One of my dreams was to take a motorcycle really fast on the track.  I just did, and wow… time of my life.  Taylor my brother in law came with me on his really fast R1 Yamaha 1000 and me on my Suzuki SV650 (which did really good).  This was an event for Racing 2 Save Lives.  They raise money for Children’s charities like The Children’s Hospital and Make a Wish.  So the money we pay money people pledge with us goes towards this.  So go have fund and have it go for awesome places.  We got there early to get registered, take the saftey class, get our coolant changed and rent our leather suits (which my wife thought was HOT! and not from the sun :’).)  

My Smokin' wife and me in my 'Hot' Leathers

In the safety class they explained the proper way to exit and enter the track.  What each flag meant and what to do when they waved the flag.  I saw three throughout the day.  Yellow waiving was Caution, something is either on the track coming up or just by it, sure enough someone had gone off and they were getting the bike loaded.  The other was a Black flag with a red dot.  They pull that one out, wave it and then point it at the rider they mean.  Not sure what the real name of the flag is but in the class they called it the A-hole flag.  Somebody passed me a little wild like and he got the flag.  He knew it to as he sat up and went slow back to the exit so they could talk to him.  The last one I saw was the checkered.  No, not a race but rather to get off the track next time around.  This was sometimes very sad and other times welcomed as I was so dead tired and could use a break.  Every half hour they would switch us from East to West track then back.  Racers on one side and Street Riders on the other.  What I really liked was having coaches go out with us.  He would follow me for a few laps then have me follow him.  He would point out things while riding like where the Apex should be (Where we should be closest to the inside turn at a particular point)  I was always going in to the turn too late, I then started working on cutting the turn later which would help pop you out to the straight a little faster.  I liked following good fast riders as I could imitate what they were doing, and see how fast they could go through the turns so gave me confidence I could as well.  Also like see how low they were, knees touching and knowing I was right behind them doing the same thing.  I could in effect see what I looked like.  There is nothing like it.  I remember going around one 180 degree turn, my suspension compressed as Gforce was in effect, ground was RIGHT there, and I look at how fast… 65 sometimes 70 miles an hour around a tight turn.  Was I screaming?  Oh yeah.  Then got to where I wouldn’t brake going into a turn, you let the turn slow you down.  Yes there were much faster riders and when they would scream by my mouth would drop.

That's me third back

I told Jenny my fun level exponentially increased as the day went on.  I became more confident, went faster and faster, and lower and lower.  Then was just getting more fun as the day went on.  However, riding like that for hours does take a toll on your body.  Taylor bugged out for a few sessions and took a nap.  I wanted more and couldn’t get enough.  

Sweet!!!

Mom and Dad, Jenny and the kids came out.  Really thought that was nice as it was a long drive and may not be the coolest thing to see for some.  Thank you for making the effort.  I know Jenny had a ton going on and I was glad she not only let me go spend the day but took time to come see us as well.  Thanks Honers.

 

 

 

 

 

What a day.  Beat tired riding about 7 hours.  Felt really good.  Oh then Taylor asked me to get my bike off his trailer and ride home as he had some girls he wanted to hang out with.  He said, I kinda feel bad.  I replied with, ah don’t worry about it but I won’t let you live it down.  Have to mess with him.  So I rode home via Butterfield canyon.  Found out it was about 2 miles of dirt close to the top.  Pretty canyon.  Thanks Taylor for hanging with me there.  Had a sweet day.  

Click here for more sweet pictures.

Coalville you say??? Me too.  I knew where it was but why go there?  Well, the inlaws had and wife planned the trip and was a huge success.  The camp ground was perfect to let Adyson and Lexi ride their bikes.  Adyson’s first real time going out on the bike and she did great.  Lexi was pushing around trying to keep up, and even pushing backwards to catch up to Adyson and I as we went by.  I call the whole trip a success when I saw how much Adyson was out riding her bike.  With me, alone, and with Lexi.  That was great to see.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We did not have a fire pit to do our smores with but the Weber River was right there next to us for Jeff and I to slip out for a few minutes to cast a fly.  Jeff caught a little one and Adyson held it and threw it back in the river.  I say Threw, because that is what she did.  About to the middle of the river.  That’s what we said to do.  She didn’t even flinch when holding it which I was surprised about.  Good job, and we’ll get some more.  Fishing, took me a minute to remember the knots but I did and it was like riding a bike only didn’t catch any fish. Not much time to devote to it but I enjoyed being on the river for a few.  Thanks Jenny for letting me sneak over to it.

