Escape Route Report

Escape Route Report - Updates

2010-04-15T10:27:00.000-07:00

Please refer to the following to get updates on what's going on with the "Escape Route Report":

Motorcycle/Bicycle related

http://www.themag5.com

Family related:

http://buildingourbaby.blogspot.com/

Thanks!!!!

Mammoth Mountain Biking - Part 1

2008-06-25T19:30:00.000-07:00

Well, of course there had to be some mountain biking this week!

Doug, Jeff, Tati, and I did the Mammoth Rock Trail.

And then I took John and Ivan on the same trail. Check out the difference in the sky. Smoke from all the wildfires in California had blown in.
With Mammoth Rock in the background we head out through the meadow to Hidden Lake.

Wedding Week

2008-06-24T21:47:00.000-07:00

Starting on Monday, family and friends began showing up for the wedding. First was Ivan, Eliza, Neveah, & Eden, then the Heilmans, and then Tati's brother Ervin & wife Allie from Canada made a surprise arrival.
Then later in the week, my sisters Leslie and Laura (and her family of course) showed up.

We had a wonderful week with our families. It was so nice to have everyone up in Mammoth with us.

Twin Lakes Chapel Check

2008-06-23T21:41:00.000-07:00

On Monday Tatiana and I went to check out the Forest Chapel just to make sure all of the snow had melted. Over the weekend the weather was "better than perfect", however wild fires had started all over California and smoke was beginning to waft in from the west.
The Forest Chapel was founded by Lloyd B. Austin, August 3, 1947.
Pre-run of our wedding kiss. (Self portrait via timer on our digital camera & "joby" our little tripod).

Mammoth MX 2008 - Race Day 2

2008-06-22T22:29:00.000-07:00

This year happened to be a year that a bunch of my friends also raced. For sure the biggest turnout of my buddies at Mammoth ever. I gotta say though, we missed B-Rad, Keating, and Big Al.

I think I got a picture of just about everyone, see below in alphabetical order (first name).

Boris Mahlich.

Don Pastell

Doug Perry

Ed Paulsen

Fudge (Robert Fudge)

Happa (Jason McCune)

Hodges

Jason Ingersoll

James Jongkind

Kevin Aschenbach

Mag 5

Matt Mantz

Mick Sakakeeney

Rich Schauwecker

Rod Hendrickson

Slicer (Rick Simily)

Jeff Tigert

Todd

Travis Marks

Wayne Lambert

John Dowd and Jeremy McGrath were this close all weekend. Dowdy got the best of MC this year. Amazing considering he also won the 40+ Expert class.

I love the picture below. It really captures the essence of Mammoth MX. Perfectly watered track, big evergreens, snow capped peaks, blue skies.

By the way, I got second in my qualifier, but in the main event I tangled with another rider on the first lap and went down. I remounted, counted my blessings, and finished off the weekend safely... I do have a wedding to go to!

Mammoth MX 2008 - Race Day 1

2008-06-21T17:22:00.000-07:00

So yes, I did race the weekend before my wedding. Yes motorcycles are dangerous and there's always a risk of injury, but as Dave Potter says, "it's what I do." Tati was nothing but supportive. Her mom was too, in fact she told me , "don't think about anything. No negative thoughts, just concentrate on what you have to do, and go out and win!!!
In my first qualifier I got my typically bad start. Said to myself, "here we go again" and just put my head down and passed as many guys as possible. On the last lap alone I passed 5 guys. When I came around the last corner I saw the checkered flag, but no one in front of me. I figured that the lead pack got away and I probably didn't even qualify. (Top 8 go to the main). When I pulled off the track my buddy Rich told me, "impressive ride." When I got back to the truck and pulled my helmet off, Rich told me again, "impressive ride ... you went from around 20th to 1st." 1st!?!?!? I won? I didn't even know I actually won my qualifier!
In the main event I got another mid pack start, but rode aggressively and made it all the way to 4th. My buddy Jeff Tigert finished 3rd, we joked "Shake-n-bake".

4th place trophy. "Trophy The Bear".

Mammoth MX Practice

2008-06-19T21:47:00.000-07:00

Thursday and Friday are practice days at Mammoth MX. Track is fully prepped and watered all day.For the Double D Death Ride (Doug & my bachelor party) Dax had his mom sew up these "flight suits" for the Mag 5. (The Mag 5 is a revolving crew of riding buddies). Doug, Ed, and I represented the Mag 5 by rockin' the suits.
3 of the Magnificent 5 head out in formation for moto-battle.

Double D fly in formation.

The Wedding March

2008-06-18T16:57:00.000-07:00

We took delivery of Tatiana's new Honda Ridgeline just in time to use it for our Wedding trip!

Mammoth, Moto, Mountain bikes, Marriage

2008-06-18T15:56:00.001-07:00

Agenda:
Mammoth Motocross - June 18-22
Mountain biking at Mammoth Bike Park - June 23-27
Wedding in the woods by twin lakes. Reception at Mammoth Mtn. Inn - June 28
Honeymoon in Tahoe and mountain biking at Norhtstar - June 30 - July 6.

Mammoth MX Warm Up

2008-06-08T15:34:00.000-07:00

Did a local MX race at Glen Helen as a warm up for Mammoth MX. My performance was marred by a first lap crash. Missed my 2nd moto because I had to leave for Amber & Dean's wedding. Still, they ran the National track and any day motocrossing is a good day .

Wedding Season

2008-06-08T14:10:00.000-07:00

Ironically, the year of our own wedding has seen many of our friend's weddings too! It's been fun to see how other people have done their wedding's compared to what we have planned.

