note: We met Mr. Tingley for the first time at Amway 25K handcycle race in May 2026. He raced with his racing-chair at that time.)
From my perspective, a Crit race is great to watch. It is very fun and exciting for audience at roadsides. Cyclists keep biking with fast speed around and around. We, audience can watch them several times staying at one position. So I had a great time there. It seems there is a tricky part to handcyclists, though. The course is a loop. That means there are at least 4 corners to turn. If the corner angle gets sharper, it gets harder to turn for handcycle machines. Well, that is a part of a Crit race. Would you like to try a Crit race? Not me, though. (I prefer TT.)
As my understanding, at this event “Grand River Shootout”, basically they bike/pedal for 30 minutes (yes, only 30 minutes). The course is set as a loop. They bike several laps in the loop. In a Crit race, the winner is the rider who completes the most laps in 30 minutes.
It was very interesting to me because their beginning laps (1st and 2nd) looked like a parade ride together in a single line. Then they were spread.
Day 1. In the rain (unfortunately).
Race Day 1 was wet, sprinkled and light showers. My husband hasn’t raced in the rain. (I can say this. One Flying Pig 10K race was a bit wet, but it was not raining during the race time.) Once I was told that tire-pressure was supposed to be “not-full” for rain races. So we prepared so. (for a front tire). Other than that, whole preparation was as usual. I was worried a bit about slippery road conditions. But my excitement was more than worries. Once they started, I enjoyed watching their rides every single lap, yelling their names with “Woooo hoooo!”. Everyone finished safely. I was relieved and happy even I was also soaked in the rain. (It was not so bad.)
It worked anyway for the race for handcyclists. However there were several new realization about a rainy race when my husband got off from his handcycle into his wheelchair.
1. His race pants were soaking wet. So as shoes + socks. This would make his wheelchair cushion wet.
2. Biking Goggles. My husband said he couldn’t see much during the race because rain ruined the visibility through goggles. Usually his hands keep on handles. One hand cannot do anything to take off/on goggles, I guess, especially during the race.
3. Handcycle conditions afterwards. It was kind of awful with rain/sands/dirt. It was worse than I imagined.
Lesson learned to myself. I can be ready for raining conditions better for future races.
1. I forgot to bring extra socks at the race place from a hotel. I need to remember that. Also we need to have extra pair of shoes just in case.
2. My husband needs to figure out about goggles somehow.
3. I will learn “how to clean up handcycle quickly after raining”.
Day 2. Sunny sunny!!!
You can imagine easily how much I was smiling from the very beginning of Day 2 because the Sun was shining so bright.
Plus, I got familiar with all participants (handcyclists) more because it was Day 2. In fact, "two days in a row" races were our first experience ever.
Before the race 2. Fun chatting time!
You might be surprised. We were familiar with most of participants because we competed together at Amway 25K handcycle race back in May 2026. Here is the link.
Also here in 2025.
Because it was Day 2, I was able to cheer them more energetic. It was much more fun than Day 1. And I have to tell you that "chatting time before the race" is very meaningful and much needed for both of us, my husband and I. This is a must.
During the race 2. Super cute cheerleaders! Their dad is the Champion all the time.
After the race 2. Celebration celebration!
I made new connections this time. I learned more about them after we came back home. After all, I became friends with super awesome para-athletes. It was really honor to meet them in person and to chat with them.
Mr. Pierre Ouellet
Ms. Jacie King
https://moveunitedsport.org/athlete/jacie-king-2/
Ms. JoAnn Outten-Kenton
https://stories.wvu.edu/this-wvu-alum-lost-her-leg-but-she-found-everything-else
Sunny Day 2 made everything wonderful really. We had a great time with great para-athletes and their families. My heart was full of joy and admiration. It was such a great experience for both of us. Congratulations to all of them.
I'm liking Grand Rapids more and more. (But tell me about the winter in Grand Rapids. How is it going to be?)
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