Images of Thanksgiving 2009

The "wolves" and I are so fortunate to have Wilma as our mother. Here she is pictured at the Oregon Coast this past summer. What a wonderful week with family...saw my brother-wolves and their kids. Cody and I enjoyed our all-too-quick trip.

Pictured below are Spencer and Quinton. THRILLED to have Spencer home from Afganistan and out of the military during war-time.


My brother, Mark, created a self-branding piece for his MBA program. In doing this he unearthed photos of our father. Ivan passed away at the age of 49...the age that I am now. He missed so much as we have all grown up and have so much to be thankful for. Thanks, Mark for these photos. Pictured here are my brother Steve (Mark's twin) and our father, Ivan.
I was only 10 when Ivan passed of lung cancer. Don't have many memories of him.

Of course, that which I am MOST thankful for are my sons, Shane and Cody. They have given us a real run this year...and I've been saying that while I love them more than life itself, I will not be unhappy to say goodbye to 2009. Enough said.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

Old route through different eyes

There is a 28-30 mile route, on country roads near Apex, NC that I have ridden hundreds of times. During 2008 and 2009, it has been the MOB (Moms on Bikes) that I've ridden with most frequently, and before that, my good friend and training partner, Roger Moore.

Each time I ride this route, I have to remind myself to pick my head up and look around! The beauty of North Carolina shines bright over this short route. This weekend was particularly lovely.

Rolled out of bed on a cold November morning, bundled up, and waited for the sun to rise. Mounted My Red Bike and shivered as I rode to meet my friends for this familiar route.

As we headed out of town, I was taken by the Fall colors, as they reflected off the ponds we frequently see along the way.

Each bend in the road seemed to reveal a sight that took be by surprise. How is that possible?

What makes it possible is the frame of reference (wolf brother, Mark taught me this lesson) that I took on this day.

Each section of the ride requires a different attitude and commitment. We have come to the point that we can read each others' moves and adjust seamlessly to our energy levels. No one gets left behind, and everyone enjoys the ride!

We come in to the hills that we affectionately call The 3 Ugly step sisters, and their mother. Here a cyclist is entering into the first of those hills.

Once we get through these, we head on to some flat-lands and can pick up speed.

Also pictured are the "rollers" on Old US 1. While I'm not a big fan of these rollers, others in the MOB really enjoy them.

I can tell you what I'm a BIG fan of...that is the city limits sign for Apex! Lately, we have taken to pushing the last few miles to the "limit" and declaring VICTORY at this sign. Now that is fun!

Most important part of any bike ride with the MOB, is the coffee shop. The real celebration takes place while sipping hot coffee and bragging about our kids.

Can't wait for next Saturday!

Big 2010 Ride!

Next year is a big year...moving on to the next decade of life! I can genuinely say that while I wish time would not keep marching on, I am curious what life will bring.

To celebrate this milestone, I've decided to take MY RED BIKE somewhere in this great country to ride for a week and give these 50 year-old legs a real test.

The biggest challenge seems to be choosing a place, and a ride.

Do I head to my home state of Oregon, which seems to be rich with wonderful rides?

What about the Ride across North Carolina, our current home and one that I haven't yet fully explored?

What about a new place, like the Northeast?

Any of these choices will be great choices, it is making the choice that seem the most difficult.

I do know this, September of 2010 you can find me on my red bike, somewhere in the USA.