Change in Plans
Child 2 & 3 met me for lunch for a super nutritious meal of Chicken McNuggets. You just can't beat a .99 cent 6 piece on Tuesday. The following conversation incurred:#2: Do you want to play disc golf tonight?
Me: Sure, but I'd like to get a ride in first.
#2: Where you going?
Me: I'm not sure, probably Elk Point and back
#2: How far is that?
Me: 30 mile round trip.
#2: I've gone that far before with you, can I go with you?
Me: Let's see how the rest of my work day goes.
Well, I got home and she wasn't back from the pool and when she came in she had forgot our discussion about going for a ride. Then a friend called and conversation number two occurred:
#2: Can I go to the pool with *friend*
Me: Sure, but did you want to go for a ride with me? You don't have to, and it won't hurt my feelings, but I will go with you if you want.
#2: (to friend on phone) I can't tonight, I'm going riding with my Dad!
She was pretty stoked. She got to wear Mom's shoes -- yes, my 11 year old has the same size feet as my wife -- and clip into the Crank Brother pedals for the first time and did amazingly well at it. She also got to put on the Tandem-Com, our communication system on the tandem. After a slight -- and only slight -- dropping of the stokers seat, we were off for a quick ride to Mulberry Point, a little over 16 mile round trip. It was incredibly hot and humid with little to no air moving, which became more evident when we stopped on top of Mulberry Point.
Sometimes a change in plans is just what you need. Sure, I could have went out solo and hammered 30 miles. I've been in a rut and probably needed a good hard ride. However I also want to encourage my children to ride and that is of utmost importance to me. I want them to know and love the freedom and lifestyle of cycling.
Tonight was time well spent. I now have a weekly date on the bike with my daughter, if not more.
No matter how fast we went, we just couldn't shake these two on our ride.
All smiles as Dad takes a shot over his shoulder.
Eating a few grapes during a quick break on top of Mulberry Point.
Filed under: Family, Rides
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A Day With Thomas
We took two car loads (10 people in all) to a family fun day and went to Fremont, Nebraska to see Thomas the Tank Engine. Austin and Marissa didn't seem real excited in the beginning but by the end, they would be hard pressed to say they didn't have at least SOME fun.We took "the Grandma's" along: Grandma's Laura, Bonnie, and Beverly along with Laura's sister LeeAnn and our niece Adriana and all the Brady Bunch. I think everybody who went had a great time. I even have pictures that prove that my "too old for this" 13 year old had fun. Without further ado, our day in a few pictures.
Carson standing in front of Thomas.
The model railroad of Thomas was also pretty awesome. Only thing missing from where I was sitting was Gomez Addams blowing it up. Sorry for those who miss that reference.
Carson resisted the urge to smile on the train.
So Dad offered a little tickle assistance.
Carson meeting Sir Topham Hat
Thomas on the move
Austin busted having fun too.
Carson had fun on the Thomas bouncy slide too. He was making others nervous while I just laughed.
Filed under: Family
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T-Ball Never Ceases To Amaze Me
Last night was Carson's first game of T-Ball. Now understand I've seen it all during the years as I watched my older two play as well. I've seen kids try to run bases the wrong way, gloves on the wrong hand, playing in the field in foul territory, and many more oddities too many to mention.That was until last night.
Imagine if you will a plethora of little four-five-six year old people already on the field with half of them chasing after every ball that is hit. Now picture base runners on the field at the same time. Got that mental picture? Good. Now see the ball come off the bat "screaming" towards the outfield followed by about six little people playing the field and...wait...what the...the kid from first base, helmet and all, has diverted the base path and is chasing the ball too! Not just chasing mind you, diving in the pile to get the ball. Now there's something I will never see again. Until the next inning when it happened all over again. Different kid, same great laughs.
Moral of the story: If you are bored with nothing to do during the week, go find a T-Ball game. You need the laugh. Trust me.
Filed under: Family
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We Interrupt Training Time
We interrupt training time to bring you some family time down by the Vermillion River at our "special spot". It was a hot, windy day, but it always seems so peaceful down on the river.
Filed under: Family
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The Proud Husband
Many times in my life I've been proud of my wife Laura. In so many ways she is more than just my wife. She's also an inspiration and a hero.Laura was never real athletic growing up or early in our married life. She was very content driving from town to town during bike tours, picking me up in the middle of nowhere when I would have a mechanical failure, and coming and hanging with all my cycling friends.
