Kansas City cold and pretty

When frozen mud thaws, it gets muddy

The conditions were constantly changing all day everyday. Frozen ruts to greasy mud to frozen ruts. Saturday it even decided to snow all day and get windy. Blustery! Good thing Jim Brown was a coast guard guy, tough as nails when it comes to weather. Anyway, the kids seemed to go about things normally and test tires and lines. They all seemed to prepare quite well and raced their rears off. The RAD Army that went out to Kansas brought home a stack of medals and a couple stars and bars jerseys. Cool.

Coach Chris gluing on some KILLER Challenge Grifos up

Those Grifos were the tire. Watching Benny rail those meats around the slopfest course was quite impressive...I am pretty sure that is what Andrea Caseblot was on too! Well, for me the season is over. I learned a lot about these kids, myself too and came out of the season inspired. Not only inspired but my bowling improved a ton as well. So for now I will stay glued to the internet waiting for results from Belgium, willing the success' those kids deserve.

Thurston County, Washington. Sucking since 1852

I would like to say that the Thurston County Development Services, Plans Examiners suck. What a bunch of turds. I would bet a lot of money the guy I am dealing with got his ass kicked on a daily basis before he entered the county bubble of protection. This guy is basically refusing to permit my building plans. why? "because" well thats helpful. Today I almost came unglued. I came in with the extra requirements he handed me at my last attempt...more engineering and details. (the plans are a canned plan that have been built numerous times and rubber stamped by this county!!!) Now all of a sudden this uneducated guy is over ruling structural engineers???
Anyway, i come in with what he asked for and he starts grumbling at me about where is this and where is that...and I say, I dont know, I just picked up the plans and handed them to you.
he replies: You have had way more time to look at this than I have!
I reply: You are the first to look at it, whats missing?
He: grumble grumble grumble, the stairs are not engineered.
I: Whats this letter from the engineer for," All revisions to this project have been reviewed and I certify with my stamp."
HE: Thats not good enough!
I: Why are you being so difficult?
He: I am not going to break state law for you!
I: Who asked you to break state law, I just am asking whats the problem with the engineered stairs?
He: Let me call the engineers...get this straightened out
I: Dont do anything outside the realm of your job!
He: What?
I: Hey pal, if you are going to give it, be prepared to get it right back. I dont need you to talk down to me or be combative and I sure as shit dont need you putting words in my mouth. If I had plans of non compliance I would not be in this god damn office applying for a permit. So what is it that you need for this project to be permitted?
He: Grumble grumble grumble.
I grabbed my plans and went to the front desk and asked for the head examiner. The gave me a card. Here is what the back says:

The Building Plan Review Section serves the public interest and fosters the general welfare of the people of Thurston County by promoting the safety of the built environment. We achieve this by:
PERFORMING competent, timely building plan review
Providing an educational resource for our customers in the building community and
Improving the quality and efficiency of our services.

WOW, I think they should evaluate that! "We Promise to be Condescending, Combative and guarantee to waste countless hours of your time to fill up our eight hour day." sounds more like it!

SHOOT ME NOW!

whats new???

FISHER TAKING A CLEAN ONE FROM ME

We just wrapped up the USGP of Cyclocross this past weekend down in Portland, Oregon. The course was the same as nationals in 2004, but the course was in much better shape...although the weather was horrendous. The Boys rode awesome. Steve won on saturday after being in the 2nd spot at almost every USGP race! So we were pleased as punch with that. Emsky rode really strong too and they both earned invites to the xmas cross camp in belgium. They will get to do 6-8 races in about 12 days over xmas vacation. eurocrosscamp.com check it out...donate! Also, Nick, our U23 guy earned a trip to the camp after a tough weekend. My bro from Durango came out too, Mr. Matt Shriver, mattshriver.com, He rocked on Saturday taking 11th and dnfed on Sunday, ahhhh cross racing! I must admit. It is getting harder and harder for me to be at the races without racing. Its killing me in fact...so, I joined the Hagens Berman Cycling team for next year. lets hope it turns out to be less than a total disaster! www.hagensbermancycling.com

Switching gears:
google the following: AMERO . WTF is Georgie trying to slide by us now????? Oh, black tar to the north, (thats canadian oil)and slave labor to the south (mexicans)...lets all be friends and for one union. GET FUCKED GEORGE!

