I ask Dunlap's husband, Greg Frozley, who is also a mountain biker and therefore an extraordinarily fit fellow, from what vantage point he intended to watch the race. Much to my relief, he says it is best to stay basically in one place, keep tabs on her via the big screen, rush to the rail on the half dozen or so occasions when his wife will whoosh by and try to offer encouragement. Everyone professes that all they are hoping for is a performance Alison will be pleased with. That isn't quite true. If pressed, all admit they want to see her on the podium, and, with a strong performance, a bronze medal is a possibility.
Good news comes early.
Alison's mother, Ginny, stands and waves an American flag. Her father, Bob, is much less expressive but just as excited. As the riders approach one of the visual vantage points, Ginny and her other daughter, Carrie, a physical therapist, walk arm and arm to the fence. Mother, sister and husband begin talking about Alison's drive, her enthusiasm, her love of nature and the outdoors. They are upbeat but starting to show some worry as Alison slips further behind the leaders.