That all changed two years ago when I hatched an evil plan on the way back from the finish of the Tour de Kota. I talked Laura into test driving a Cannondale tandem at Spoke-n-Sport in Sioux Falls (shameless plug, I expect much love from The Owner for this). It was a couple of short trips around town (and a lunch at Famous Dave's) we were on our way home with a tandem in the back of the minivan.
Laura went from a VERY casual rider to doing the Multiple Sclerosis bike tour (all 150 miles) the next year. I was so proud of her accomplishment of completing this goal, and trust me, the weather was less than stellar for the tour. During our summer of training, Laura told me that she could never imagine riding by herself because of how much she loved being on the tandem.
Then there was "the garage sale" and Laura getting an awesome Bianchi for a great price. A few test drives around town later and that long winded lead in of an introduction leads me to today's proud husband moment:
Laura's First Solo Road Bike Ride!
We rode a little over 16 miles to Spirit Mound and back. She did very well for her first ride. She said her legs were a little sore, but that will get better as she gets more consistent with her riding. I could have done a variety of rides tonight: I chose the right one. I'm not sure which one of us is prouder about her solo ride. I do know that it's not the last. She's getting it figured out. She's going to do nothing but get better.
Filed under: Family
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Marissa’s Birthday Surprise
Marissa turned 11 yesterday and it ended up being a very exciting day for her as she also won the D.A.R.E. essay competition and gave her speech in front of all fifth graders and their parents. She's pretty proud of her bling she got for her winning essay too. Congratulations Marissa, we are proud of you!
Filed under: Family
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Happy Birthday Laura
Today is the birthday of my wonderful wife of 15 plus years. She loves to read the comments on my blog, so send her wishes!Reasons my wife rocks!
1. She's put up with me for since 1993 (1992 if you want to get technical).
2. She's produced three wonderful children.
3. She's becoming a better cyclist all the time so we can spend even MORE time together.
4. She's still in love with me.
5. She's my best friend and I love her with all my heart.
Filed under: Family
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Wii Wii Wii All the Way Home
Yes, we broke down and got a Wii. At first I thought we were crazy, but I have to admit that I'm very impressed with it. After a bad case of "Wii Shoulder" (It's a medical condition...look it up!) from playing Wii Sports and the Wii Play, I picked up a Wii Fit and Laura and I now have more problems than Wii Shoulder.Understand that I'm in "decent" shape. As a cyclist. My core? Well, I thought it was okay, but what little Yoga that I do, it's not nearly as strong as it should be. I'll be working extra hard to get the core in shape in the I'm-not-on-the-road-with-my-bicycle-as-much-as-I'd-like-to-be portion of the year.
I also picked up Mario Party 8 for the Wii with some gift cards the kids got for Christmas, but I haven't given them that yet. It might have to wait until the weekend so they can concentrate on school until then.
In other noise, we added to our family this weekend. Although I "supposedly" had final say in the matter, I don't really think I did. They both seem pretty cool (so far) and are getting along well with the dog. Mittens (our 'first born' cat) is still not happy about the new family members. He may never get over it. He's weird that way.
At any rate, here are Tiger and Tic Tac.
Filed under: Family, Pets
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Chip Off The Old Block(Head)
I haven't given much thought to hooking up the Trail-a-Bike and taking Carson to school since the snow has started flying. However Laura (aka Mrs. Biking Brady) told me that he was VERY upset when I left Wednesday morning that he didn't get to ride with me. Thursday he was just too pokey and it was sloppy from new wet snow so I told him I'd take him Friday (today). He was very motivated (for him) in getting ready this morning so he could ride with me. He chatted my ear off all the way to school. He made sure to tell me that he wanted me to pick him up after school too.For better or worse--I'm going with better--my bicycle-over-car attitude is rubbing off on my children to one degree or another. So, to those of you who like to question HOW I can ride ALL the time, my kids already get it. Guess that makes you feel kind of dumb now doesn't it?!?!?
The Biking Brady's -- reducing their carbon footprint one bike ride at a time.
Below is the updated route I have usually take when taking Carson to school and then back to my office.
Filed under: Bike vs. Car, Family
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Early Christmas Card
For those of you who think that you will get a Christmas Card from the Brady's, there's a good chance you won't. It's not that we don't like you or care about you, we are just terrible about sending out Christmas cards. However, Aaron Packard, who took the awesome photos of Letsche and myself Mountain Biking in Ponca, took a few family shots for us in Ponca the same day.Should we forget or just NOT get our Christmas Cards out, here you go. Don't say we didn't send you anything.
Filed under: Family
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