A storm was blowing in which made it interesting setting up our tent.  We have a big one which is nice, and kept us dry while it rained all night.  The next day was beautiful.  That morning we cooked up an awesome breakfast for a king.  Bacon, Eggs, Pancakes… the works.  Then Taylor and I went for a Mountain Bike ride, well, more like a Mountain Bike push.  We got kicked off a road as it was “Private” Whatever!  then we headed up another which turned into nothing but we still kept going.  We ended up on a side of a mountain with trees, boulders and what not.  Made it interesting and we had a good time getting out on the bikes again.  When we got back we headed out to Jordanelle reservoir.  Here the kids played and played in the sand and water.  There was a sidewalk covered with water with this high water season we have had, that went out quite a bit in the lake.  The girls like to walk on that for a bit.  Sand castle was a big project here as well.  

That night Jeff did up great tasting Chicken and Dumplings in the dutch oven.  Then climbed in the tent to fall asleep right?  Right…  They were tired but were having a hard time staying down.  I would go by every few minutes to check on them in the tent and either Lexi was drawing on Adyson’s face or vice versa.  Adyson went out first then finally in a funky position, Lexi did as well.  Then time for a few more minutes of fishing.  

The next day we packed up and did it rather realxingly (is that a word?)  Cleaning the tent out for example took a while when the girls are running from end to end and me grabbing them throwing them on the pile of sleeping bags.  They were giggling and could almost not breath.  That was fun to be a part of.  The whole trip was relaxing and fun.  Great to hang with my fam, and inlaws.  The girls had a great time, I know I did being with them and my wife out camping.  Baby steps to the great outdoors.  yee haa.  Thanks honers for the plan and bearing it with our little one Boston.  Yes some may think  you are crazing taking a 11 week old baby, but I think you rock.  Good job.

Click here for more exciting pictures. :’)

Oh and don’t forget the video of the Princess Parade or the Hanna Montana Dance by Adyson and back up dancing by Lexi.

We had such a good time taking a break and doing a few things while my Brother and Family were in town.  Adyson and Lexi were in heaven with “The Cousins” at Lagoon, Sand Dunes, Timp cave and just hangin.

Lagoon is always a blast.  We love it and the kids love it.  This year was a bit different… it rained.  But still fun.

Waiting for Puff, in the rain

Lexi riding alone and loving it.

Lexi going on the big rides with Aunt Wendy

Adyson driving the chopper

Me at Lagoon many years ago same ride

Chris and I long ago at lagoon (Chris is bored!!)

Lexi and Edward loving the rain

Timpanogos cave was great to get a little hiking in.  Adyson seems to have no problem hiking and going for long periods.  Lexi is right behind her but she gets tired and looks drunk and with cliffs on the side felt it best to strap her in the backpack.

Boston sleeping with Mom, with Independent Lexi

Lexi holding my face and lauging

Edward was tired on the way down so I put him on my shoulders.   I think they laughed the whole way down.

Lexi and Edward getting a ride

I like this picture as everyone is genuinly smiling cuz Lexi is at her own pace.  Had a great time with All of our family.  It is really great to have such good people as part of our family.  Thanks and lets do more.