Ron Paul. is he a quack? I dont know but he is the only one defending our constitution and not trying to rape it for their own financial good. He seems to be an honest politician, if that can exist, but will he win the bid to run for president? I doubt it, I wish someone with 2 real balls would get elected and put the whole bush administration in jail for crimes against humanity and take our country back. If you want your freedom back vote for Paul or even Kucinich, talk to your neighbors be civil and turn off CNN and Fox news. Use your brain and form an intelligent opinion. Check out Pauls stance on the IRS...it might freak you out. OPEN YOUR EYES PEOPLE

Sorry for the political banter but this country is going to hell in a hand basket. Stand up, vote, be heard and take your country back from the Neo / Theocons. Dont let fascism take our country by storm, because thats what is happening. The big corporations have stolen our government. I will probably get tazed for this blog but I believe in my right to free speech!

Google: Private military. yes like Blackwater...that is some scary shit. Now when the executive branch cant get the congressional nod to unleash the war machine, they just put out a contract and hire the private sector military. WHAT????? impeach those bastards! Bill got canned for getting a blow job. W and Dick are wrecking our country and violating all the laws that make our country what it is. ACCOUNTABILITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hold those turds responsible

alright, that is enough for now...I am out.

whats up?

Back in the Saddle

Hollie and I both put our legs over the top tube of our bikes this past weekend at Donida Farms Cyclocross. It was a blast. The course was fantastic, the weather was perfect, but most importantly it was good to be racing. It was literally an "off the couch" operation as neither Hollie or I have ridden the bike since August. We have both been too banged up. Our clouds of pain parted and we raced.

Chris Leading the Boys

I somehow was even fast enough to Race near the front of the Elite mens race and mix it up with the boys on the team. That was so much fun to be in the mix with the kids, cool. Especially since those guys are flying right now. I cant wait for this weekend to try it again.

Some other news: I was asking Hollie if it would be okay to buy tickets to a rock show up in Seattle. $20 a ticket, 4 bands, not bad...she told me no way. (yes things are that tight right now)...So this morning I am eating breakie and listening to KGRG streaming and they say they are going to be giving some tickets away to the same show. So i pick up the phone and call. 5 questions later i won 2 tickets to go see New Found Glory and Senses Fail. I am pretty stoked. There has not been a lot of fun around here lately so you can imagine...I am going to go rock out with a bunch of teenagers. thank god there is a bar!

Oh, Tuesday nights Hollie and I have a new gig. We are going to the Eagles Ballroom and swing dancing. I am sure you are trying to picture it right now, and yes I suck...and yes Hollie rules. But it so much fun.
Well, thats about it for now

USGP, RAD

IAN "THE DANE" TERRY

I just got back from Kentucky and the first round of the US Gran Prix of cyclocross. The weekend offered up 2 races for the countries best to throtle each other for and hour +/- in dirt, sand, grass, mud and pavement. I did not race either day...I took out 4 strong lads from the RAD Racing NW racing program. 3 juniors and 1 U23 racer. all in all a great weekend.

Erik Emsky rocking

The junior boys raced so strong it was impressive to watch. on day 1, the boys ended up:
Steve Fisher 2nd
Erik Emsky 6th
Ian Terry 8th
On day one Steve rode hard and out in front, staying out of trouble. While Erik killed it but a bobble held him up, which later forced him to back off, so he would not aid in the chasing of Steve whom was up front...damn tactics, selfless action by erik and a solid ride. Ian had some bad luck drawing 2nd to last start position. He did not let it bother him but the traffic in the first sand pit caused a crash and a lone chase for the rest of the race. He went from 30th to 8th when it was all said and done. WOW!
In the U23 race RAD had Nick Weighall, the Cardio Kid as he is affectionately known, lived up to his billing as a super natural lung as he rapidly moved up from 4th row start to latch on to the highest ranked U23 rider, Jamey Driscoll. This also put the both of them in the top 15. Nick was railing and looked stronger than his U23 competition...but like NASCAR, nicks tires let him down and he had to pit for tires, back out he went but another mechanical was in the cards. So 5th U23 was the best he could do and top 20 overall

FISH

Day two the boys all had to over come the results of the day before to race again.
Steve: his legs where so sore we has limping when we walked to dinner.
Erik: Frustration at having a small mistake cost him making the front group and then the tactics forcing him to hold back.
Ian: Crappy start position and a crash.
Nick: Bad luck.
All I can say is that the boys had no problem over coming these things to put up stellar rides. Ian was amazing. You cannot tame the Dane! He drew a bad start position again, but rode smarter to get through the traffic only to hit the front of the race and drill it for 2 laps, shaping the front group and Launching Steve to another 2nd place. Erik just missed the split again, but rode so fast and solid with Ian just dangling behind the front group to end up 4th. Ian, somehow recovered from his opening effort to take 3rd.

Nick had much better luck today and the U23 battle was HOT with 5 guys riding together the whole race. Nick yo yoed in and out of this group, but fought hard to take 3rd. I was very impressed with his fight and I was glad the juniors where watching...he is a great example of a fighter!

Well, that is about it. The RAD crew will be in action in Washington for the next 2 weekends before we head out to New Jersey for the next 2 USGP's...until then

sigh of relief

EUREKA!!!!!

We drilled our well yesterday...and it was a great success. The hole went 117ft with a static water level of 63 ft with a 70 gallon per minute yield. That is right, I said 70 gallons. not only is that enough water to open a water park, the water is so clean. When the well was blasted out, or developed under pressure the gravel discharge had no silt, sand or anything on it...meaning crystal clean.

CAP IT

Here is mike putting a cap on the casing and banding our $250 tag from the state board of ecology.

UDO CHECKING THEIR SET UP

FIRST CASING

THE SUPERVISORS

Andy, the dogs and I hung out all day to watch the entire process. It was so cool to see everything and learn how all this stuff works. Now, we are going to design a gravity feed system to supply the water to the desired areas. I want this sucker to work when the power goes out!

creeping along

PHASE I

Well, this is where we are at. We have a set of plans that are ready to be submitted for a building permit...thats right, we still dont have a building permit. We are going to build a 36 x 36 garage with a 900 sq. ft apartment up stairs, which if all goes well will become the offices of TIMBER WORKS LLC. We are not going to build our Timber Framed home until our house in California sells, if it ever does.

POOP TANK

Thats pretty official eh? The septic design has been submitted by the above company for approval by the county. You have to do this for your well and septic before you can submit for a building permit. That is if you are going to have water and a toilet....

PERKY!

That is one of three perk test holes we dug for the septic design folks to design our drain field. This cost $800.00 and we dug the holes. The county fee was $550. In this county you are aloud to install an approved septic system once every two years without a license...so I will be trying my hand at septic installation as well.

THIRSTY?

This is our beloved well site. We are using Arcadia Drilling because of their great reputation out here. Now, there has not been a drill in the ground yet, but I like these guys and feel good about it. I did all the site prep for the drilling rig and the secondary truck that will be on the site. This is supposed to occur next week. That is going to be the first BIG check we will have to write. Its do or die for us now, because after this check is cashed we will have nothing. A bit nerve wracking but I guess this is life. It would be much nicer if our home would sell.
In good news, We finished the garage remodel in Lake taps...it took a little longer than expected but its done. Rod and I are now about to take on our first official job as TIMBER WORKS LLC. Rod was approached about doing a pole barn for the Nature Conservancy real close to us down in littlerock, wa. This will be the big test, we will be milling the lumber, grading the land, pouring the concrete and raising the barn. The whole shooting match. Hollie started a new job today with the Washington State Department of Health. I dont know what her job is or how long it will last, but from the sounds of things the first day went well.
So thats is that and a ball of wax.

Rod & April Boe

Introducing...

The grand entrance at the reception. It all happened so quick. The ceremony was held in a nice old church just a stones throw away from the Inn that we stayed at and were the reception was held! We had to race back to beat the Bride and Groom.

Hollie, taking her job serious!

Hollie looked quite beautiful standing up there...I had trouble focusing on the wedding because of her! The words from the pastor were very profound and clearly layed out the commitment of the union, it was moving. Rod and April looked deep at each other again, moving.

Ah, The Atlantic

Hollie wanted to get as close as possible to the Sorters (whom are in Italy) and say hello. Check out their adventure. www.eurosorter.blogspot.com

That is no post card.

I actually took that picture. That sums Maine up. The North East is very similar to the North west. It was a really neat place to visit, I am sure Hollie and I will go back.

