Screw Colorado, Hollywood here we come!
We were asked to be apart of a commercial for a local mountain bike tour guide company, Hermosa Tours. Enjoy the video. You may have to watch it a number of times to see everyone!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Xterra Buffalo Creek 09
My buddy from work Dan O, motivated me to train for an Xterra. What is an Xterra? Basically, it is a triathlon but with a twist. Traditional triathlons consist of a swim(typically, open water), a road bike ride, and a road run. However, Xterras are a swim (typically, open water), a mountain bike ride, and a trail run. I completed a number of traditional triathlons while in the military, and Xterras actually sounded more enjoyable.
So for the last month I built up a basic base for swimming, trail jogging and mountain bike riding. My goal, was simple, I did not want to finish last!
Dan and I travelled to Bailey, Co (30 minutes south of Denver) to compete in the Buffalo Creek Xterra on 20June09. We drove up the night before and camped out before the event.
Here is a picture of the transition area from the lake swim to the bike. It was also the same transition are from the bike finish to begin the trail run. Dan and I setup in the back left corner.
Below a picture of Dan sleeping before the event. Oddly, he looks like a corpse in that tent. I slept in the back of the Element (bear safe!)
Below is a listing of the results. I am happy to say, Dan finished first in our age group (the most competive) and I did not finish last!!! I was happy. Notice who finished first in the 35-39 age group. If you look closely at my times, you will notice I barely beat a few 55-98 age group! Never say your too old to have fun entering events like this.
The next event is July 18th in Buffalo Creek, near Vale. Dan, Tyler and I will enter. Tyler will make his first appearance on the Xterra circuit. He has been training hard, especially with his swimming to prepare. I will post more pictures from the Buffalo Creek event when I receive them from the event's photography group.
So for the last month I built up a basic base for swimming, trail jogging and mountain bike riding. My goal, was simple, I did not want to finish last!
Dan and I travelled to Bailey, Co (30 minutes south of Denver) to compete in the Buffalo Creek Xterra on 20June09. We drove up the night before and camped out before the event.
Here is a picture of the transition area from the lake swim to the bike. It was also the same transition are from the bike finish to begin the trail run. Dan and I setup in the back left corner.
Below a picture of Dan sleeping before the event. Oddly, he looks like a corpse in that tent. I slept in the back of the Element (bear safe!)
Below is a listing of the results. I am happy to say, Dan finished first in our age group (the most competive) and I did not finish last!!! I was happy. Notice who finished first in the 35-39 age group. If you look closely at my times, you will notice I barely beat a few 55-98 age group! Never say your too old to have fun entering events like this.
(Click on the image for the larger version)
The next event is July 18th in Buffalo Creek, near Vale. Dan, Tyler and I will enter. Tyler will make his first appearance on the Xterra circuit. He has been training hard, especially with his swimming to prepare. I will post more pictures from the Buffalo Creek event when I receive them from the event's photography group.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Mother's Day hike
I have not posted in awhile; been too busy living life I guess. We have been very busy with activities: jeep touring, tons of hiking, lots of swimming, running, and Mountain biking. Regarding the mountain biking I did get a new bike, a Trek Top Fuel 69'er (the front wheel is a 29" and rear a 26") I absolutely LOVE the bike. Anyway, I am too lazy to post all the past pictures; however, here is one picture of Rebecca and Cede during our hike today. We did a 10 mile out and back in the San Juan. The kids were busy studying for final exams, this next week is their last week of school.
We felt fairly confident identifying a fresh mountain lion track. I wish I would have taken a picture of it. We were in a fairly remote area around 9500 feet of Grassy Mountain. We unfortunately did not see any bears, but are hearing stories from our neighbors they are wandering close by the house.
Ciao.
We felt fairly confident identifying a fresh mountain lion track. I wish I would have taken a picture of it. We were in a fairly remote area around 9500 feet of Grassy Mountain. We unfortunately did not see any bears, but are hearing stories from our neighbors they are wandering close by the house.
Ciao.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Green Table - Mesa Verde
Today we visited Mesa Verde (translated - Green Table) National Park learning about the Ancestral Puebloan's and their habitats from 1400 years ago. It was actually pretty nifty!! We participated in a tour guided by a knowledgeable park ranger explaining the various facts regarding the Cliff Palace. The most intriguing fact was learning the Puebloans disappeared without much trace around AD - 1300 taking with them any cultural artifacts defining their culture. It is speculated the culture dispersed and integrated into other Native American tribes. (or it was the Aliens!)
Enjoy some pics.
An overlook of the Cliff Palace.
Rebecca says she looks like a bug!
A small hike to the Palace.
Everyone is smiling while standing in front of a structure within the Cliff Palace. Cliff Palace has approximately 150 rooms. Archeologist began studying this dwelling around the 1800s.
Overall it was a pleasant day, 50 degrees and sunny with some winds. MVNP is located approximately 36 miles west of Durango. To view all the pics taken on the event visit the link to my Picasa web site.
Enjoy some pics.
An overlook of the Cliff Palace.
Rebecca says she looks like a bug!
A small hike to the Palace.
Everyone is smiling while standing in front of a structure within the Cliff Palace. Cliff Palace has approximately 150 rooms. Archeologist began studying this dwelling around the 1800s.