Lexi walking, everyone laughing

Click here for Lagoon Pictures

Click here for Timp Cave pictures

What a cool race and amazing place to ride.  I love when the group thins out and it becomes so quiet.  The Uinta’s is a very pretty place and to be traveling it on a bike… even better.  It was our 7th year anniversary so we went to Park City for the day and spent the night at Westgate.  Very nice and good times to hang with my best friend.  The sad part was I started feeling a little stomach cramps and sickness after lunch.  Then I was hoping dinner would help but just made it worse.  Some kind of stomach flu or food poisoning.  Leaning towards the latter.  Either way not good.  In the morning I still so wanted to go and was really hoping that things were past and it would only get better.  Sad part was I had no nutrition in me and didn’t feel much like putting any more in.  So the race started and strength wise I was feeling pretty good.  Stayed with the group past were my goal was to do so but then started to wane.  I held and went back and forth with another guy whose wife and 4 kids were cheering him on.  ”Go Dad!” they yelled as they drove by then would pull off and cheer as he went by.  I thought of my wife and kids and smiled.  We traded off pulling and was feeling steady.  When the grade started going up I started falling off and my stomach was getting more and more bloated.  I was not feeling well and slowed way down.  As I passed the turn off for Trial Lake I saw a neighbor of mine pulling out and I waved.  He pulled around and along side of me to chat.  I told them I was not feeling well and the said in return, man you don’t look good, you look really pale.  They asked if I wanted a ride and I declined thinking naa, I can do it, just slower.  I continued to climb then the pros started passing me.  I felt ok before as no one had passed me yet in my field or others, now as the pros were blasting by I realized I was not feeling well.  There was an aid station about 2 miles before the top, I stopped there and asked for some pepto or tums or something.  They had nothing.  I stayed there for about 10 mins doubled over wanting to just lay down.  With no help or anywhere to lay my head I jumped on the bike and headed to the top.  With about a mile to the top it started to rain.  I thought to my self, “oh joy”.  And at the top the wind was going and the rain was so cold.  There at the top were some race officials for the King of the Mountain times.  I was feeling like king of something but not the mountain.  I pulled over and said, “I’m done, where can I get a ride down?”  They laughed and ignored me.  So I reiterated. No really I’m done.  Where is the SAG vehicle.  Never have pulled out from a race before  I wasn’t quite sure what to do.  There was a guy there and said to jump in his truck.  He had some scouts there and was just coming down from a camp and wanted to see his buddy pass.  I graciously accepted.  I didn’t know how cold I was until I couldn’t get warm.  They were from Riverton and said they could take me down.  They threw my bike on their rack and we headed down.  I remember feeling so sick and said you may need to pull over.  He handed me a huge mountain dew cup and I took advantage of it.  I filled it pretty quickly and with one motion from cup to ground kept going as he pulled over.  During the race I was not able to put much of anything in me but water and some hammer gel and hoped that would sufice.  Nope, needed more but my stomach didn’t want it.  Now that that was all out I felt much better.  They dropped me off in Park City with Jenny and I was so glad.  Jenny brought me home and I slept for over 3 hours.  Today, the next day I feel much better.  Sad that it hit me on race day but you just never know.  I was really hoping to know how well I could do.  I have 4 more big races this year.  Let’s hope I do better.  A huge thanks to Mom and Dad for watching the girls, to the scout leaders who picked me up, Geoff for going to the race (and doing well I think), and Jenny for a great weekend (for the most part).

Picture from Evanstoncycling.org

To my lovly wife whom I love and adore.  Today is our 7th year anniversary.  You are wonderful, fun, and an exceptional mother. Looking forward to many more years to come!

Just like old times just with other little ones around instead of me being the “little one”  This post is fitting one after many years ago (I think 26 years) we headed back to the dune’s.  Jenny stayed home with our smallest Boston and I took the girls.  I knew they would like it and indeed it was a mini heaven to them.  Cousins around, getting pulled around in a sled, and digging in the sand.  What could make it more perfect… Just having Jenny with us.  We missed her.  When we arrived, there were already holes dug for 3 or 4 and the weather was cooroperating quite well.

 

 

 

 

 

It was great to watch Lexi in the sled.  All smiles and wanted to not take her turn.  She loves to be moving in the sled, 4 wheeler or even the lawn mower.  She will sit with me or rather stand now, for an hour no problem.   It was great watching them as I took them up and over the dunes.  Best was when we crested a hill and they would zoom down.  They so wanted to scream but couldn’t.  They had to keep their mouths shut as to not get sand in.  So the screams would sound like this…”Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!”   Just add high pitch emphasis and you got it.  Or when they would come up over the top of one and blast through the sand and they would re-appear through the cloud of sand.  

Then Adyson dumped it and got plastered with sand.  And bent Linda’s glasses, then I broke them.  So sorry Linda.  I will search for another pair.  Adyson was sad then, however “Buck Up” kicked in and we went back, washed her up, and she was ready for more.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had a blast just hangin, diggin, and playin with the 25 year old football on a string toy.  This was a great trip and fun for all.  Till next time.

More Pictures here

Oh and a fitting ending Video

 

This is me riding the Honda Trail 90 we had for soooo many years.  Look an me barley touching the foot pegs. I think wow, what did I do when I stopped…  jump off?  I rode that thing everywhere in the years following.  Up to Jess’ house and along the foothills over to get a drink in provo or somedays made it all the way to Rock Canyon.  I think about Mom letting me go and not really sure where I was at 12 years old.  Then getting from my house to Jess’ was along the back roads dodging cops and making my way.  That was an adventure in and of itself every time. The thing would never quit.  Well, it would but then dad and I would go through the carbs, tighten the wires and away she went again for another season.  Good times!  Thanks be to Mom and Dad for having that bike. 