Dean and Amber Nissen got married at Tivoli Too in Laguna Canyon. Afternoon ceremony followed by a great reception party. They hand picked all the music the DJ played, and I have to say by far the best wedding music I've ever heard. We had an awesome time and they're a terrific couple.Amber & Dean's pride-and-joy Sterling. I guess now Amber cut his hair into a mohawk.
Doesn't the minister look like Bill O'Reilly?

Tatiana looked stunning!

Next was Tati's neighbors from Long Beach days, Val and Brian. Funny, everyone thought they were already married. They are a lovely couple and are truly in love. So nice to see and feel.

Glen Helen AMA Pro National MX 2008

2008-05-25T15:40:00.000-07:00

This weekend marked the kick-off of the Pro National MX series. We have a tradition of riding Saturday morning, then camping out and watching the pros race on Sunday. Good times.

Racetown was in excellent condition on Saturday. Rain the day before and unseasonably cool temps kept the track loamy all day. Here I do my best to look fast for Mick's camera.This year we got a premium spot for Mick's trailer. "Penthouse" view for the Nationals on Sunday.
HUGE step up jump. They make it look so easy. It is not.

Testing

2008-05-21T15:54:00.000-07:00

Monkey Crow

2008-05-19T18:23:00.000-07:00

You ask Monkey Crow? An A-frame in the woods, grown men on mini bikes, single track, lunch at Haywards Outback? I'm in!The trail takes on a whole new perspective from the seat of a bike built for a child.

Grow up boys.
If you look closely you can see Lake Isabella in the background. (Click to enlarge)
We took those little bikes through some pretty tough terrain.
Hayward's Outback.

Here's Hayward himself. Through difficult negotiations with the Forest Service, Hayward built this mountain oasis by tearing down and rebuilding old mining cabins that the Forest Service was going to dispose of. He served up cold beers and then made us burgers and dogs. We were blown away by his hospitality. "When they built you brother they broke the mold."

Great ride, great group of dudes, good times. When will the Monkey Crow again?

Tatiana's Birthday 2008

2008-05-17T18:07:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Tati's birthday on two separate nights. Thursday night was family night at Spark in HB. Friday night we met all her friends out for teppan at Daimon followed by cocktails at Sam's Tiki bar.My love, my life, my pre-wife.
Tati's ladies.
Tati's men.

Even Tati's old high school buddies Jeff and Ryan made it down from Ventura!
Miss Jane and Miss T get their sake on.
Now Miss Kim.
Lil' Bao Wao and Miss Junko join in!

Once a climber, always a climber.
The doorman at Sam's suggested I search her down ... and so I did.
Girls will be girls.
Amber lets loose a cool hair flip.
Uh, Marlon, we need need to talk dude.

Perry(stein) Wedding in Ojai

2008-05-10T11:28:00.000-07:00

Doug and Andrea wed at the beautiful Ojai Valley Inn. We're so happy for them, they make a great team. Here's wishing them many years of love and happiness.

We started the day poolside. Me, Dax, & Chris charge the drinks to the "Underhills."
Aidan and Ava Snider. Such cute, great kids!
Tatiana and Whitney, poolside princesses.
Beautiful setting and backdrop for their wedding.
While explaining the personal background of Doug & Andrea, the minister pointed out that Doug is always making Andrea laugh. He didn't disappoint during the ceremony. We all laughed and touchingly, Doug's older brother and best man, cried. A great moment in time.
I now present you Doug and Andrea as husband and wife.

The Potter family: Sheila, Natalie, and Dave ... with another bun in the oven!
Double D.
Ava Snider just had to try on Tatiana's engagement ring.
OMG.
Doug now married. I'm next. Then Keith later this summer.
Tati, Phil, and Wayne get down, literally.
Tati, Andrea, and Amber. Tyler to the right still layin' it down!
Good night.

Shotgun Ranch

2008-05-05T22:49:00.000-07:00

Doug arranged for his bachelor party at his family's ranch in central Oregon. The place is called Shotgun Ranch because Shotgun Creek runs through it. So fittingly the Perry boys use the place as a hunting and fishing Nirvana. Over 7000 acres of manmosphere = an atmosphere where a man can shoot a gun, smoke a cigar, fish, spit, cuss, and howl at the moon if need be. A view of the "cabin" and garage. Crooked River in the background marks the property's northern border.
Refreshments.
Skeet shootin'.
50 Caliber = Personal Cannon.
Partial arsenal.

Serious hand gun.

Kevin pulled this lil' guy within 2 minutes of throwing flys into the pond. Nothing like having your own pond to fish in.

A man's gotta eat.
A river runs through it.
Everybody should have their own landing strip.
The expanse of 7000 acres is hard to comprehend. Let's just say, it's vast.
6:00 am flight home on Monday morning, then straight to work. It hurt, but it was worth it.

Zaca Station MX

2008-04-27T15:22:00.000-07:00

Zaca Station MX added a BIG tabletop. The approach is as follows: 90 degree right- hander , seat bounce a 20 foot table, grab 3rd gear to clear an uphill 40 foot step-up, grab 4th gear upon landing, stay in the meat of the powerband all the way through the take-off. I'd say it's about a 60-70 foot gap that dog-legs slightly to the left. Fast, Big, Scary ... every time.

3-22 comin' thru!
Matt's friend James "pole vaults" it.
Matt's other friend floatin' it, stylin'.
This pic of Matt shows a good perspective of how big the jump is.
I couldn't quite match the style of the young guns, but I did clear the jump. Not bad considering I am more than twice their age.

