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.