Dillion Team Ride

Today we had a great team ride around Lake Dillion. Gorgeous scenery and really nice bike paths around the area, including to and from Dillion and Copper Mountain. Over the years I've mentally collected rides that I will be adding to my "greatest hits" list, and this one has definitely been added to that list and one I'll try to do every year.

Summer Vibes

This one was a scorcher! This event up in Lyons was aptly-named Summer Vibes. Pretty Coll concept for the weekend with running events (including with your dog), cycling events, camping, live music, inflatable pools, and lots of vendor tents kept everyone entertained.

As far as the race, it was more of a Roubaix style event with paved roads and good gravel. In fact, there are a handful of other events that use these same roads, including Boulder Roubaix. Being familiar with the roads and events, Justin and I opted to use our light and fast road bikes for the short course, while most everyone else used gravel bikes.

There were a few corners that felt a little squirrelly, but as long as we made it through unscathed and with the lead group, the podium was all but secured with miles of paved highway to the finish. We kind of just stayed with the lead group through the dirt sections, and no one really attacked then, so it was hard for anyone to get away on this relatively flat course.

The run in to the finish line was escorted off of the highway shoulder, but we turned off when two ladies started to walk across a cross walk in front of us. I was at the very front, and had scouted out the run in, so I punched the gas so I wouldn't get stuck hitting the brakes at that crucial moment. There was a 90 degree left turn shortly after that, and then a straight run in up over a small bridge to the finish line. You can see from the last picture that it wasn't very close.

As a side note, they had some sweet podium prizes. We all won matching denim jackets that retail for about $150. Easily one of the most expensive prizes Justin or I have won.

Pikes Peak

This week Jonathan went to Eagle Lake Camp. I got some great pictures of Pikes Peak after a rain storm on my way to pick him up early. Ended up that the whole camp had to be shut down and refunds issued since they had an outbreak of the norovirus.

Jonathan's 15th Birthday

Happy Birthday Jonathan! Today Jonathan turned 15, and since he had completed the necessary classes, we were able to get his driving permit at the DMV the same day.

Children's Hospital Volunteer

In prep for a potential degree and career in nursing, Julia signed up to be a volunteer at Children's Hospital down the road from our house. Way to go Julia!

8th Grade Graduation

Today we celebrated Jonathan and the end of middle school for him (and all of us). We had the ceremony in the school gym, a special award, and then we went out to lunch.

Jonathan finished middle school in style, earning all (or almost all) "As". In addition, he was a finalist for the CTMS Citizenship Award, given to only one student of hundreds in his entire class. We thoughthe was going to win, since the teacher awarding it wanted to make sure that he was going to be there and ready, followed by a twinkle and a wink in her eye.

The award is given out by the Daughters of the American Revolution for characteristics such as: Honor, Service, Courage, Leadership and Patriotism. Congratulations on the award and finishing up middle school, Buddy!

Last Day of School

...and last day of middle school for Jonathan! He wanted me to give him a summer buzz cut so his friends could see it, rather than wait a few days.

Vermejo Charcoal Burner

I headed down to New Mexico with teammate Matt Wright for my first gravel race of 2025. The race was just over the border, and a few miles west of Raton, on a private ranch called Vermejo. The property is one of the reserves owned by Ted Turner and is a working ranch and outdoor getaway vacation spot for adventure seekers.

Unfortunately, it snowed a lot earlier in the week in this part of the country. The result was that things got really muddy, and then torn up by cattle, trucks, ATVs and whatever else made its way through the course. It dried out just in time, but it made the race really rough and rutted out the entire way. I also lost count how many times I had to cross a small stream during the race, I think there were around 5 - 7, but they were shallow enough to be able to ride through.

I ended up taking second overall to a teenage phenom, but won the overall Masters category. The course was so rough that I ended up with some blisters on my hands from the non-stop pounding. Overall it was a great event and fun. I will definitely do it again if the conditions are better, since it's a small race and a good one to start off the season.

Student Council Induction

Tonight was the Pine Creek Student Council Awards and Induction Ceremony. As the incoming Freshman Class President, Jonathan had to speak in front of everyone and introduce himself and the incoming Freshman Council. He did a great job speaking. He also looked really good in my dress shoes!

Junior Prom Photo Op