Castillo Ranch - in April

2008-04-26T15:12:00.000-07:00

We were a bit late getting up to Castillo's place this spring. It's already getting hot and dry up in the central coast area. No matter, it is always a beautiful drive up 101 and riding on a private MX ranch in Santa Barbara County definitely does not suck.
Only thing higher than the temperature was the gas prices. Schnikees!!!!
We brought out Tati's long time friend Jeff. He did really well and enjoyed the day of riding the same as we do. Good riding, good friends, good times, topped off with a cold one and good meal at The Brewery.
Dano six pack attack.
Crazy amount of yellow wildflowers.

Double D Death Ride Report

2008-04-20T16:06:00.000-07:00

As a fitting double bachelor party (Double D = Doug & Dan) we set up a riding trip up in the Greenhorn Mountain range near Lake Isabella. The instructions were simple and clear: we were going to ride difficult single track and to "bring what you need to survive."

Death Riders came from as far as Florida, San Jose, and San Diego and even as close as Bakersfield. Thanks to those who did the cooking, the clean-up, and arranged the lodging to keep us alive.

The ride was epic and it was great hanging out with everyone. Old friends, new friends. It was a true "stone groove my man."

With so many riders we staged in 3 groups: Team Whales Vagina (rent "Anchorman"), Team Green, and Team Spleen (Ed lost his spleen).

22 riders, 80 miles of single track, no injuries, no one got lost, no mechanical failures.
An RV, a Jeep, a Rhino.
No damage to either cabin.
One lost eyebrow. (Doug says pay back's a bitch)

The Cowboy slipped this actual ball-n-chain on Doug's ankle. I mean it was an ACTUAL ball-n-chain. Classic.
Banana hat.
The Cowboy got his name for sleeping outside like the Marlboro man. Here he continues that tradition. (Ironically he's actually part American Indian).
View of Keyesville and Lake Isabella in the background.
Nice spot to cool the jets.
Another view of Lake Isabella.
80 miles of this.
The grass was brown, but the wildflowers were in full bloom.

This was the only high speed fire road section. Not technically challenging, but beautiful.
I think it was Bob Hannah who said, "you can't crash if your hand is still on the grip!" Kurtis holds on.
From rolling hills dotted with oaks to pine forests and snow, we covered all types of terrain and scenery.

While the Rhino and the Jeep couldn't make it on the single track, they did have epic adventures of their own.
Bruno put his Jeep here. What did you do this weekend?
Uni-brow.
This sign was hanging in the Greenhorn Grill, a fitting testament to our weekend of surviving The Double D Death Ride.

Double D Death Ride

2008-04-15T20:26:00.000-07:00

Double D Death Ride this weekend, Greenhorn Mountain range. 70 miles of single track each day. "Bring what you need to survive."

Dr. Huss Motocross - Zen MX

2008-04-15T20:08:00.000-07:00

We had the privledge of riding at Dr. Rod Huss' ranch - or as we like to call it, "Zen MX." The place is incredible! Fully landscaped, watering system, etc. During the week Rod works on the track, prunes the bushes, trims the ice plant (hence "Zen") ... all of that in between delivering 50 babies per month! But Saturdays are for riding! On top of all that, Rod is THE nicest guy you'll ever meet. He and his wife Julie showed us great hospitality and a day we'll all remember forever.

This is my patented move, I call it "The Lawn Dart."
Tati was catching serious air on the front straight and on a borrowed bike.
Doug finds his Zen in the sprinklers.

It actually doesn't get better than this. Moto heaven, Zen MX.

Marlon's Bday

2008-04-06T18:03:00.000-07:00

Surfing and BBQ for Marlon's 25th bday. I can't believe I have friends that are 14 years younger than me ! Oh well, it was a great time.Eric (Marlon's dad) and I ham it up for the camera.

Quadbooza 2008

2008-04-05T17:45:00.000-07:00

Our 3rd annual Manhattan/Hermosa Pub crawl. This event started as an April Fools/Bday party for four of us with March/April bdays. It's now evolved a bit, but it's a great excuse to break out the beach cruisers and visit South Bay's finest beach bars.Birthday boys Wayne, Doug, Dan, & Kyle.
Dan and Tati beach cruisin'
Tyler and Matt grew mustaches for the event.
"Listen son, you can not ride this bike without a front wheel."

Seal Beach 10k

2008-04-05T10:00:00.000-07:00

Competed, er, actually "completed" my first 10k ever. It was fun ... when it was over! Seriously though it was a fun event and I enjoyed the near hour of running. I think I got 292nd or something.

Spring is Coming

2008-03-11T18:47:00.001-07:00

While waiting for the snow to melt up in the mountains we've been relegated to riding in the desert foothills. We stumbled on a great area near Apple Valley/Hesperia that we dubbed Romance Canyon. It's yielded some great wheelies, as Daren McFall, aka The Cowboy, demonstrates.
But alas, Spring is upon us. The snow will melt and the mountain trails will beckon ... Keyesville season soon.

Engagement Photos Are In

2008-03-07T18:32:00.001-08:00

We got our pictures back from Mark Brooke. He did amazing job, considering we look like this:

Seriously though, we love the pix. Tati is so thrilled and that makes me thrilled!
"The sun is shining and it's raining too, I waited all my life for you."

Huntington Gardens - Engagement Photo Shoot

2008-02-24T18:02:00.000-08:00

Tati and I had our engagement photo shoot this weekend at Huntington Gardens. These pix are from our own camera. The photographers shots will be up on his website soon http://www.markbrooke.net/. He and his wife were super fun to work with. And they definitely helped us get creative with the rainy weather. I gave my best Zoolander, but they asked Tati if she had modeling experience cuz she was so natural. We can't wait to see his shots! Bambooooo
Where's Tati?
Beautiful cherry blossoms and my beautiful pre-wife!

