For many, the Fourth of July means parades, barbecues, and classic Americana. But in Breckenridge, for a certain group of parents Independence Day means one big question: "Who's riding the first lap of the Firecracker 50?"

For 25 years, Summit County parents have been drawing straws, arm wrestling, and making questionable bets to decide who gets first dibs on the trail—and who’s on kid duty. Because in these parts, the lap handoff isn’t just a race transition; it’s also the moment you swap a number plate for a diaper bag.

“Here, take the baby. The other one’s over there somewhere. How was the course? Okay, love you, bye!”

"Here, Hold My Kid"

Take Katie Middleton. Her Firecracker tradition began in 2013 with her dad as her race partner. Six years ago, she passed that torch to her husband—and even now, with a two-year-old in tow, the tradition lives on. “It’s still a full family affair," Katie says. “Grammy and Papa come to help so mom and dad can sneak in some time on the bikes.” Dan adds, “I know I can trust her to fix a blowout... whether it’s a tire or a diaper.” “It’s so fun coming into the transition, handing off the race plate, grabbing a hug—then grabbing a baby,” Katie laughs.

For Courtney and Taylor Sheldon, the Firecracker has been a long time coming. “After 15 years and two kids, Taylor finally accepted me as his partner," Courtney jokes. “That shows just how much life has changed.”

But she’s all smiles about it: “The best part of racing with your spouse is the encouragement. They understand the juggle—work, kids, life, and trying to sneak in some rides.”

Chuck and Chelsea Roth have tag teamed the race for 9 years—3 before kids and 6 with them in tow. “Chelsea is my favorite person to ski or ride with so it seems like the logical choice. And she's always on time! The first year I did it I had a smoking lap, came to the transition—and Liam was nowhere to be found!” And of course, no Firecracker family story would be complete without a little chaos. One of our favorite (and wildest) memories is when our daughter came down with a stomach bug the morning of the race. She was two, throwing up at 2 a.m.—and somehow, we still managed to rally, set up, cheer each other on, and both finish our laps."

That’s the magic of the Firecracker 50. It’s chaotic, messy, beautiful, and real... just like parenting. And it gives us memories we’ll tell for years to come. Someday, we’ll even have our kids out there racing too.

And if there's one thing everyone agrees on, it’s the atmosphere. The Firecracker 50 isn’t just a race—it’s a celebration of community, grit, and shared joy. “The energy on course and around town is unmatched," says Austyn Dineen. “Crossing the finish line to see your spouse and kids cheering—that’s one of life’s top-tier moments.” Chelsea Roth agrees: “The Firecracker 50 is simply a part of who we are here in Breck and it's how we celebrate the 4th of July—a tradition that’s stuck with us both before and after having kids. It's one of those events that feels like home.”

To the Roth's, "the Firecracker 50 is about community, tradition, and the joy of doing something challenging—together. It’s a part of our family story, full of laughs, a few tears, and all the best kind of chaos."

So, to the parents who blazed this trail before us—thank you. You’ve shown young families that with enough snacks, sunscreen, and flat kits, even a full day of racing can become a cherished tradition.