There was a disturbance in the Facebook force on Wednesday—one that's continued to ripple throughout the two-wheeled world as close to 4,000 humans have felt unstoppably compelled to share it with their friends. The cause: a 48-second video of a 5-year-old girl gleefully shredding and shrieking her way through Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca's infamous Corkscrew, demonstrating some serious joie de vivre along with some very respectable instincts for leaning into the corners.
The background: Juliette and dad Matt Woodworth (a proud member of the Monterey Off-Road Cycling Association) wanted to attend the track’s monthly twilight ride, but Matt was messing it up. Having “misremembered” when the event actually started, he had just one lap on track with his daughter—so he decided to make it count.
Matt (who describes his parenting style as “I haven’t given it much thought,” “I like to create memories with my kids,” and “the brakes on my bike work pretty well”) set Juliette on a half-bike attached to his and hoped she didn’t do “something unexpected, like let go!” Juliette promptly proceeded to totally let go, several times, and she can’t wait to do it again.
It’s well known fact that apexes keep you young, and to those of you who can relate to Juliette—who’ve grinned your way through sweepers and chicanes with the kind of manic happiness that totally remaps your grownup brain—we salute you. But if you’re in the weeds of adulthood, don’t despair: We’ve obtained an exclusive interview with Juliette (conducted remotely by Matt) that’s sure to inspire:
Matt:_ Somebody from a magazine wants to ask you some questions.__
Juliette: Okay.
Matt: Were you scared going down the Corkscrew?
Juliette: No. Well, I was a little scared. I was kind of a lot scared. I was like, "Aaahhhh, we're gonna crash!"_
Matt_ Did it look like a long way down?
Juliette: Mmm-hmm.
Matt Just "Mmm-hmm?"_
Juliette:_
Matt: What was your favorite part?
Juliette: Umm, going downhill._
There you have it, folks. Take what you’ve learned here and go forth in giggles. And as for Juliette, who just started the school year, thanks for the beautiful bliss-bomb. Somehow we think you’re going to totally nail kindergarten.
Want to help spread more two-wheeled joy? Consider supporting or volunteering at MORCA’s Oct. 3 “Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day,” or find your local chapter’s event here.