Cutting a rug

Beverlee was a terror on the dance floor. I think someone must have told her that it was a dance ' a ' thon Because she was out there all night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A TIMBER FRAME

we found so much Post and beam / timber frame construction from the 17 and 1800's it was really cool. This pic above is actually a new structure being built at the Structure institute in Woolwich, Maine. I took loads of pics and picked up a few good books on the art of timber framing. I am even considering going back there for an educational course!!!!!!!!

Well, we are back from Maine. We woke up at 3 am this morning and were in the air by 6 am. Jet Blue rocked, direct tv at each seat all the way back. (when I was not snoring)

harpswell, MAINE

FOREST FAIRY FRAMING

We are in Harpswell, Maine for Rod and Aprils wedding and so far it has been a great trip. Besides all the standard New England stereo types like lobster boats, hard working folks and the word "wicked" put in front of everything we found some other things "Maine" today. For example, we went for a hike to the highest point in Harpswell...about 160 ft above sea level, the forest that the trail went though was a fairy forest...and there were all sorts of little homes. So Rod, Bev, Hollie and I all contributed and built 4 more houses to add to the 100s of otheres...Hollies looked quite nice, but Rod gave his a hot tub!

CAPTAIN TOURISTA READY FOR ACTION

I was ready for action...I even put my camera case on my "UTILITY" belt! NERD ALERT! I think I need a cape.

HOLLIES HANDY WORK

Hollie was passing a lot of her travel time crocheting. This pic was taken in Sea Tac Airport...she got after the crafting early in the trip! Just like Beverlee and Grandma!

SWINGERS

This massive swing is on the grounds of our B&B which was founded in 1761! Its old, cool and there is an old post and beam barn right across the street. Very cool.

KICKING IT

Another fine piece of vacation equipment on the grounds of the B&B. We all took turns on this comfortable lounger.

HOT MAMA

Here is a pic of Hollie and the view of Casco Bay, right at our doorstep. We walked out to this little island when the tide was out and soaked up the view.

well that is part of day 1. The evening cannot be spoken about!

Its time to get dirty

HOLLIE ON THE SOUND

It is that time of the year again...its time to get dirty. ITS CYCLOCROSS SEASON!!! Its sad to say that my #1 team mate has suffered a setback to the start of her cross season. Hollies hip is so bad she has to pick up her leg to get in and out of the car. Good news is that she is going through a good course of physical therapy and being proactive to find a solution to get back to normal. It sucks being injured. It sucks watching and not being able to do anything. I have been there and I know how bad it is. Sorry babe. dont fret, there is always next time, next race, etc. we just have to get her better.

YES I PASSED UP SEVERAL BEERS

So this cross season, being our first in the North West, I am going to ride my brains out for Hollie. I already feel like I am behind, but I think hard work and motivation will payoff in the long run.
In RAD racing news, the boys took another cat 3 win today. Its just awesome to watch those guys stick it to the 3's.

sad,sick or glad

Well, I made my last (i think) trip down to California to pick up what was left of our home down there. Rod, hollies youngest brother, was nice enough to make the trip down there with my truck and a trailer so we could pick up the big things...the tractor, the couch, our wonderful bed and our space aged washer and dryer...oh and out little subaru! Upon leaving I did not know whether I should be sad, sick or glad. sad...a bit, that house was so cool and in such a great place with great neighbors. Sad about leaving some of my friends behind. The Loon Dawg will be greatly missed. He is like a big brother to me. Always screwing around and helping me out or just giving me heaps of shit. Sick...a bit, that house is still being paid for and it has not sold yet. Gulp, and the market down there looks like its in some rough waters. Glad...a bit, to be getting on with "it" whatever "it" is.
I have been wracking my brains lately as to what I am going to do...still planing on building the new house, just waiting for all the lackeys up here to get with the program...surveyors suck, draftsmen suck and dont get me started on the county! Lets just say its going to be along time before I am swinging a hammer...at least for myself! So, I am convinced I need to learn a trade. I have been looking into welding and I think I might take a course this fall at south sound community college. Its a big time commitment as the class is 5 days a week and 4 hours a day...
I am also having the time of my life working with the RAD racing team. The staff and kids are just the kind of people I need to be around to keep the juices flowing! We are taking some of the "A" team kids up to crystal mountain 8/15-18 for a little dirt camp. Tons of riding the knobby tire bikes and hanging out with sponsors...it should be a blast...I hope the kids dont kill me on the bike!
Actually I hope I will be able to ride by then. I cant fit my foot into any shoe right now or bend my ankle. I got attacked by hornets yesterday and stung several times. My leg is about as big as an Indian elephant, slightly smaller than the African elephant, but still too damn big to do anything. My elbow is in similar shape, big and swollen, i feel like popeye. I am so glad I did not get stung on the face!!!!!
anyway, enough of my non picture rant.

