Shared by Shelly Liebler, as Guest Blogger.

Every vehicle in the line to get into Pocahontas State Park that Sunday was adorned with a bike or two or three. Time to shake off the winter blahs and embrace the 2018 racing season with Monster Cross – 50 miler and the 25-mile Mini Monster. Pre-race had the park filled with mix of riders in colorful gear: cyclecross and mountain bikes, male and female, old and young. Despite the chilly temperatures and wet trails, a measure of excitement is the undertow for this event.

I’m not a rider, but the rest of my family is. For Monster Cross, my photographic inspiration is my 13-year old son, taking on the Mini Monster in his first effort at this Winter classic. He makes the memories and I capture them.

First race in the Adventure Series presented by Appalachian Power

So while I was there for the riders I knew (there were few more besides my son), there’s something about this whole event that appeals to the “photographer as the storyteller” in me.

From the rolling start, racers are planning their line, jockeying for position, sizing up their competition as they made their way on a pace lap through the parking and recreational area. Front riders were waiting for that moment of release and behind them trail lines of wannabes and hopefuls in different divisions and different goals. Wave upon wave, each had its own energy. And then, they were gone into the woods to face their challenges.

We didn’t see them again until mile 17 near the Lake and then heading across the bridge. No longer a pack, they came at first in groups and later a string of riders. A trio of experts, the leaders, splash through the mud and dirt. There was hardly time to raise a lens before they were off into the woods.

It’s a waiting game behind the camera, waiting for that moment when a familiar face will appear. But it becomes more than that. From a position on the far side of the bridge, I snapped a few test shots. And in those shots, I saw things in the racers. Even though the faces are not familiar the looks of perseverance are. Some show grit and determination; others appear more relaxed and share wide smiles. 

Each rider is a different story, responding to the course, the crowd, other competitors and even the camera. It is these things that keep me pressing the shutter.

It’s the story of the race, not just found in the front-runners, but in the journey of those conquering their own monster. It’s about the podium and not about the podium. It’s the story of human endurance, heart, and things that I can’t explain, but I can see from my spot behind the lens.

My son finished his journey that day, as did many other racers. What a privilege to record these moments.   

Editor's note: If you would like to see more of Shelly's great photos, you can follow her on Instagram: salsjourneyphotos, or on Facebook here.

Learn more about the fun and exciting Virginia State Parks Adventure Series here. Any questions about the series, prizes or for more information shoot Steve Boyd an email here, or for information about cabins, camping and yurts, click here.

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