Woof! Woof!

Romance Canyon

2008-02-23T18:13:00.000-08:00

We have nick-named this "secret" spot Romance Canyon. The first time we pulled in here , Daren got out of the truck, took a look around and said, "I feel romantic, ok?" Epic rides have ensued and the name stuck. Single track, wet tacky dirt, snow capped mountain backdrop. Romantic, ok?

The arrow indicates one of the longest, steepest downhills I've ever been on. It is not the longest, it is not the steepest, but it is the steepest-longest downhill ever. We've nicknamed it the Magic Mattress. (Had to be there)
Looking down magic mattress.
Looking back up magic mattress.

Valentine's 2008

2008-02-15T16:56:00.000-08:00

My love, my life, my pre-wife.Tikis, Mai Tais, and My Tati.

Keyesville Classic - February 2008

2008-02-11T15:56:00.000-08:00

Yet another Keyesville Classic. A total of 93 miles! Easily 90% single track. A trail ride is not a trail ride without some sort of adversity. The bigger the challenge the bigger the adventure. Here's the tale of this ride's adventure:

Potter and I drove out Saturday night. Woke up early, met up with Matt and his buddy at Keyesville. We headed out the usual Keyesville Classic to Kern River trail trail route, but at some point Potter returned to the car (without notifying the rest of us) to adjust his chain. So I told the 2 "new guys" to stay put and I'll chase Potter down. I found him at the truck adjusting his chain. We headed back out to catch up with our 2 other guys and found Matt just wakening from a nice a dirt nap. Regrouped and headed back to the truck to straighten his bike.

3rd time out we were ok until I decided to slap my hip on the ground. Just as Matt did earlier, I up-righted my bike and headed to the Oak Flat Look out via the "long way" that actually goes all the down to the river. I saw what was either a small mountain lion or a giant bobcat run across the trail. Finally made it to the lookout and since there was no snow we headed up Rancheria Rd to take the shortest route back to the truck.

This is where it gets better. Rancheria becomes muddier & muddier, and then snow-ier & snow-ier until we can go no further, just a mile or so from our "short cut" down Black Gulch Rd. Now we are 50+ miles in and have to return the way we came. The other two guys are on MX bikes, low on gas, and have no interest in any more single track, so they headed all the way back towards Bakersfield on Rancheria. From there they can call their friends with the truck to come pick them up.

Now it's getting close to sunset and Potter and I are back at the lookout. After a quick consult we decided that we have enough gas to make it back to the truck. The only way back is 30 miles of single track. This time of the day is just gorgeous for a ride. The purple and orange sunset, the golden and green grass lining the chocolate-brown wet dirt single track. Weaving in and out of canyons through a canopy of oak trees. This is what trail riding is all about!

Then ... I hit reserve.
Then ... it got dark.
I thought of that mountain lion/bobcat a lot.

We rode in the dark for about an hour and made it to the Corral, where the trail meets the highway, but this is still 9 miles of single track to the truck. We made a decision to take the highway as far as we could and then make a new plan at that point. Riding in complete darkness on the shoulder of the highway, we made it about 2 miles before I ran out of gas.

I called Matt to see where they were. They were just being picked up and luckily they could swing by and pick us up. So glad the cell phone worked and so glad they hadn't already headed home. They got to us about an hour later, so we got to my truck at 8pm, picked up our bikes that we hid in the bushes and made it to LA at 11:30pm.

As Daren would say, "it was a stone groove my man", or in other words, another adventure and a true Keyesville Classic.

33.3 Miles in, getting close to the snow line.

Top of the Oak Flat Lookout.

Almost made it back to Lake Isabella. But exit 42 would have to do.
10 hours, 93 miles, 15 mph average speed.

Christmas Vacation & New Years in Oregon

2008-01-01T15:45:00.000-08:00

We spent the first two days of our trip in Portland. Very cool "little-big" town. Of course it rained a lot, but we took the opportunity to talk about wedding plans, and just enjoy each other's company.
We found a very hip little coffee shop that would make cute designs in your mochas. A heart and a leaf. Awwww.
I couldn't resist modifying it a little bit.

Had some Cuban food. D-lish.
We checked out the very cool and trendy Doug Fir bar.
No caption needed.

We then traveled over Mt. Hood to Bend. In a snow storm.

On New Years Eve day, we got really lucky and caught a "Bluebird Day" skiing at Mt. Bachelor. Fresh snow and blue skies, it doesn't get much better than this!
Take me to your leader. (L to R - Doug, Dan, Chris)
Tatiana and Andrea had their very first day of skiing together. They had a blast!

We met up with Doug & Andrea, Doug's brother Kevin & wife Whitney, and friend Chris for a New Years Eve celebration.
Dan, Chris, Doug.
Tati, Whitney, Andrea.
Dan, Tati, & Kevin.
Whitney takes her broken femur in stride! And don't worry about the outfit, she was going to an '80's party.
Rock On Chris!

Tatiana then took me to Smith Rock State Park where she rock climbs in the summer. It's an amazing place, even in the winter. There were a couple of brave (& cold) climbers, but not many.

See that little rock in the center of the pic below? That's the top of Asterisk Pass. We hiked up there to check out the view.
View from the top of the pass looking back down to where we were standing. The sheer slab on the very left of the picture is where some of the climbs are. Incredible.
Sitting on the precipice of Asterisk Pass, looking over the other side.
Above Tati's head is that little rock from the first pic. Ugg boots were NOT made for climbing.
I was really impressed with climbs that she's previously done there. They literally go straight up a wall, 200, 300+ feet. It's crazy!

Like all good days in Bend, ours ended at the Deschutes Brewery.