Just a quick little vacation for us down here to St. George.  Love coming down where in the spring to get a little sun, swim and do some hikes in Zions.  I love to watch Adyson navigate the rocks and sand as we hike.  This time she told me thanks several times for bringing her hiking and that she wants to come again.  Happy to do so. Lexi was loving walking as she always does.  But she was getting a little tipsy so I carried her on my shoulders and could feel her getting lower and lower and pretty soon was snoring in my ear and I was holding her up with my hand.  I couldn’t stop laughing.  It was sweet.  Then we rigged a papoose.  She slept for quite a while.   Boston did quite well hanging out in the byorn and sleeping.  When we got back to the hotel they had had a cat nap on the way home from hiking so were ready to play some more so we went swimming.  Lexi would not stop laughing she was loving it so much.  I took her over to the hot tub as her lip was quivering it was so chilly but she was crying asking me to take her back to the “bath” the other pool.  She would happily jump off the side over and over again to me and loved to walk on her own.  she thought she was so big wanting to run, jump and sit down but I needed to stay close by when she tipped.  Took her by surprise a few times when she went down.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the way down we stopped for Ice Cream.  Yes, this made all he girls happy, especially Mom.  When we got down there getting to the park was first on the agenda.  We found a secret park last year and headed there.  Kids loved the water.  I loved helping Lexi run through.  Adyson always getting to pose for the camera.  And Wayne and I got a game of Tennis in with Isaac helping every other hit.  

 

Mini Photo shoot at the waterfall

This morning I went for an early 6 mile run along the Virgin river.  As the sun was rising.  Beautiful.  Felt good.

And before we left grudgingly, had to hit another park.  Played some wiffle baseball and had a sandwich.

Click here for the Slideshow

 

The whole clan

I was really looking forward to this ride as there would be other team members and I would be able to see how up to speed I was with the other team members.  Sadly not as many showed up as we were hoping but there were 4 of us.  Great guys and was a really cool experience to lead the pack the four of us for the first 26 miles then we had a flat.  Two total that day.  Pretty neat to look back after pulling and see 80 or so guys all the way back and you pull 4th in line as the 4 of us in the same gear pushed on.  The day was beautiful and I felt better than I thought I might.  Slowed a little on the hills at the Island but overall felt strong.  At the end we left our 4th rider at his request so we pushed on to the end and for about 10 or so minutes Eric pulled around 26mph.  I was doing good to hold on and was just hoping he would not peal off as I didn’t think I could hold that pace.  Overall the previous two years I was 20.5 mph average over the 105 miles, this one we did at 21.8 and felt like we could have done it a bit faster.  I was very pleased.

That was last Saturday, then Tuesday I hit it hard on the hills alone, and this morning Thursday hit it a gain alone up Suncrest and around Riverton and Draper.  A little slower today but still stronger everyday.

My Mom, My Brother and Me.

  Just need a little shout out to all moms but specifically my mom and my children’s mom.  Today is Mother’s day what a special day it is to think of all he good things our moms do and are.  My Mom was and is a wonderful mother.  I loved it when she would slip me a $20 and say to go have fun.  Or when I got my second motorcycle and she said, “You little shit.”, or when she would chase me around the house trying to spank me with the fly swatter that stung oh so bad!, or I was sick and I would get pampered.  And now when she takes care of my little ones in a way that we trust her and cherrish that she is able and very willing.  I love you Mom.

I think about my two Grandma’s who are no longer with us, and how wonderful they always were.  I could go on and on about them.

My children’s Mom is much the same, although she hasn’t yet slipped me a $20 or chased me around with the fly swatter, she has done so many things to help make my life a better one.  She loves me number one.  She loves my children and that is her fun, being with us.  I love when she finds something so funny and can’t stop laughing.  I love that she leaves clothes around where ever she takes it off (Adyson is does the same thing), I love that she follows up with that later and keeps our house very clean.  I love that she likes yard work, cuz doing it myself would not happen, and we have plenty of it.  I love that sometimes she can take pride in me.  I love that she and I discuss matters then decide the best course of action.  I love that we fell in love and got to do so many fun things together.  Now we get to figure out how to continue to do the memorable things together with 3 little ones.  Challenging??? Yes, but I think we are up for it.   I love you Jenny.

Mom - Our Superstar!