lake tapps

NICE DAYHollie Kickin' it Urban Cow Girl Style

We spent the day at Lake Tapps for Delaneys 5th birthday party. We all had a good time and the weather was great.

FLOATER!

We did a lot of floating around the lake. Nice water temp and nice air temp...we also got to check out the new Boe house at the lake...which i forgot to take some pics of. Next time

RAD racing attacks Boise

THE FISH

For those of you who did not know, I have been in Boise, Idaho this weekend at the tour of idaho bike race for juniors. I took the RAD racing crew out and had riders in both 15-16 and 17-18 group, 6 kids total.. Derrick Archibald, bad ass cat 1 from Olympia and myself took care of these guys as they did everything they could to win both races overall. the Race was 4 days and 5 stages. The heat was a big factor for our guys, but we still kicked butt.

IAN STAYING CLEAR

Ian Stayed clear of the lead group to win the final stage with the RAD train cleaning up 2nd and 3rd. Steve fisher won the day before in a crazy 42 minute solo effort. He was actually leader overall on the road at one point during the stage. The team was sitting in 3rd, 4th on GC after the hard stages so we had to go on the attack and force the others chase. I was so impress by our guys. They never gave up and rode strong. We may have not taken the overall win but we were on the podium everyday and won 3 stages total. Benny was insane. He absolutely killed it for the guys and still whopped up in the field sprint today. Once they new Ian would win the stage, they lined up the train and took Benny in for second. He is like a bull in a china shop...perfect for field sprinting. Kosta, the new comer to bike racing and our team won the mountain top finish Road race. It was awesome. He took out 51 seconds in about 2 kms. big future if he wants it!

THE CREW

These are some good kids. It was my pleasure to take these kids to this race and share what I know about bike race. It was also nice to meet Derrick and have him helping me do the best for the kids. I would have been screwed without him

THE FINAL PODIUM

Sean and Eric took 3rd and 4th on the final GC. After killing it all week these kids have earned a good rest before the final training prep for cyclocross. Great Time, Great team Great trip. I am pumped to be part of the RAD Racing program.

the truth hurts

well, I just got back from the un40km time trial championships out in Tenino, Washington. It was warm overcast day with super high humidity. I had no idea of what to expect of myself in this 40km(+) effort but I figured it would be a good gauge to see where my fitness is at. The past is messing with me though because I have high expectations of myself. I have ridden a 50 min 40km before so i felt i could do something good today. I was wrong. The course ended up being over 40kms so the times dont jive in comparison, but I sucked anyway. I was not strong enough to turn the big gear, which is my usual tactic in such a race, and I did not have the leg speed to spin a lower gear at a higher RPM. Result: I sucked! The good news is I know that I have a lot of hard work to do before cross season starts.
In other news, I am taking 6 juniors from the RAD Racing cycling team, of washington to the tour of idaho this week for a 4 day, 5stage race. It should be a good time. We leave wednesday morning.

Props again to mat shriver, www.mattshriver.com he had another good performance in British Columbia again today at the tour of Delta. Nice work my friend.

progress and pain

PROGRESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thurston County got our parcel # assigned so we can now file a building permit. Geeeezzzzzzzzz that only took forever. I dont know what they had to do...press the enter key on the computer or something. but anyway, its done. The surveyors have one more day of work to do and they are done, so the site plan can go to septic design and the well location can be proposed!!! How exciting.

PAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am going to inflict some pain on myself this weekend. I plan on doing the Skagit Flat Circuit race up in Gig Harbor on saturday and then the Washington State 40km TT championships on Sunday. Its going to hurt. I just got the TT rig built up...i will post a pick or two. Jim brown loaned me a pair of Mavic Cosmic Carbones so at least I will have some fast wheels, the rest will be up to me!