Merry MXmas

2007-12-25T15:43:00.000-08:00

30th Family Christmas Party

2007-12-16T15:53:00.000-08:00

This year marked the 30th Anniversary of the "Family" Christmas Party. Hard to believe it has been 30 years. What started as a simple get together for a few families with no relatives in town has grown into quite the tradition. Some friends have come and gone, some family can't make it every year, but the tradition lives on and is being passed down to the next generation. Big smiles all around.
The traditional singing of "A partridge in a pear tree." Maybe our all time worst rendition ;-)
The men once again attempt "Good King Wenceslas." What we lack in ability we make up for with enthusiasm ... two-fold.
The girls embarrassed the boys with their singing.
Nancy and JoJo.
3/4 of the Haas family.

This was Tatiana's first Family Xmas party, I hope we didn't scare her too much.

John and I have been known to "loosen up" a bit.
I can't believe someone actually got a picture of us kissing! That's amazing!
Jerry, Dan, & Leslie.
Ashley might have a crush on Zack.

Annie passing the tradition down to little Ellie.

Today's headline reads ...

2007-12-02T21:00:00.000-08:00

She said YES!!!Two years ago, Tatiana and I met on a blind date, on of all days, April Fools!!! (Thanks Tommy). After dating for about a month, we took our first trip together. It was a riding trip up to Castillo Ranch. I was surprised that she would want to go and watch me and my friends ride dirt bikes. But she was really excited by the idea. As a coincidence, it happened to be her birthday that weekend. That Sunday, on the way home, I took her up to one of my favorite lookouts and then we stopped at the Cold Springs Tavern.

Well, fast forward two years and we're back at Castillo Ranch. Tatiana is now riding dirt bikes herself (getting darn good, I might add). So after two beautiful days at the Ranch, I convinced her we should repeat our "date" we had. So back to the "lookout" and back to Cold Springs Tavern.

I popped the question at the top of Figueroa Mountain, with the sun setting on the end of a perfect day. She said yes!

Back to the Cold Springs Tavern to finish of the weekend. Great food, cold beer, live music. Magical atmosphere. We're so happy to have found each other and excited to spend the rest of our lives together.

TLD (Tati Loves Dan)

Castillo Ranch

2007-12-01T15:42:00.000-08:00

Back up to Castillo Ranch again for another Honda Ride day. The lack of rain so far this year have left the hills brown, but it's still gorgeous. Gustavo perfectly prepped the track and Jim Castillo even made an appearance on his brand new white YZF450.
Tatiana about to catch some air.
Free-ride session with Travis Marks.
Me trying to "keep up" with Travis.
Group Photo.

Guitar Face

2007-11-26T15:58:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of Brian Tinkler
http://www.photosbytink.com/baja2007/

Muddy Buddy

2007-11-05T16:37:00.000-08:00

Tatiana and I did the Muddy Buddy Race. 6 mile team race. One team member starts on the bike , the other starts running. Each mile there is an obstacle and you switch from running to biking. The last obstacle is a big mud pit that you have to cross with your teammate. We ended up finishing in 01:00:05, good for 19th out of 67 in our class.Pre Mud Pit.

Marlon and his Dad Eric competed as a team.

Halloween Night 07

2007-10-31T11:48:00.000-07:00

So Halloween night brought us to The Basement in Long Beach. We saw a bunch of great costumes. Had a really good time, especially for a "school night."
Rex and Magnum P.I.
Tati found some fellow Cleopatra's and Romans.
Nobody wants a round house kick to the face when I'm wearing these bad boys! Forget about it!

I asked her if she was the gay one.
Slash and Axl.
Scuba Steve.
Break the wrist and walk away.

The Day After - Oh No.

2007-10-30T11:38:00.000-07:00

The morning after Doug & Andrea's party we were woken by a cop banging on the door. Apparently my truck got hit and run during the middle of the night.
The perps left this long skid as evidence.
They hit my truck hard enough to knock it up on the curb.
They left their shock spring behind.

DougtOberfestaween 07

2007-10-30T11:10:00.000-07:00

Halloween weekend brought us two parties: Angel's annual costume party and Doug's combo of Halloween + Octoberfest. He called it hOktoberfest, but I think Dougtoberfestaween is more appropriate.
Angel & Hubby, er, I mean "The Beckham's"
Foxy Brown, Rex Kwan Do, "a Douchebag," Nacho Libre, and Oktoberfest Beer Maid.
Doug and Andrea. Nachooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!
Rex piles drives Flat Stanley!
Garage game of Flip Cup.
Wonderwoman, Foxy, & Batgirl strike a pose ... there's nothing to it.
Why does everybody congregate in the kitchen at house parties?
Reese, "Blackula" and Foxy.
Rex Kwan Do and Foxy Brown. You don't think anybody wants a round house kick to the face while I'm wearing these bad boys? Forget about it!

Pumpkin Patch

2007-10-25T10:35:00.001-07:00

Tati's over 5 feet tall this fall!

Miko likes to lick pumpkins.

"Crazy n Love"

El Toro High School Class of '87 Reunion

2007-10-08T11:26:00.000-07:00

Wow! 20 year High School reunion. Crazy to think about. At first I was going to blow it off, but I am so glad I didn't. It was really great seeing all the old faces and remembering old times. You know, I thought it would make me feel older, but actually, for the most part, everyone looks about the same. We're lucky to have aged well. Most are married with kids and everyone seemed really happy in life. Good times then, good times now.

Basically the El Toro High School Volleyball Team. Left to right; Me, Brian Hopkins, Al Vistaunet, Lance Doalsen, Chris Sekeres, Jason Elder, and Jeff Hackett.

