This was probably one of the funnest weekends our family has had since moving to Colorado. On Thursday Grandma Brazelton came to town to hang out for the weekend. We took Katie to yoga the night she arrived, she didn’t like it that much, then Chipotle for dinner, she liked that.

Friday we headed up to my buddy Craig’s condo up in Winter Park. While we were up there we celebrated Carter’s 3rd birthday (lot’s of pictures at the link). Amazing Friday/Saturday in Winter Park with the family. Both days I was able to get out for a road ride. Riding at 9,500 feet will get ya.

Sunday morning Julie and I headed out early to white water raft on the Poudre River while grandma watched the kids. Neither of us had been rafting for years, Julie was nervous, I was excited. We went with a company called A Wanderlust Adventure and our guides name was Randy. As you can see from the photo’s and video’s below the day was an absolute blast. The water level on the Poudre was at an all time high from all the rain we received this season. High water meant fast water and our guide Randy was loving it on the category 1 – 4 rapids. I sat in the front of the boat and was given the roll of calling out the cadence for the stroke. 1, 2, 3…1, 2, 3. Julie sat behind me pretty much getting a free ride.

3 hours later we had survived and I don’t think Julie and I ever stopped smiling. I would highly RECOMMEND A Wanderlust Adventure and look forward to taking our friends and family on trips with them in the future.

This video was one of the category 4 rapids.

The evening ended with steaks with our friends the Gilmours at their house. Perfect end to a super fun weekend.

Happy birthday Carter! Daddy loves you so much!

Andy B
outsideallday.com

I was paging through the latest issue of ESPN The Magazine when I came across this story by the famous sports writer Rick Reilly. Check it out:

by Rick Reilly
Approximately 2.6 million Americans lost their jobs last year. One of them couldn’t have been happier about it.

His name is Lionel Rodia, of suburban Philadelphia, and if they ever build a national Fan Hall of Fame, what he did in Game 5 of last year’s World Series should get his face on the logo.

When Lionel’s staffing company was sold and he was pink-slipped, it knocked him flatter than forgotten beer. And it’s not easy to flatten Lionel, who is as pessimistic as a rainbow and twice as colorful. His real name is Mike, but they call him Lionel because, like the train, he can’t be stopped.

So Lionel, 42, did what any true Philly fan would do: He started begging, borrowing and stealing his way into every Phillies, Eagles, Flyers and Sixers game he could. And nobody nudges better than Lionel. “I’ve never been to a Springsteen concert with him where he didn’t say, ‘Follow me,’ and we didn’t end up in the front row,” says Lionel’s best friend, Tom (Tush) Millison.

When the Phils played in the soggy World Series Game 5—up three games to one—Lionel sat along the leftfield foul pole in a seat he’d gotten for free. With the game tied 2-2 in the sixth, rain checks were issued for the rest of Game 5, to be played two nights later. That is when Lionel somehow sneaked into the swanky Diamond Club section behind the plate, where Tush has season tickets.

Ten minutes in, Tush is in his seat—five rows up, just off home plate—when his cell buzzes. It’s Lionel. “Look to your right,” Lionel says. And there he is, sitting TWO rows back, DEAD CENTER behind home plate, grinning like Phil Mickelson.

Now, the Phillies have just won, 4-3, when Lionel notices a 6’8″ guy in a suit begin to walk down the aisle. Lionel figures the guy’s important, so he slinks in behind him, through a gate and toward the Tampa dugout. Who’s in there but Bud Selig, some suits and the World Series trophy…

Find the rest of the story at ESPN The Magazine.

Well now we know why Andy B. moved east.
What does everyone think? Cool? Lame? Check the Web site for Ktrak and leave us a comment with your thoughts.
We will leave it to you for the time being but this little item sure looks strange. It had a strong showing at Euro Bike…can you imagine getting on the chairlift at Mammoth with this? I bet the crew at Heavenly would run you out of the parking lot.

Matt S.
Outside All Day

I came across this video today about biking in DC.  It was made and submitted in response to the Project Report competition, which is a partnership between Youtube and Pulitzer that goes about telling different stories.  This video was submitted for Round 2 of the competition, that being it was for telling the story of a local issue that also reaches into a more global realm.

“A Virtuous Cycle: Bicycling in DC” examines how Washington, DC is incorporating bicycling into its transportation infrastructure. Much like cities across the world, DC is feeling the effects of years of dependence on cars: pollution, congestion, obesity. This documentary takes a look at why DC sees bicycles as part of the solution to some of these issues and what challenges it is facing with the increased popularity of biking.

A Virtuous Cycle: Bicycling in DC

Smartbike has been rolled out in the District, and I have seen quite a few people on these bikes.  I just hope that the local biking associations are doing all they can to protect riders by lobbying for new bike paths, etc, because I for one have had plenty of close calls.

Mike Lawson
District of Columbia
outsideallday.com contributor

I found an old file folder last week that held results from my first 5K race – back in 1986.

My most recent race was last weekend up in Monterey for the Big Sur Half Marathon. Of all the run races, in all the years, this one stands at the top.

