Happy, Happy

Happy Father's Day. Happy first day of summer. Happy happy joy joy.
We went out to Lowell to visit my parents this afternoon and took our bikes along. The kids drove the car home and Mary and I rode home. It was a nice 17 mile ride with a few hills, but more down than up. We took Lincoln Lake Road north to 3 Mile west to Alden Nash. Then we went across the south side of Murray Lake and hooked with 5 Mile. As we got closer to home and 5 Mile becomes Cannonsburg we turned north on Blakely and then west on 7 Mile. We got to go down the infamous 7 Mile Hill. Mary hit 39.8 miles per hour and I managed 42.2 mph. Big fast fun!

Ride photos

Here's one shot of the West Michigan Ride Team as we buzz around Hutchins Lake on our 48 mile ride this past Sunday. You can see more photos at our Google photo site. Just click HERE.

Feelin' Good

I had an unintentional athletic layoff. Between Jake's graduation open house and traveling for work, I didn't ride my bike, play basketball or work out at the gym for a week and a half. I was concerned that the 50 mile team ride yesterday was going to be very tough. But an amazing thing happened. I felt good. Really good. I kept a great pace. My back didn't hurt (which has been a problem this year). And I finished with a little energy (not much) to spare. I was quite surprised, then I figured it out. By taking that time off I actually gave my body a chance to heal. Imagine that. Not getting beat upon on the basketball court by 20 somethings and chasing crazy Melanie through forests on our mountain bikes gave me a chance to recuperate. Now it's time to go out and start beating on my body again. Killington is only 11 weeks away.

This one goes to 11

Mary played bike commuter today. Actually she didn't play it, she did it. She rode her bike the 11 miles to work early this morning, traveling mostly on Grand River Drive. And then she returned home this evening, via Bianchi bicycle, another 11 miles.
I went out to the Owasippe Scout Reservation near White Lake for some mountain bike riding. I met up with Ride teammates Derek, Amy, and Melanie. We did an 11 mile loop. (again with the 11) It was a great route and a fairly tough ride. Melanie was cranking full speed on the down hills. I was using a little more caution, being my first time at this particular spot. We all had a great time on a very beautiful day.

Festival Show Times

The screening times for the Festival Film Competition have been announced. Since our documentary was one of the award winners it will be shown all three days of Festival. All showings take place at the Grand Rapids Art Museum. Show times may vary slightly.
Friday, June 5 - 7:35 p.m.
Saturday, June 6 - 3:35 p.m.
Sunday, June 7 - 3:35 p.m.
So this is an excellent opportunity to see the film if you haven't had the chance yet, or if you'd like to see it again. Plus, like everything else at Festival, it's free admission. For more information check out www.festivalgr.org.