Al Vistaunet, Doug Fisher ("Roon") and I.

Dave Roberston and I. We used to ride dirt bikes together. Now he owns a healthcare business.
Some things never change. Jason and Chris ham it up.
Cheri Reineck and I. Cheri married Pat Toole, another ETHS alumni, and has 3 kids I think.
Terrin Watts (now Bailey) and Anmarie Herman (now MacNevin). Both married with a house full of kids.

I am so glad Tatiana convinced me to go to the reunion. Like in most cases, she was right. She's the best and I am so glad she was there to share this experience with me.

Chris Sekeres, Jason's wife Lisa, Jason, Tati, and Al's wife Merinda.
Jeff Hackett and fiance Jamie. They seem really happy.
Tatiana and Jamie rockin' to the '80's.
Al and Merinda Vistaunet make a handsome couple.
Andy Stubbs, Al, and Andy's wife Brindle.
Merinda, Jason, and Lisa.
Here's to the class of 1987. Looking forward to the 30th reunion.

Ivan and Eliza's Housewarming

2007-09-30T10:54:00.000-07:00

Ivan & Eliza bought a beautiful house in Camarillo. Perfect for their growing family. This is a picture of them at the Country Club where they got married. Ivan, Neveah, Eliza, and baby Eden.

Dan, Ivan, and Kenny. Kenny is not silly at all.

Auntie Tati and Neveah. Somehow Nevie got chocolate all over her face. How could have that happened?
Mommy Oberon and Tati.

Guitars always seem to find me.

Got to meet one of Tati's long time buddies, Jeff. Super nice guy. He's off to Japan soon to set up computerized security systems. Glad I finally got to meet him before he ships off again.

Closing Weekend - Mammoth MTB Park 07

2007-09-25T13:06:00.001-07:00

The end of summer and the closing weekend of Mammoth's MTB Park was appropriately punctuated with a snow storm. It was surreal riding bikes in the snow.

We warmed our bones at the Yodler and listened to the band Lava Moon (who kicked out the jams pretty darn good).
Sunday we found blue skies, cold temps, and some funny white stuff all over the ground.

Tati and I had a great summer riding our bikes at Mammoth & Northstar. The snow storm was a fitting end to the best summer ever.

Rapid Rod's 50th Birthday Party

2007-09-17T10:06:00.000-07:00

Rod's 50th Birthday Bash! Blues band, tiki bar pool party. Rod's known for showing up to watch the moto races wearing a riding jersey, "outback" hat, and jean shorts. So, we all figured we'd make a proper tribute to his 50th by dressing like our buddy.

Tiki bar, Kevan, Tati, Dan, and "Margarita Mick" in the background.
Tiki time!

Carl shows Rod some love. Fudgie lookin' good buddy.

The band ripped!

I hate to quote this, but I have to, "...wastin' away in Margaritaville."
Proper use of a baby stroller.
You know you're doin' pretty good if the cops show up to your 50th birthday party. Well done Rod.

"I'd like to thank all my friends ... I think..."
Birthday boy! Cheers to 50 more Rod!

Heilman Weekend Visit

2007-09-17T09:44:00.000-07:00

Tatiana and I finally got to see John and Heather's new baby Ellie. She's so cute and so easy going, just like her parents. We spent Saturday at San Elijo Beach and then Sunday brunch at Karl Strauss Brewery Garden.
Ellie and her proud mommy Heather.
Water was cold, the surf was small, but the beach was beautiful and it was really fun hanging out with John in the water.

The Heilman Family.

John and his "bald spot protector."

Me & Miss T at Karl Strauss.

Glen Helen National MX - 2007

2007-09-13T10:22:00.000-07:00

Glen Helen AMA MX Nationals is the final round of the season. Riders are greeted with huge hills, dry hot, sunny, smoggy skies and probably the roughest track on the circuit. This year both the 250 (I refuse to say "lites") and the 450 class championships were to be decided at this race. We camp out the night before, raise a little hell, and then set up shop on top of one of the hills to watch the MX racing action.

Pre-race campout action...MORE COWBELL!!!

Glen Helen has huge hills and HUGE jumps. Ben Townley catches a little air here. (Photos by Junko Ikari)

Skyrockets in flight ...
RV.

Matt performed stunts for us all weekend for monetary bribes, like carrying all the ez-ups to the top of the hill. Here he earns $5 the hard way by climbing the hill in his boxers while Doug keeps him honest with the duck call. Or should I say Doug-call?

BT101 gettin' stylish over the new Mt. Whitney tabletop. This jump is basically a mountain that the riders catch air over as they crest the precipice. (Brad Sherrill photo)

Rod and Carl had a show-down on amateur day. As the picture clearly indicates Carl lost. He also sustained a few bruised ribs to go with the bruised ego.

Some of the Glen Helen hill people.

That's our red ez-ups in the bottom left corner. We had a great view of the entire track. (Cudby photo ... http://www.cudbyphoto.com/ )

Ryan Villapoto came away with the 250 championship. Here he battles with Josh Grant who impressed us all by being the first rider, 250 or 450, to clear the finish line triple jump. (Photo Brad Sherrill)

Mr. September. His likes are puppies, arguing with Darren, waffle irons, Early Times and late hours.

Video of our co-worker's brother Drew Gosselar clearing Mt. Whitney. He was super fast in his qualifiers, made the field, but had a horrendous crash on this same jump during the race. Todd also attempted to qualify, but didn't quite make it ... at least he didn't end his day in a steaming pile like Drew.

Labor Day Weekend 07 - Day 4/5

2007-09-01T11:45:00.000-07:00

We ended our trip at our friends Daren and Julie's house on Lake Wildwood. It's a private lake near Grass Valley, CA. Let's put it this way, it doesn't suck.