The pre-race expo had vendors that actually had a reason to be there and not just to get our attention and hand us some worthless trinket to remember their brand by. The staff was dressed in sport coats with the venerable Big Sur logo. The race – with a little rain before and a little rain after – was amazing. I have gone for workouts near the ocean in dozens of places here and abroad and I was mesmerized by the coastline on Sunday.

I would highly recommend you put this race on you calendar for next year. If you have a good training regimen in place consider the full which runs from Big Sur into Monterey. Sunday went so smooth I left the Central Coast with a profound respect for the organizers. I saw a lot of staffers that loved what they were doing. The start had all the pomp and circumstance one might expect of an older race. In the early miles the race heads into a long highway tunnel and at the end stood a bag pipe player that filled the tunnel with fantastic music. Brilliant. Energy drinks and water were placed in wise positions and staffed well. The turnaround area had so much energy from the water bottle filling gang that I gained momentum out of it. And after all of these high notes there was the finish. Unlike the LA Marathon family and friends can actually watch runners finish the race. And after you wave to friends, pickup your small children and carry them across the finish line you are met by race staffers there to help – not just push you through the funnel. I know I am excited but I was speechless when my wife and I walked thorough the food line. There was so much fresh fare I could barely stand it, muffins, apples, strawberries, cookies and even pineapple juice. Many thanks are owed by all of us to the race organizers for serving up a great race.
I think the advertisers in this race owe a lot to the organizers as well. Saab didn’t rename the race or graffiti the event shirt with their logo – but they did have cars on display, did have the pace car and did get a lot of positive attention. Kudos to all parties for having class.

And now for a recap of the LA South Bay crew in Monterey:
C. Daniels 1:36:43
M. Smart 1:51:39
B. Smart 1:53:20
D. Michaelis 1:53:15
K. Hart 1:53:50
J. Miller 1:55:55
N. Smith 2:10:16
A. Pregizer 2:20:11

M. Smart
Outside All Day

The Big Sur Half Marathon is less than a month away so training is in motion – but tonight we just had fun.

I saw my wife grab her running bag as she headed out the door this morning. I gave her a call at 4:30 to see if I could join her and an hour later we were making our way under PCH down the chip trail towards Hermosa. The last quarter mile she picked up the pace and we finished in a flurry but stride for stride. What a blast to run with my favorite running partner. Big Sur will be amazing.

Matt Smart
Outside All Day

Last weekend I was able to enjoy a great ride through the streets of DC.

BikeDC was organized to benefit the Washington Area Bike Association, and was extremely well done.  Not often are you able to ride unrestricted through Washington streets.  Normally you’re dodging the overly agressive cab drivers or negotiating the huge pot holes while trying not to hit the Washington elites yelling at their interns on their blue tooths.

But not so this day.  This day we had an all access pass to some of the most beautiful streets in all of Washington.  And I must say it was rather gratifying having Metro PD halting some seriously ticked Washingtonians while riding down Pennsylvania Ave.  It was also gratifying to be riding my brand new Specialized Hardrock Sport, despite some minor technical difficulties.

After the ride, I decided that I really need to start getting more involved with WABA.  According to their web site, “the mission of the Washington Area Bicyclist Association is to create a healthy, more livable region by promoting bicycling for fun, fitness, and affordable transportation; advocating for better bicycling conditions and transportation choices for a healthier environment, and educating children, adults, and motorists about safe bicycling.”  Not to mention the fact that on Sunday they offered a free Bike Valet service to bikers at the Crafty Bastards art festival.  I’ve never valeted my bike before, but I could definitely get used to it.

Mike Lawson
District of Columbia
outsideallday.com contributor

PERCENTAGE FULL:
Half Marathon 90%
10-Mile Walk 82%

The Sixth Presentation of the Big Sur Half Marathon on Monterey Bay will be held on November 9, 2008. Please join us for a run or walk along the “Edge of the Western World.” Come for the run and then take some time to enjoy the many pleasures of the world-renowned Monterey Peninsula. The Half Marathon offers…

* A gently rolling fast course that winds through historic downtown Monterey, along Cannery Row, and proceeds along Pacific Grove’s coastline with incredible views of the Monterey Bay.
* An unparalleled race destination weekend. After the race, take some time to enjoy world-class golf, a Spa afternoon, whale watching, world-class dining, shopping, wine tasting, a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and more.
* A walker friendly course that features a separate Half Marathon Walk division as well as a 10-Mile Walk. Other weekend events include Saturday’s Run Forrest Run 5K and the JUST RUN!® Just Kids 3K fun run.

Join us Sunday, November 9, 2008 for the Half Marathon experience of a lifetime.

Matt Smart
Outside All Day

Half-way through this morning’s swim workout with the El Segundo Slugs I looked over and saw the man, the myth, the legend Craig Hummer putting in the laps. Naturally I was not on the same pace. For those who have only seen him behind the camera at the Tour de France or other sporting events he can hold his own with many of the same athletes he interviews and discusses. Diane Graner, our coach and legend in her own right, headed out to the rising sun and left us under his direction for the ab workout. Mine still burn. A great way to start the week off. Hope you had a similar day.

