2-17-18

"Where U Bean" coffee shop with my window art on display.

We hung my windows up last week & I think they look nice. :-)

Nice from the outside too.

Happy :-)

2-16-18

This is what happens when you go to Costco.

You see something you like...and then you buy it.

You bring it home.

And then you rest...because it was heavy!

Thanks Bob, James & Phil. :-)

But now we have to put it together. :-/ That will be a huge project! I think it will be nice to have a Gazebo in our yard. We need it for shade & we have enough space for it.

Will post a photo when it's complete. That could be weeks from now but just in time for the hotter sunshine days.

2-15-18

The Pima Canyon trailhead renovation is complete! This ramada, 2 other shelters, a new parking lot, new bathrooms, new benches, and trail signage is 1/4 mile out our backyard. For the past 10 months it's been closed for a much needed remodeling job.

Happy to say that Bob & I love the result. It's modernized but rustic. It has style and better functionality for the many hikers and bikers who come here on a daily basis.

Harley showing you a bird's eye view from the top of Marcos de Neza.

We have always felt fortunate to have easy access to the 80 + miles of trails of South Mountain. And now we feel even better about the city's care to make improvements where needed. We love enjoying the great outdoors in South Mountain.

2-14-18

Nothing says Happy Valentine's Day like a gift of red Jello, red Gatorade, and a cup of hot chocolate ready to make. Happy Valentine's day to Bob who is sick with a sore throat, aches and a cough. No fun being in bed most of the week. I am feeling fine. We stayed home & watched the Olympics on TV tonight. If you're gonna be sick...during the Olympics is not a bad time. LOL.

My Funny Valentine.

My Furry Valentine.

:-)

2-13-18

A few pics from Saturday's Lake Havasu race.

Me, Elaine, Christine, Simona

This was post race and we were all exhausted.

But happy with big smiles.

Mike & Bob pre-race.

They are ready...Go Team Vitesse!

Friends Nick & Dean ready to race the Marathon division.

Thomas ready for his race. Hanging out with his dad, Greg.

This photo was taken on Friday when we were pre-riding the course. It gives you an idea of the course. It's a 10 mile loop of single track. Dirt & rocks. Up & down.

Mike on our Friday pre-ride. Very scenic!

This is the start of Bob's race. He's in that group of guys...see him!?

Peace & a smile. Me just after crossing the finish line. A great day racing!

A special thanks to James! He was support for us racing the whole weekend! He helped with bike maintenance, water bottle hand off, Harley dog sitting during the race and a list of other things. Plus, James is just a good friend and fun to have around. We also enjoyed camping with Greg & Thomas. It's been a while since those TWA buddies have hung out together. Fun getting to know Thomas too - he's a cool kid. 

2-12-18

After the races and awards were finished this crew headed into Lake Havasu to find The London Bridge.

There it is!

This bridge was purchased in London in 1967 and shipped to California, trucked to Arizona and rebuilt in Lake Havasu City. It was completed in 1971 and helped change Lake Havasu into a mega tourist attraction for snow birds, spring breakers and anyone who likes water sports, desert sports, camping and more.

It was Robert P McCulloch (founder of Lake Havasu City & the maker of McCulloch Chainsaws) who came up with the idea to purchase the bridge & bring it to Arizona.

With the help of Havasu co-developer; CV Wood they got the job done. Each brick was numbered so that it could be rebuilt accurately. You can still see those numbers on many of the bricks. Here's Thomas with McCulloch & Wood.

We drove over The London Bridge to the end of Lake Havasu Island. It was cool to see more of the lake & sunset. This is Greg's jeep with Greg, Thomas and Dillon (Thomas's friend) in the background. Bob had a few stories to tell us about his last time to Lake Havasu. He was 20, in college & it was Spring Break. Enough said...LOL. :-) 

I had never been to Lake Havasu before & was impressed. It's a large & clean community. In addition to the outdoor sports the town organizes many events like rodeos, craft fairs & more. Fun place in the desert.

2-11-18

The bike race went well for me! :-) 

1st place in age group (45 +); Expert category.

I also placed 3rd overall among all category & pro women. Was really happy with how the race played out. It was a scenic course with some sketchy sections. Four of us girls went back & forth during the whole race for 3rd place overall...it was a tough but fun battle. ;-)

Bob on the other hand crashed during his race & couldn't finish. Such a bummer. :-( The good news is his back isn't hurting as much now that he's focused on his wrist pain. His hand swelled pretty good but we don't think it's broken (he can move his thumb ok). Phew!

Vitesse teammate, Mike did awesome in his race. He took 3rd in a very competitive field of guys (age 40-49; Intermediate). Mike has been racing great in the MBAA series this year. Congratulations!!!

Here's our goofy crew (minus Mike) on the podium posing for fun. Greg (Bob's TWA buddy and long time friend) camped along side us so that his son Thomas could race. Thomas, 11 years old just started racing last year. He was in 5th place & doing well when some spectator kid got in the path and collided with Thomas. It shook him up & Thomas wanted to quit. But we helped get Thomas back on his bike & he finished his 2nd lap & the race. Way to be mentally tough, Thomas! We are all proud of you. Thomas was happy too. :-)

More photos to come from the race, camping, and The London Bridge of Lake Havasu!