Martini time!
Little Jesse got her first Tatoo.
Floatin'.
Dax, Diallo, and Christina. The newly "official" family. Congrats guys!
Jason and Shawna came in from Reno too.

A little advice, do not ride on the Molecule! You will lose.
Good friends, good times.

Labor Day Weekend 07 - Day 3

2007-08-31T18:23:00.000-07:00

2nd day at Northstar. We loved this place!!! It actually rained a bit in the morning which made the trail conditions better than perfect!

Meandering trail through the pines.

Tati on one of the big berms on Live Wire. Live Wire was more like a motocross track than a trail. A bunch of perfect table top jumps and big banked corners. So much fun.

A view up the Live Wire run.

Our buddy Daren met us out there for the day. Smiles all around!
Fun little rock "feature."
Tati on one of the many ramps.

U Totem bike, we ridem trail.

Happy souls with happy soles.

Labor Day Weekend 07 - Day 2.1

2007-08-31T11:38:00.000-07:00

We also got to spend some time with our friends Amy, James, and their baby Lizzie. They were on a little vacation in Tahoe City. Super nice people and Lizzie's just a doll.

Labor Day Weekend 07 - Day 2

2007-08-30T18:08:00.000-07:00

Day 2 we landed at Northstar at Tahoe.
Northstar has a really nice village area to start and end your day at.

Epic mountain bike trails, pines trees, sunny skies, and time to enjoy a Starbucks on the chairlift ... quite normal really.
Tati rocks one of the rocks!
Fantastic flowing trails cut through woods with perfect berms, jumps, rock drops, logs, etc.
Wheeeeee!

Labor Day Weekend 07 - Day 1

2007-08-29T17:37:00.000-07:00

For Labor Day weekend, Tati and I headed out on a mountain bike adventure. Our first stop was Mammoth. We met up with Tati's friends Jennifer and Megan. The 4 of us had a blast riding all day, pitchers of beer at Lack-a-nookie, and big burritos at Romiros.

Tati, Jenn, and Megan. These girls can embarrass a lot guys on their bikes.

Helmet Cam video of Jenn and Megan on Velocity.

Tati calls Shotgun! And summons her Eagle Powers!

Helmet cam video of me doing the ramp drop on Flow.

Another Mammoth MTB Weekend

2007-08-20T10:32:00.001-07:00

Back up to Mammoth for another great weekend of Mountain Biking.

I finally rolled the log on "Shotgun."

Tati riding one of the ramps on "Velocity." TLD at Twin Lakes overlook.

Big Head Todd & The Monsters played a concert in the woods. They were awesome!
Mountain biking all day, a concert in the pines, quite normal really. I even got to play a little guitar at LuLu's in the Village.
Warm feet, warm souls, warm hearts.

New Hero

2007-08-17T13:17:00.001-07:00

Marc Peters gets to play with dirt for a living. He builds motocross and supercross tracks, like Castillo Ranch and this one below somewhere in Costa Rica. http://www.petersbuilttracks.com/

Mick & Laura's Summer Party

2007-08-13T10:33:00.001-07:00

Summertime party at Mick and Laura's house in Rancho Santa Fe. They run a horse boarding and training facility out of their "backyard." Great friends, great views, great food, cold beverages, we had a great time.

Nice pool.
Matt's CRF50 kicker jump.
Stocked cooler.
Doug on the Electric Moto bike.
Andrea making friends.

Phil T & Kime-a-beer Mammoth Mountain Bike Party - Part 4

2007-07-29T10:16:00.000-07:00

Now we're gettin' our groove on. From singing to Journey & Bon Jovi, to rippin' up the dance floor, we pretty much took over the place. Tough not to have fun with this group. Talk about lack of inhibitions.
Phil is a force to be reckoned with on the dance floor. Here, Kim trys to contain him.
Ok, now Doug take's it to a whole new level. Rock on my man, rock on.
Three of the best. Somehow Mike's broken ankle went away after a half dozen cocktails.
Whoooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Phil T & Kime-a-beer Mammoth Mountain Bike Party - Part 3

2007-07-29T10:05:00.000-07:00

Ok, it's party time. Dinner and cocktails at Hennesey's.

Phil T and Kim.

Dan, Mike, Phil, Doug, Wayne and Boris.
Is this a family portrait?
Lack-a-nookie's for more cocktails. Stay away from Doug R, as he will distribute Red-Bull and Jager like it's going out of style... actually, I think it IS out of style.

Phil T & Kime-a-beer Mammoth Mountain Bike Party - Part 2

2007-07-28T09:56:00.000-07:00

Kim and Tati take a break from ripping up the mountain. Both of them are getting really good!
Dale unwittingly rides on a 60 foot log. This is WAY harder than it may appear to be.
Tatiana negotiates one of the drops on "Shotgun".
Junko's first time ever on a mountain bike, riding one of the bridges on "Seven Bridges" trail.
Tati & Dan and a view made in Heaven.