Shriver!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Matt Shriver rocked the house last weekend up in Canada by winning the Tour De Whiterock. Hats off to Matt. and yes, the new house will have a place for you to stay Matt! www.mattshriver.com


more to come

re boot!

THE NEW VIEW

Well, if you dont know by now, hollie and I have moved to Olympia, Washington. Thats right, the Double Dog Ranch is for sale in Nevada City...and a new ranch will be built . In fact, the picture above will be the view from the east side of the house. And where we are, eastern views mean one thing...Mount Rainer. We have a big 'ol view of the 14,000 foot massif! This pond is about 1 of 4 ponds on our 40 acre tract. The dogs are loving the water right now as it has been a bit warm. The dogs have also had a lot of fun chasing the coyotes, but as the coyotes get bigger I think we are going to have a slight problem on our hands.

LOOK TOWARD THE SITE

Here is a look toward the building site. This pond is very clean and peaceful, I am thinking about building a dock out there for some fun. Right now we are waiting for paper work stuff to be finished. The county is sorting out building permits, the survey company is re-establishing the corners, the well folks are waiting for the septic folks, and the septic folks are waiting for the site plan...i guess this is the building process! In the meantime we have been getting ready to bring power to the site. We have to do some tree removal and dig a ditch for 6/10 's of a mile for the utility company to bury all their wires and cables. Luckily this time I have a backhoe at my disposal to dig the ditch!

The plan right now is to build a house with a detached garage with an apartment upstairs. Big decks and big yard! Even though we have not yet started, I wish it were all done! This is the time of the year up here you can really enjoy the evenings with a little BBQ and some great temps.
Speaking of good times, we went to my Brother in law and future sis in law, April and Rods house last night with Gordon and Beverlee, for some great BBQ. After a scrumptious meal we went out on the Sound on Rod and Aprils boat. It was real nice...I cant wait to go again!
What else, well, with all the waiting I have been doing lately I have been riding the bike a ton...it keeps my mind off the stress of paying for a house you dont live in while you have no job!!!!! Besides that it has been great to get big miles back in the legs. Hollie has been at it too really enjoying this weather. Hollie also starts a part time job today with the Nature Conservancy. I think she will be floating along rivers trying to eradicate weeds that are foreign to natural protected areas...sounds like fun to me!
I will try and get back at posting...I have one more trip down to Nevada City and we should be all out of the house, but it is up for sale...if you know anyone looking send them my way!

cheers

The trip ends!

TIME TO SHAVE

I must say sorry, if anyone was reading, for the long gap between posts. Things got a little hairy after the last mountain bike race in Leavenworth, Washington. For starters, I crashed hard at the race. It was the scariest crash I have ever had. Long story short, I aired out a water bar at about 35mph and landed on the front wheel. That was bad. I bounced off the hard packed trail and flew down a cliff to my left, without my bike. I was grabbing on to tree and earth trying to arrest my fall. Luckily I stopped and i missed the major plunge. It took me a minute to inventory myself and I got back up to the trail. I figured my bike had exploded, but it was fine. I was not. I could not move my left arm and I was pretty sure that I had punctured every organ under and around my rib cage. I got down the rest of the trail and to the medic tent. I was hurting and the helmet was exploded. All i could think about was Hollie...i was hoping she would be safe.
She was smarter than I and got 4th in the pro women category. NICE WORK!
We were supposed to go to the Beer Festival afterwards, but I was not into it. So, we left and went to Olympia, Washington, to Hollies folks houses to try and recover. I am still in a lot of pain. I can use my arm fine, but no laughing, sneezing or coughing PLEASE!

FOXY LIKES OLYMPIA

The dogs found the sleeping space to be a bit nicer than the camper in Olympia! Not only the sleeping, but the playing. 250 acres of wooded land full o f ponds, bunnies, deer and coyotes! The dogs vacation really started in Olympia!

THE SUN SETS ON THE TRIP

So the trip is over, or is a new one just beginning? I think the later. Hollie and I loved the trip and a month was not enough time. We were living. It is so important to find out what is really important. If you (blog reader) have ever wanted to take a trip or an adventure, or learn something new...DO IT ! Life is so short. ENJOY IT. Besides, Life: no one gets out alive!

