2009 Tour of Utah

This week we welcome local, national and international cyclists to the Tour of Utah! The tour is labeled as Americas toughest stage race! The coolest part about it is that I have ridden many of these roads and can testify that they truly are tough roads to ride, let alone race. On Tuesday night Curtis Thacker and I took Logan up to Salt lake to see the opening Time Trial at the Capitol Building. We had a great time and got to see many Cyclists including Dave Zabriskie, Floyd Landis (Winner of the 2006 Tour de France) and many others. Here are some photos from that night.

Floyd Landis warming up with some tunes.

Dave Zabriskie at the start gate. (He came in Second and was awarded the red jersey for the best Utah rider time.)

Logan enjoying the race with us!

The Podium after day 1

Today was another fun day at the Tour. I went into work and then came home to pick up the family and meet the Cooks, Curtis Thacker and Ryan Amy at the top of Mount Nebo, the finish for stage two of the tour. When we got home I went back to work and Logan and Kris crashed for a good afternoon nap. I was able to finally meet one of my cycling heroes in person, Floyd Landis, and get his autograph as well as meet the race leader and former team-mate of Lance Armstrong, Fransisco Mancebo, and get his autograph. As a side note Floyd Landis is a very nice and kind person. He was very sincere and seemed like the kind of guy you would like to hang out with sometime. One of the guys taht was near us said that you couldn't find a nicer guy in the peloton than Floyd.

Kris and Logan waiting for the racers to get to the top.

Mancebo cresting the summit to ultimately take second on the day!

Fransisco Mancebo, Yellow Jersey and my pick for the overall win! Click here to find out more about Rock Racing.

The Real Podium Winners! (Ryan Amy, Ben Parker, Curtis Thacker)

Floyd Landis and Fransisco Mancebo Signatures on my Jersey. I plan on wearing this jersey at LOTOJA this year for a little extra mental support and to say that two pros "Have my back".

It has been a fun couple of days and some really fun times with family and friends. If you ever have a chance to see a pro bike race... do it! You will have a blast!

I have the best wife!

You know it is interesting how you get older and you spend time with someone you start to take things for granted. Over the last few months Kris has really done some cool things and I am really excited for her... Sometimes I just don't show it.

1. Swimming Lessons- Over the last two weeks Kris has taken Logan to the pool everyday to teach him how to swim. They have a great time and yesterday she was able to show me all of the fun things that they do together at the pool. Having a swimming problem myself, it was cool to see Logan take to swimming and really enjoy it.

2. Dinner- I am not a cook, but I do like to cook a little while camping. In the last 3-4 months I don't think we have eaten the same thing for dinner. Each night is new... and delicious!

3. Photography- A couple of months back I got a new camera in a trade. It is not the nicest but it is nicer than our point and shoot. Kris has really taken off by playing with lenses, settings and even took a class on photo editing. She is having more fun with the camera than I expected and the photos she is taking are really fun!

4. Support- In the last two years while I was finishing my Masters, Kris has been supportive and helped my in my calling, work, and school. I couldn't ask for anything more.

5. Logan- Despite all of the things that Kris is pulled to during the day with her calling, work, or service, she still finds time to teach Logan his "C's" (ABC's), new words, potty training, how to garden, ride a bike and give more love to him than I ever could as a stay at home mom.

6. Lunch- Kris gets up and makes sure I have a lunch for work. It is always great to have someone pack food for you!

Kris, you are the best and I love you!

A Random Quote from One of my Students

"My fish couldn't make friends."

Daffodils

At my mother-in-laws request...daffodils!


I noticed after I shot these that the f-stop was too wide. I will try and get some more but I think they have wilted. i have wanted to shoot these since they came up but it was always raining when I had my camera. I finally had it one day while it was sunny and only got a few shots off before I had to get to a meeting. The wind was also blowing pretty good so it was hard to get one without them blurring. They are what they are. I wish my depth of field was not so pronounced but we learn by doing right?!?!?!

SPRING!

They Speak for themselves!

Logan and Dad's Glasses

I got home from a ride tonight and Logan saw my sunglasses on top of my head and wanted to wear them. They were my nice ones so I went digging for my old ones and he loved them. He was saying "Gas?". I couldn't resist posting this picture!

"Purple Stuff"

Do you remember in the '90s when Sunny delight put out commercials with kids looking in the fridge for something to drink after playing hard? Purple Stuff was an option for them but I just thought it was something that they made up... evidently not.