* Go Patrick Go (Updated)

Eight years in the making. 200,000 miles of travel down small rural roads and boring interstates of America. In and out of rinky-dink hotels and campgrounds. Now it's his big moment. It's Patrick's first international competition.

I can remember vividly when Noel and I took him out on his very first ride in Platteville, Wisconsin in 1999. Patrick crashed into a nasty thorn bush after going over a funky shaped rock poking out of the ground. He was just eight years old. His arm was covered in blood. Yet, he never cried. I helped him dig the bike out of the prickly bush. He started the bike on his own - and he went down the trail for more. Right then and there, I just knew, Patrick was going to be special.

Now, eight years later, our little Patrick is the only American in our sport who has attempted to take on the worlds best in over 20 years. He's confident, he's practiced and trained hard for this moment. And I'm going to miss it. Why? Like so many, I re-arranged my life for change in Rogers Park. I was planning on being in Guatemala this weekend. That's in Central America for those who don't get out much.

Here is the event preview (translated in english) for those who would like to follow along. Patrick is riding for the World Youth Cup. Patrick is number 75. Go Patrick Go. Thumbs up to you little buddy. Make America proud.

Updated: Unbelievable. There's hope for America in observed trials after all. Patrick just took 3rd place today. 15 world championship points puts him now in 5th place after two rounds. Round three is tomorrow. Patrick missed round one in Spain at the beginning of April. Sixteen riders from seven countries comprise his World Youth Cup class. This is just great news.