Upon reflection I have discovered a few things. I love my wife more than I did before we left. Which I could not imagine because she is my world. We are better best friends. We are soul mates for sure. I know that we can do anything together and laugh at struggle instead of stress about it. Hollie makes me so strong I cant imagine life without her. I hope everyone has a Hollie in their lives!

the thrill of the swill

GOOD CLEAN FUN

We are off to Leavenworth, Washington for the thrill of the swill. How much more fun could you have? A great mountain bike race followed by a beer festival with live music!!!!! That just screams to us to come and get it!
hopefully we will have a good race report and some great photos. We have been on the down low since Memorial Day weekend...kind of recharging after all the driving and riding we did. So for the last week its been mostly riding and chilling!

blog log

BLOG LOG

So, its been a few days since we blogged. Well, here it is...the blog log. That tree is a doug fir, I have never seen a doug fir so big. We rode through this big clear cut that made out trail hike back in McCall, Idaho look like a walk in the park. We have found some good riding and conditions lately. We Kind of had to go on the run on Memorial Day Weekend. We have been in 3 states trying to find a spot to settle down for a few. I had no idea Americans camp as much as they do on this Holiday weekend. We could not find a place to stay. Not paid campground, not a state or national campground, no boondocking and not walmarts. its all full! So we had to go to a safe place. I thought about going up to Canada, seeing they dont celebrate Memorial Day, but we did not.

THE UNDERSIDE

This picture gives you a clue as to where we are...That is Hollie and our team mate Luke, from the Sonic Cyclocross team. The weather has been really good and the riding has been GREAT! Yesterday Luke took us on a little journey on some logging roads bisected by single track it was a blast. We could not escape the sound of 2 stroke engines and gun fire. The motos were like swarms of insects and the guns...it was like a bad old western. I guess Alcohol, quads and guns are how a lot of families celebrate the holiday?????? to each is own!
Anywho, we are kind of recovering from our whirlwind last couple of days and settling in for some good times! We will be racing and swilling bavarian beer this weekend in Leavenworth, Washington. Beer and bike racing!

we split boise to Sun Valley...and split again

Was SUN VALLEY SUNNY? NO!

Take a peak at the fresh snow on Borah Peak. We were very cold. We boondocked out on Warm Springs road, which has great Mountain biking right at the doorstep, but Damn it was cold. Snowing everyday...In between riding and sleeping hollie and I did a fair bit of reading, to stay warm and all. I read The Perfect Storm in about 12 hours!

SELF PORTRAIT (no nostrils)

I took this pic where Imperial gulch and green horn gulch meet. It was up a pretty loose moto'ed out single track which took some serious concentration, and traction just to keep moving up. Lucky for me, there was a table and chair at the intersection and it was not snowing.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

This is way out there, I was so happy to take a seat and have hollie snap this photo. But, the wind picked up and the cold poured down the mountain bringing snow. we moved on!

MORNIN'

Hollie getting the dogs food ready before the ride...note the Down Jacket! It was cold!

Boon Docking!

Dont be fooled by the sun light. It was short lived and the flurries of snow followed. It was a great place to camp out though. Just the sound of the river running in front of us...great sleeping...or that might be attributed to the 3 moose drools I had before bed.

Biking

Bundled up in May. We are still having a great time. In fact todays ride was one of my top 3 rides of all time. I have been riding a bike since I was 4 or so, so that is pretty real. It looks like Hollie is having fun here too!

I could stay in Sun Valley for a long time and ride. There is buffed single track in places you cant imagine. The bummer is that Sun Valley is for rich folk who dont liver there. The people who are there, whom might not be rich, have lost sight of the land they live in and kind of focus on "hating the tourist" or "the Californian" Everywhere we have been on our trip so far people have been so cool, especially in Idaho. I think the Hailey, Ketchum, SV crowd need to get back to the goodness of where the are. (RANT)

So, because of the extreme cold and Hollie being miserable we headed out of town today and drove the wrong, long way to Missoula. Wrong and long are accurate, but what a great mistake we made. We drove over some massive 10,000 foot dirt road at 15 miles an hour for 1.5 hours. The road had some crazy "moonshot" exposure to the river floor. It was unreal. It led us down into the Challis National forest, a beauty of a place, that we would have never seen if the GPS had not been so anal about the shortest (line of sight) route! I was stressed out for awhile, but I got over it fast! The country we saw today took my breath away!

So where are we now? Missoula, Montana. I dont think we will be here long. Perhaps one ride and split to Spokane...