The 2013 Firecracker 100

My father and brother are both really into cycling. For awhile there they would compete in as many races within an hours driving distance as they could. But when things started to get a bit tight, and other commitments started popping up, their priorities became rearranged. Instead of competing they’d just go ride for fun. They’d ride with friends, for exercise, or to work. So, it had been well over a year since either one competed. This past Saturday that changed when they decided to go ahead and enter into the Firecracker 100.

Now, I’m the self proclaimed cheerleader for sporting events! And I drag Kim along. Since our family is really big on competing, we've always been really great at being there for one another. That includes attending events, running alongside, and yelling encouragement/tips when needed. I absolutely LOVE it! I actually think it’s one of many ways we all get to bond. So, how exactly do we “cheer on” the riders? Well, I carry a spare bike (or two) in the bed of the truck, and then we meet up with whoever is competing along the routes. We get them water and snacks at the check points, stop at certain points to clap/yell/shout out their progress to them. I’m constantly on the go, and I feel like we’re doing something that helps. And it’s not just for my family either, we cheer on as many riders as we can.

A few years ago, this particular route was different and all riders were sent in the same direction for this race. But this year, due to an accident two years ago and road construction, the routes were changed. So keeping up with my dad and brother was a bit more difficult since they were sent off in opposite directions. Still, we were able to meet each of them once along their route, at a checkpoint, and finally at the finish line! Though we just barely made it to see my dad cross because he went all “Mr. Speedy Gonzales” at the end. My dad rode the 24 mile race in just over an hour. And my brother rode the 40 mile race in just under two hours. Both did an amazing job, and finished really strong. The race wasn't timed and they only announced the first place winners of each race, but according to our count both my father and brother placed either 3rd or 4th in their respective races!

Afterwards we all met up for pizza and salad to celebrate! And since they did so well, they’re even considering entering the next two race coming up in August! If my brother does well in those my dad said that he’ll take him to go and compete in a major sanctioned race up in the Metroplex! That would give him a chance to be exposed to scouts. If he can get sponsors that means he’ll be able to get better gear, parts, and even bikes! So we’re keeping our fingers crossed! This is something my brother really loves to do and I would love nothing more than to see him get a shot at riding professionally. It's something that he's always wanted to do, and I really hope he gets his chance!

What I've Been Up To: Part I

Man, I’ve been really bad about posting. Sorry! It has been a busy past two weeks. And until Monday things were going pretty well. I may have jumped onto the “depression” conclusion too soon. Or maybe not? But I can say that after writing typing it out, I’ve felt a thousand times better. So now, I’m going to break down the events of the past two weeks for you.

The weekend of the 9th was the local "Tour de Pepper" that my dad and brother usually ride in. This year my brother couldn't go because of work and because he's already asked off for another ride in July. So, this time around it was just my dad and a friend of his from work. Of course being the cheerleader for my family, I spent the morning cheering them on and meeting them at check points. I'm pretty proud to say that my dad finished 34 miles in 2 hours and 25 minutes! Woot woot! After we finished at the race, my husband and I got ourselves ready for one of my best friend's “baby party”. Brett's girlfriend is 8 months pregnant and instead of having a baby shower, they opted for a pool party and cook out. My mother volunteered to babysit for a few hours so we gladly took advantage of some toddler free time. We had a lot of fun, and I was able to see friends that I hadn’t seen in awhile. It was pretty awesome. But the biggest surprise of all was that Brett proposed! A few of our friends knew, but the rest of us were completely surprised! Before the party came to an end, he gave us all hugs and thanked us for being there to share his day.

Last week my brother and his girlfriend stayed over a few nights. I love having them over! Sometimes I get so wrapped up in our conversations that time just flies by. Texas also got a lot of rain last week which was much needed for our area. Emery had an afternoon filled with mud cakes and knee deep puddles that mommy didn’t approve of but grandma couldn’t say no to. Despite my urge to cringe and the germ infested water I allowed her a few minutes before hauling her off to the shower. Now as much as I love the rain our front yard looked awful. It stunk like mud and water that had been sitting for too long. Ewe. We had one final storm on Thursday and it’s been hot and sunny every since.

Also on Tuesday of last week a friend of mine came back from Afghanistan! I've missed his face! When I was seventeen I had a close group of guy friends, that were a few years older than me. I met them when they were in college through a mutual friend. I hit it off with all of them. And not in that “Oh my gosh, they’re so cute” kind of way. With them, everything was easy. They treated me like one of the guys, but looked after me like a little sister when I needed it. We’ve all remained very close throughout the years. My friend Dane, however was in the army. So he’s been off on deployments throughout the entire time I've known him. But, he’s back now for awhile! And even though we all have our own things going on we’ve always managed to still get together. So when the other guys decided on having a welcome home get together for him last Wednesday, I jumped at the chance to get to see everyone together again.

Being around these guys, really makes me see what true friends are all about. We don’t have to be around each other all of the time. We don’t get mad if someone doesn’t call or text every few days. We all have an understanding that we’re grown up and we have different lives and responsibilities. But, when we get together it’s just as if we’re back in that dorm hanging out, throwing back a few beers. It’s easy. I can’t say that about a lot of people that have come into our lives. I think that’s why I only have a hand full of friends. But because of these guys, I feel truly blessed to know what real friends are. Last Wednesday, was no exception. And even though we probably won’t all get to see each other again until Dane’s wedding, I’m perfectly okay with that.