Overall it was a pleasant day, 50 degrees and sunny with some winds. MVNP is located approximately 36 miles west of Durango. To view all the pics taken on the event visit the link to my Picasa web site.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Trails 2000 Phil's World
Today, Tyler, Brianna, and I attended our first Trails 2000 event. Trails 2000 is a volunteer organization dedicated to creating and maintaining existing trails surrounding the Durango area. These trails are for hiking, biking, horse etc.
After hearing about this organization through friends, I felt the importance to regularly be involved with the activities for a number of reasons: one, the family's exposure to a culture new to us coming from the East, and two our kids can learn the importance of volunteer work and the impact it has upon a community.
The picture below shows the group getting ready to work and setting up the after-work BBQ! Notice all the dogs! Gwen would love it!
We worked near an enjoyable biking route called "Phil's World." It is located near Cortez, CO approximately 40 minutes west of Durango. The route we worked on is a new trail for beginner mountain bikers! Brianna and Rebecca will really appreciate this trail. (As soon as we purchase their bikes, which they both expressed interest in owning their own mountain bikes; needless to say, was thankfully influenced by the McFees.)
There are many tools utilized when creating a trail, the three of us had an effective process where Tyler initially dug any roots and rocks, I then raked his remnants and any loose soil while Brianna followed up stamping the trail.
After the trail, work everyone enjoyed a BBQ. The group then enjoyed a mountain bike ride over the trail. Unbeknown to McFee, I caught two gang kids (Notice the gang signs Brianna is throwing up) trying to steal his new single-speed. Thank goodness I caught them in time!
Rebecca unfortunately worked today but is looking forward to the next gathering.
Click on any of the images for the full size version.
After hearing about this organization through friends, I felt the importance to regularly be involved with the activities for a number of reasons: one, the family's exposure to a culture new to us coming from the East, and two our kids can learn the importance of volunteer work and the impact it has upon a community.
The picture below shows the group getting ready to work and setting up the after-work BBQ! Notice all the dogs! Gwen would love it!
We worked near an enjoyable biking route called "Phil's World." It is located near Cortez, CO approximately 40 minutes west of Durango. The route we worked on is a new trail for beginner mountain bikers! Brianna and Rebecca will really appreciate this trail. (As soon as we purchase their bikes, which they both expressed interest in owning their own mountain bikes; needless to say, was thankfully influenced by the McFees.)
There are many tools utilized when creating a trail, the three of us had an effective process where Tyler initially dug any roots and rocks, I then raked his remnants and any loose soil while Brianna followed up stamping the trail.
After the trail, work everyone enjoyed a BBQ. The group then enjoyed a mountain bike ride over the trail. Unbeknown to McFee, I caught two gang kids (Notice the gang signs Brianna is throwing up) trying to steal his new single-speed. Thank goodness I caught them in time!
Rebecca unfortunately worked today but is looking forward to the next gathering.
Click on any of the images for the full size version.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Andrews Lake - Snowdon Peak
Today we decided to snowshoe the area south of Andrews Lake and enjoyed the Snowdon Peak vista. The kids were feeling lazy and decided to not attend; this allowed Rebecca and I to enjoy the day as temporary empty-nesters. Our upcoming future!
Rebecca and I posed for the 10 second timer. We are standing in front of a few named mountains: the Grand Turk, Sultan Mountain, and Bear Mountain (ranging from 12700 ft to 13300 ft)
Warm enough to wear a short sleeve shirt when the wind was not blowing. In front of me is Snowdon Peak.
Wheh, made it to the top! We ascended from 10600 ft to approximately 12300 ft. The hike was 3 miles.
Rebecca displays her acting skills on the camera. 3-2-1, ACTION
On the way back down, Rebecca stands in front of Engineer Mountain. We are going to summit Engineer during this summer.
It was a great day! Click on any of the pictures for the full version.
Rebecca and I posed for the 10 second timer. We are standing in front of a few named mountains: the Grand Turk, Sultan Mountain, and Bear Mountain (ranging from 12700 ft to 13300 ft)
Warm enough to wear a short sleeve shirt when the wind was not blowing. In front of me is Snowdon Peak.
Wheh, made it to the top! We ascended from 10600 ft to approximately 12300 ft. The hike was 3 miles.
Rebecca displays her acting skills on the camera. 3-2-1, ACTION
On the way back down, Rebecca stands in front of Engineer Mountain. We are going to summit Engineer during this summer.
It was a great day! Click on any of the pictures for the full version.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Arches National Park
Today, we decided to ride up to Arches National Park, it is two miles north of Moab, Utah. The trip is approximately 3 hours from Durango. We visited a few other sites but focused on the Delicate Arch.
Here I was telling Brianna to get pumped up before we started the 1.5 mile hike to the Delicate Arch.
There were lots of other folks there initially. It was a beautiful day, 65 degrees and minimal wind.
This shot was from a 10 second timer! Not bad!
I appreciated the sun here over the arch.
Click on any of the pictures for the bigger version. Overall the trip was great, it was not too bad of a drive. Now I have to re-read Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey!
Video from a window looking at the Delicate Arch
Notice the Ute petroglyphs in the background.
Here I was telling Brianna to get pumped up before we started the 1.5 mile hike to the Delicate Arch.
Finally, we made it to the arch...
There were lots of other folks there initially. It was a beautiful day, 65 degrees and minimal wind.
Tyler, Brianna and Rebecca walking away from the Arch, I appreciated this picture as it displays the relative size of the arch.
This shot was from a 10 second timer! Not bad!
I appreciated the sun here over the arch.
Click on any of the pictures for the bigger version. Overall the trip was great, it was not too bad of a drive. Now I have to re-read Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
