Christmas!

The past couple of weeks have been full of snowstorms.  So much so, I haven't been outside on my bike in a long time.  Instead I endure the rollers and with it, complete and utter boredom.  I try watching t.v. or replays of the Tour all the while listening to music but still, I can't stand it.  But I do it anyway, in an attempt to stay somewhat fit.

The skiing has been fun.  During the Christmas season, with everything that's going on, it's hard to get up but I took the kids by myself one day and then we went up on Christmas Eve on a total powder day.  So much so, that we ended up skipping the torchlight parade and fireworks because we feared they'd close the road.  In fact, the drive up was so harry we considered turning around and going back while we still could but thankfully, we decided to ski and it was so much fun.  Hendrix is skiing from the top with no problems and Lily is still a natural ripper.  The only problems come when one of them decides to explore through the trees and once in a while they'll get stuck.  I try not to discourage them in their adventures but it's hard to get them out on occasion.

Now that life is returning to normal I hope to be able to get up there more often, maybe without the kids, and I pray the snow continues.

At Least the Skiing is Getting Better.

This past week has been a good one for skiing, not so good for biking. It did warm up a bit on Thursday so I tried to get out on the bike for some outside riding but just a few miles into my ride I got a rear flat tire and being completely unprepared had to abandon.

I snapped a few pics as I waited for my ride to bail me out.  As you can see, I wasn't too happy about having to abandon.

I have to admit, I live in a very pretty state.

Me about to drop in near the Bookends.

Like I said, at least the skiing is getting better.  Jen and I got up there on Friday morning and hit Mineral Basin which skied very nice as long as you hit the right aspects of the mountain.  The east facing slopes were the best.  The Bookends were my favorite.

Mineral Basin taken from the ski lift.

Saturday was a full on powder day.  We had Christmas parties both in the morning and in the evening but we were able to squeeze in an afternoon on the slopes.  We had our kids and they skied so well.  They are becoming little rippers.  Hendrix led us through some tight trees that were hard for Jen and I to get through but it was no problem for him and Lily.  I can tell it won't be long before they out ski us.

Packing up after the ski day is over.  So beautiful and as you can see, we were one of the last ones to leave.

This week is the last before Christmas and we are all excited for the holiday.  My kids are at the perfect age for it.  They make it so much fun.  Plus, it's suppose to snow most of the week so we'll enjoy that too!

A Quick & Cold Ride Up & Down South Mountain

Self portrait from the top, with mouth hanging open. 

Utah Lake as seen from the top after ascending the north side.

It was a dark day today.  Not in the metaphoric sense but in the literal sense.  Low hanging clouds and an on again, off again drizzle made for an eerie feeling as I road South Mountain.  Still, it was a fun ride.  A bit cold on the decent and the wind was howling on the way up but still fun.  I figure any day I'm able to get out vs. staying in on the rollers is a good day.   Also, if I'm having fun on a day like today then I still must love riding my bike.  The snow is still scarce so I'll ride my bike as long as I can, just like last year.  But I plan to take it a bit easier in an attempt at timing my cycling season a bit better.

A quick shout out to my wife, Jen.  She's been running a lot lately and biking less.  She is a natural runner and Saturday she proved it by running a half marathon  (13.1 miles) by herself on Saturday just to see if she could.  She is one that has run most of her life but never taken it too seriously.  She did it with no problems and in just over 2 hrs.  She felt just fine after with little soreness.  She amazes me as a runner.   Good job Honey!