Matt Smart
Outside All Day

Rummaging through my MTB gear bag at the trail head Thursday night my phone buzzed with a text message. I had awaken at 5:30 AM for an hour swim with the Slugs and Diane Graner-Gallas’ training program was leaving me tired. I was struggling to ready myself for my evening ride with Rob up Del Cerro. The text was from James and now I was going to run along the strand in Manhattan after the ride. By 9 PM Thursday I had put in 3 hours of workouts all before 9 and after 5. I’m glad that the day before Andy B had handed me Fluid Recovery – Tropical Escape. Before Wednesday I had used Endurox as a recovery drink in a number of exertions over the three hour mark. Being familiar with the protein/carbo replacement/recovery drink concept I was excited to try Fluid. Having grown up on Champion Nutrition’s Cytomax and moved on to GU20 I had already replaced them with MotorTabs. This week I replaced Endurox with Fluid. Fluid has a great taste and tastes good even after the water bottle warms up….unlike its Endurox friend. And being a Cal Poly alum makes it even easier to love Fluid.

With forty-six days until Scott Tinley’s Extreme Tri I got fitted on Monday to my Bianchi road bike (training bike) and Trek mountain bike (racing bike). Outside All Day loves Rock N’ Road Cyclery. I just happen to live almost an hour and a half from the closest one. So I met up with Brian, owner of Beach Cities Cycle in Hermosa Beach, and he fitted me up to the bikes. I worked for Brian back in high school and it was great to hang and get his help. I haven’t been comfortable on either bike and he made a bunch of changes. Both pairs of shoes were adjusted, seat post height went up, seat distance changed, MTB stem changed and he coached me on knee position. We would all be wise to get ourselves fitted to our bikes. Go see your bike shop and then head to Lake Lopez to race the Eternal Timing System.

Matt Smart
Outside All Day

Tonight we welcome Mike Lawson to OutsideAllDay. Mike has a day job like the rest of us so I am sure we will all enjoy his perspective of sneaking workouts as Lincoln watches on. M Smart.

“Wait, you’re from Southern California? Why in the world are you living in DC?”

I get this question quite often from the people I meet in the DC Metro Area. Honestly, I ask myself this same question at least a few times a week. Two years ago I moved from Orange County to Washington D.C. I left the golden sands and gentle surf of Newport Beach, the rugged trails and scenic cliffs of the PV Peninsula, and more importantly the mild winters that allow one to pick and choose when they wish to be cold and when they don’t (i.e. a day trip to Big Bear vs. a day at the beach in mid January). Yes, I left this land of milk and honey to try my luck at the uncertainties of life on the east coast. Little did I know that I would find just as much beauty and activity here as exists anywhere in the world, but just in a different form than I was used to.

From the stillness and tranquility of the Shenandoah Mountains to the vast and bustling Rock Creek Park – from playing kickball on the national mall to kayaking down the mighty Potomac, DC is as much a place of adventure as it is a hot bed of political ideas. The recent selection of DC by Outside Magazine as the best “town” (I take issue with it being called a “town”, but that’s a different point) to live in only supports this assertion. When you add in the fact that I have now finished four races in my lifetime, and consider that they have all occurred this year, that should be proof enough that DC is an outside enthusiast’s playground.

With this dispatch I hope to bring a taste of what the east has to offer – adventure, culture, diversity (of several varieties), and life in the center of US politics.

Mike Lawson
District of Columbia
outsideallday contributor

Trails.com has updated their site. You now can access more than 43,000 trails and unbelievably every USGS Topo map. That’s right – every Topo map on trails.com. The site has lots of tools to make your time Outside fantastic including weather and driving information. Check it out.

Matt Smart
OutsideAllDay

William Fotheringham of the Guardian in Beijing wrote the following article. It’s a great writeup.

Spain’s incredible sporting summer took another surprising step when Samuel Sanchez added the Olympic road race gold medal to the country’s trophy cabinet, already overflowing after Carlos Sastre’s Tour de France victory, Alberto Contador’s win in the Giro d’Italia, Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon and the European title for their football players.

A solid rather than spectacular talent, Sanchez has played second fiddle to Alejandro Valverde in recent years, and the national champion was expected to be Spain’s leader here. However, Valverde did not figure in the decisive attack on the final lap, and instead it was the 30-year-old from the Asturian town of Oviedo who crossed the finish line in the shadow of the Great Wall ahead of five men who came together only in the final metres.

Sanchez had the pedigree of a man just waiting for a truly major win: seventh overall in this year’s Tour de France, a raft of stage wins in the Vuelta a Espana, and a significant one-day victory in the Championship of Zurich in 2006. His impressive win cannot, however, overcome the suspicions that have surrounded Spanish cycling in recent years. Sanchez has not been linked to any scandals, but like the rest of his country’s road race team he had been tested eight times since his arrival here, although the IOC president Jacques Rogge said last Thursday that there were no particular suspicions about the Spanish.

Click here to read the rest of the story.

Matt Smart
OutsideAllDay