Phil T & Kime-a-beer Mammoth Mountain Bike Party - Part 1

2007-07-27T09:43:00.000-07:00

Our friends Phil and Kim are both moving back east to pursue their MBA's. As a fitting send off a group of us met up at Mammoth, for some mountain biking and a little partying. We all wish the best of luck to them as they start their new journey.
Each day seemed to start at the bagel shop.Junko, Tati, and Kimi with their Woolly friend.
Good friends, good atmosphere, good times.
Phil, Kim, Dan, & Tati. We're sure gonna miss them. "Hold on to memories, but free the soul." - from the song "Let 'em fly" by D.Hallada/L.Dias circa '93

Laguna Seca Trip 2007 - Day 5

2007-07-23T11:38:00.000-07:00

Ah, the ride home. After too much fun in the sun, it's time to get back in the saddle. PCH between Monterey and San Luis Obispo is just breath taking.
View from Nepenthe, in Big Sur. Great food, great views, great ambiance. One of my favorite places in the world.
There were a couple stops for road construction along the way.
2008 Ducati Hypermotard. Not the best, not the most hi-tech, not the most refined, but the most fun bike for me. Over the top styling, comfortable, big Vtwin character. Ride it like a dirt bike or ride it like a sport bike. Kick ass! Soooo different.
2nd favorite was the 2007 KTM Super Duke. Incredibly refined street bike from a quirky Austrian dirt bike company. Great motor, comfortable, refined. I can ride sport-ily without killing my wrists on both of these bikes.

Laguna Seca Trip 2007 - Day 4

2007-07-22T08:39:00.000-07:00

Ran into quite a few of my friends at the track. Good friends, good times in the sun!

Kurt, Bruno, and Michael.
The newlyweds, Dax & Christina. Congrats guys! Too bad you'll be Floridiots soon. :(
I was lucky enough to get to hang out with the Perry boys in there private suite, "Shotgun Ranch" was the facticious business they used to reserve the spot. Catered food, open bar, perfect view overlooking turn 4. Unbelievable. Big thanks to Wayne Perry for including me.
The Doug and Andrea. AH, it's good to be king!
It did say "Shotgun" right?

Laguna Seca Trip 2007 - Day 2/3

2007-07-22T08:25:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, CA. MotoGP, AMA Supersport, & AMA Superbike racing. It doesn't get much better than this.
MotoGP Legend, Valentino Rossi. They call him "The Doctor" because he is so precise. He rides the bike like it's art. Ridiculous.
2006 MotoGP and Laguna Seca champion, American, crowd favorite, Nicky Hayden.
My buddy Jeff Tigert raced Superbike. He qualified 3 seconds a lap faster than he has ever done. Unfortunately tire problems hampered his race results. Either way, it's very cool to see the father/son/buddies team pitted out of a van qualifying so well. They were and should be proud. Here, mechanic/friend Brian, does the Hula. Better luck next race Jeff.

Laguna Seca Trip 2007 - Day 1/2

2007-07-21T08:04:00.000-07:00

Your assignment: 2 days to cover 600 miles of twisty backroads from LA to Monterey. You must use the latest street fighting equipment, some rare, some exotic, some both. You must lead a mixed group of Japanese & US coworkers with varied street riding abilities. You choose the roads, you choose the bikes. Do you accept the assignment?

Here, pre-departure, Dangry reminds everyone that crashing is not an option. These machines ARE Dan-gerous.
KTM SM950, KTM Super Duke, CBR600RR, Aprilia Tuono R, Suzuki GSX-R1000, Ducati Hypermotard, Ducati Multistrada, and MV Augusta Brutale. How do you like my choices?
Stayed the first night at the Cambria Pines Lodge. Not a bad place to wake up, grab a little breakfast before heading the rest of the way to Monterey.
There's nothing like a hi-tech, hi-performance, sport bike on a twisty country road. Beautiful.
Arrived Monterey on Friday night. Dinner and cocktails at the Hog's Breath Inn in Carmel. Nice.

Mammoth Mountain Bike Park July 14/15, 2007

2007-07-16T10:56:00.001-07:00

First trip to the Mammoth Mountain Bike Park this year. You ride the Gondola up and charge down the trails. Mostly downhill, with very little peddling/climbing. Rock drops, pumice shoots, jumps, wood ramps, all with beautiful vistas and my favorite company.
This is MY playground.
Tati rides the ramp on the Lower Velocity run. WAY steeper than the picture makes it look. She's getting really good.
X Factor.

Random Pic of the Day

2007-07-11T14:09:00.001-07:00

As seen in Cody, WY. KTM Kowboy.

My friend found this guy riding his KTM w/ saddles in Cody, WY so...
"Some Harley guys were picking on me last week, so I did a wheelie through all 7 of em...they got pissed and called the police on me...police came over to me and said "That was cool, have a nice day" and he let me go".

Hey Baby, it's the 4th of July!

2007-07-05T13:16:00.000-07:00

Well, 2007 marked the end of an era at Phil & Wayne's beach pad in Hermosa. Phil will be shipping off to Dartmouth, which, apparently is some sort of school or something on the East Coast. Wayne bought a $100 Hot Tub for the occasion.

Too hot in da hot tub!

Doug and I never have any fun together. Sheesh. Me and my beautiful girl. Boris with an athletic drinking pose.

Dano, Waynium, & Phildo.

Big Boot Enduro 2007

2007-06-26T18:39:00.000-07:00

Just got back from the Big Boot Enduro way up in Eureka, CA. We were lucky enough to get invited to this private event by Don Amador of The Blue Ribbon Coalition. 2 days, 170 miles of single track through redwoods and ferns on private timber land. Epic.

Note the notch cut out on this downed tree. The FWMC did a top "notch" job prepping the trails.

Single track, red woods, ferns, trail riding heaven.

Mammoth MX 2007

2007-06-18T14:06:00.000-07:00

Another Mammoth Motocross has come and gone. A weekend full of moto, mountain bikes, and good friends, all in a paradise-like setting. Already looking forward to next year.
I'm 7th from the left, in the black and white gear, getting sandwiched. My starts did not go much better for the rest of the weekend.
The King himself, Jeremey McGrath always attends the Vet Weekend at Mammoth. Note the body english. Very cool ... poetry in motion.