Gorge games

We're back from the Gorge Games. Eric and Robin had a great race and I even managed to get out on the sport course. It sounds like the guys took 5th place overall. Awesome! Click here for pics.

Padden Mtn bike race

Today's race was near Bellingham at Padden Lake. I haven't raced since the Sea Otter and I knew this was going to hurt...but I had no idea how badly! We arrived about two hours early and I pre-rode half the course. Looking back I should've checked the whole course so I knew what was in store for me. Live and learn, right? The race began with a Lemans-style start, which meant that we lined up in the field and ran to our bikes. Before the race I told Eric that I had the holeshot in the bag...and I did! First to the bike and first to the singletrack. Unfortunately I didn't stay in the lead for long b/c the initial climb totally burned my lungs. Then I hit the 2nd half of the course (the part I failed to pre-ride) and found the crazy drop-offs that everyone was talking about. I ended up walking a few to avoid crashing. Halfway through the race I found myself thinkining "I can't believe I paid to do this". My last lap was much faster probably because I knew I was almost finished. I finished 2nd out of 6 :)

Here's a video of the start...I'm the first to pick arrive at the bikes...

New photo site

I'm trying out a new photo site. Click here to see pics from last weekend's trip.

Central Oregon rocks!

We spent the 4th of July weekend at the Newberry National Volcanic Monument in central Oregon. This place rocks...literally. As the name implies the area was once an active volcano and now pumice and obsidian are everywhere. You can exfoliate your feet and slice a toe all at the same time (which we did). We shared a campsite with Jerry and Stacey but I'd hardly call it camping. Maybe "glamping" would be a better phrase. We had margaritas (with hand-cranked blender), fondue, and several awesome breakfasts. It was a little chilly at night but all 3 days were nice and sunny. I'll post more pictures tomorrow when I have time.

Eric cookin' bacon:

Hot spring with a great view of Paulina Peak:

Riding along the Deschutes River Trail in Bend: