Proud Owner of a Subaru Outback!

Well boys and girls I got the call from the mechanics today and it wasn't a good one. Turns out the fuel pump was shot in the Jetta and it is located inside the gas tank and therefore it is going to be more than I want to put into the Jetta. So after some talks with the parents it was decided that I should start looking for a new car. Little did I know I was looking on the last day of a pretty good deal on Subaru Outbacks.

Most of you know I have wanted an Outback for quite and while and after the winter I had this year where the Jetta was a little out matched my desire to have an Outback increased. However, I had the will power to say that I didn't need to get one unless something went wrong with the Jetta that wasn't going to be worth fixin. Even with the Jetta breaking down I was still awfully hesitant to pull the trigger on getting a new car. However, after the discussions with my parents I started asking around today at work speaking with some people who have Outbacks. I talked to my CFO and he put me in touch with a very nice sales lady in Longmont who laid out my options. She told me how there was a deal that ended tonight. She ran some numbers for me and I talked it over with my boss who was also very helpful adding some insight to what my parents had to say. He told me to go check it out so I hoped the bus after work... grabbed Tim's car and headed to Longmont.

I took a Quartz Silver Outback out for a spin and it was everything I thought it would be. I went back inside and went over all the numbers with the sales lady again testing out several options including one of the upgraded Outbacks. I decided however to stay within my limits and think about the basic Outback a bit more. I ran through everything with the parents again since all of this is completely new for me and a lot to register at once. They agreed it was a good deal and a much better option than fixing the Jetta. I went back in and went over everything again and well... I now own a Quartz Silver Outback!



It still hasn't really sunk in but I think it was definitely the right move. I now have a reliable car and road side assistance. I know this makes me happy and I know that those around me are more comfortable knowing that I am roaming the mountains in a trustworthy car.

This isn't mine but it is just like this.



With all that said, I have to give props to the Jetta which has gone places it should have never gone and carried loads of my and others crap without even hesitating... well maybe a bit of hesitation. But in the end it has been a fantastic car even with the work that has had to be done on it over the last year and half. I enjoyed that car and will forever have some great memories of the times spent traveling the country in it.

Alrighty well tomorrow I strip down the Jetta get a few more pieces of paper work to the dealership and bring home my new love tomorrow. A new car means new adventures... but I will never forget my old adventures with the Jetta!

Thank you all!

I just wanted to thank everyone for all the birthday wishes! It was just another day here in Boulder as the weather was not all that great. Yesterday was almost 70 but the winds were also at about 30 mph so that didn't make it a great day to get out on the road bike at all not to mention I was tired from the long night before and still bummed out about not being able to spend my weekend how I wanted to conditioning the legs for the big ride in July and taking lots of pictures with my new camera... but there will be other opportunities to come. It was back to 40 and rain/snow mix today and probably tomorrow but then supposed to get nice again so hopefully I can get out on the bikes in the middle of the week.

So I won't hear any news about the Jetta until tomorrow or Tuesday depending on when the mechanics get a chance to look at it since they are closed on the weekends. I did find out today from Robert that after he dropped Tim and I off at our apartment that not to long after the hitch on the trailer we towed the car back on sheared off! I guess the bolts that were on the hitch were not rated for that trailer and Robert's Uncle was sure to go in and rip the guy at the dealership a new one! That would have been eventful if they bolts had broke when the Jetta was on there! Anyway I guess they got the right bolts put on the trailer is now how it should be. The safety chains would have keep the trailer in tow but man would that have ever made for a really long night if they broke on I70 coming back. All I can say is whewwww....

Thanks again everyone for brightening my day after a not so pleasant weekend!

Total Bummer

So I shouldn't be blogging right now because I should be tearin up some single track. However, about 5 miles out of Glenwood Springs the Jetta started sputtering and then just died. So we started calling Tow Truck Companies and they wanted like $160 bucks to Tow it 5 miles into Glenwood Springs... RIDICULOUS! So my buddy Robert that was with Tim and I said screw that we will get my Uncles Big Rig and Trailer and it will cost you under $200 bucks in fuel and we won't have to get a hotel and what not and we can drop it off to a mechanic in Boulder. Sooooo that's what we did.

We sat in the car in Glenwood Canyon for about 5.5 hours while Robert's buddy Dan and his girlfriend Kim rounded up the Truck and Trailer and drove out to us. We passed time grubbin, bullshittin, and watching movies on my IPod hooked up to my headphones. It was quite the seen.

Tim and Robert enjoying our quality time together... actually wishing they were sittin next to a campfire drinkin beers.



Wedding Crashers = Quality



Ol Jetta all loaded up.



Dan and Kim showed up at just over 1am we loaded the Jetta and took off. By 5:45am we were back in Boulder and had the Jetta dropped off at the shop.

I am still really bummed out about not being able to ride out in Fruita this weekend but I know things worked out about the best they could have. We think the car just has a clogged fuel filter or some kind of senor problem because it will turn over it just isn't getting any gas. We check the fuel line and it seems like the fuel pump is working so I am just hoping for the least amount of problems. Probably won't know until Monday or Tuesday. Sty Tuned.

Fruita Bound

Alright ya'll Tim, Robert, and I are headed out to Fruita this afternoon for a weekend of fabulous riding! If I don't answer your calls... I either don't have service or my am busted up from goin ass over tea kettle and can't answer my phone! But don't worry leave a message and I'll get back to you as soon as I can!

Alright off to celebrate my oldness!

P.S. Got the NEW much more portable camera so I am sure I will have lots of pictures to post upon return. Thank you Mom, Dad, Reagan, and Lester!

Mountain Biking is Back!

Tim and I had a great couple of days mountain biking this weekend. Yesterday we headed up to Heil Ranch just down the road 5-6 miles. It is about a 10 mile lariat which is super rocky in some parts but has some real good sections. I decided to red line the heart rate for a while and then let Tim catch up. I did that 2-3 times and it felt amazing to be back on the mountain bike climbing and downhilling. Tim did really well too and the running he has been doing has helped him not get as frustrated.

Today I was going to head out on the road bike since we got snow last night however as the sun was out all morning almost all of it melted and by the time I had finished cleaning the place a bit Tim was awake and I threw out the idea of jumping back on the mountain bikes again and he was down. So we headed up to Lyons to ride Hall Ranch which has some super technical rock sections but then some fast single track on the top of the lariat. The ride started out well and it was a beautiful afternoon but then we hit the muddy sections on the north sides of the trail where it was shaded and it turned out to be a complete mud fest! It was good training though as you really had to be on top of your game with your balance and you had to put a lot of power into the pedals running a higher gear so you didn't spin out. Towards the end of the ride the mud had really become a problem as our chains and gears were binding up because there was so much mud. I have included a couple of pictures of my bike after the ride. You can see Tim in the background covered in mud as well. We had to take our bikes to the car wash to clean them and then we spent an hour getting in the crevices getting out what wouldn't come off at the car wash. Note it is super fun riding in the mud but cleaning the bikes afterwards sucks!






Sorry about the lighting I took the pictures with my cell phone not the greatest pictures.

Fans

... probably one of my biggest fans is going to be coming out to watch me suffer probably the most I ever have in my life. My Mom ol "Downstairs Donna" has booked a flight to come out and cheer me on during the Breckenridge 100. I am stoked about the idea of spending the weekend up in Breckenridge and hanging out with her (for what will be the 3rd time in 4 months, including her visit in April, then June in Florida for my parents 30th Anniversay) rare in the last several years.

The riding has begun as yesterday I went out and climbed a wee bit in the mountains after work and pushed myself just shy of what is my limit right now which isn't much I must say however the torture of climbing steep grades brings me into a place I love to be. You have to fight your mind and body in order to keep going and that's what I love about it. Once I reached the top of the climb and after wanting to stop and turn around several times I descended the other side and turned around and climbed right back up vs. going around on the flats back to the apartment. It felt good.

Tonight I picked up the mountain bike from getting a "deluxe tune up" and wanted to ride the trails but a cold front that blew in off the mountains and clouds that blocked the sun kept me from doing so. However I jumped on the trainer and rode to cycling workout video and pushed myself for an hour. It was a good work out and I can feel the results already. The legs are tired and it's a good feeling. As the weather continues to get warmer the riding will pick up and so will the shape I'm in. Slow and steady I'll get back to the shape I was in on the ride with AJ. I can't wait for that!

No Turning Back!

Well the time has come. I am officially registered for the Breckenridge 100 and there's no turning back as I dropped the dough for it.



I am pretty stoked about the whole idea and I am truly starting to believe I will be able to complete the whole course. I have worked out a general time idea of what I need to complete each lap and I think it is possible. The only thing that worries me is the vertical feet that the course entails. However, I love to climb so I will just have to do a lot of it in preparation. Greg a middle aged guy from work who mountain bikes a lot said he would do some serious long rides with me in preparation for the race. So I am pretty stoked about having a buddy to ride with!

It's on!

Weekends with the Mustache

Alright so it has been a while and Stephanie I apologize for not posting so quickly after you left but I haven't been in the mood to write up a blog however here it is.

So last weekend Stephanie and Jenny came out to visit. They flew in on Tuesday night and headed up to Eagle about 20 miles west of Vail to Steph's sisters place and Tim and I planned on meeting them on Thursday night, ride Vail on Friday, and head up to Steamboat to hang out with some old friends riding on Saturday and partying Saturday night before getting Jenny and Steph back to the airport for their flights on Sunday.

Thursday night came and Tim and I took off up to Eagle where we had a fun night out at Broadway Cafe/Bar drinking Chocolate Martinis which are an interesting drink. Let me describe the ingredients. Kaluha (spelling), Bailey's, Vodka, and a shot of espresso! Wow those things will mess you up in a hurry not to mention we were not supposed to drink that night. Anyway it was a good time hanging out with Angela (Steph's sister) and her husband Carl (crazy freakin Kiwi!). It was nice of them to let us all crash on their floor and then shred with us the next day at Vail where the conditions were FANTASTIC!

A picture of the crew back at Angela and Carl's place after we had of course been drinking.



So Friday after riding we all headed up to Steamboat after loading the Jetta down with all our gear and 5 people. Jenny's friend Isabel came out with her as well so it was Tim, Stephanie, Jenny, Isabel, and myself packed into the Jetta. Tim and I were comfortable... not so sure about the 3 lovers in the back haha!

Anywho we arrived in Steamboat Friday night where our friend Claire from England cooked us up a delicious rendition of Shepard's Pie! Tasty indeed. After that Tim and I headed over to Keith's place... our normal hide out while in Steamboat. This is the main reason why...



HAHA just kidding but I do love that sign! Keith proudly hangs it from his wall. So we all took it easy Friday night but awoke in the morning to shred some of the 14 inches Steamboat had received Thursday night that were left overs from what people didn't tear up on Friday. There was plenty good snow out there and we found it.

Tim and I rode the morning with Keith then in the afternoon we rode with Steph, Claire, Isabel, and Heidi. Jenny came down with something and missed out on the riding at Steamboat. Then Dave (old roomie from Steamboat) showed up and when most were tuckered out he and I went and hit up some of the stuff that the girls can't really get after (no offense). Dave took me to some new cliff drops that he found up on East Face. I have to say they were a couple of the best I have done. The second one I had Dave go down and poke around to see if there were any rocks underneath since it was about a 15-20ft cliff. Turned out it looked like a safe drop and I went after it. I didn't get as much speed as I wanted but I dropped it successfully and that was the last run of a good day! It's always a great time riding with Dave cause he is crazier than I am and I know it is safe to huck myself off something because I have just watched him do it! HA!

Tim, Dave, and I at Bear River after riding.



Saturday night we went out on the town with the old crew and had a good time. Nothing to crazy which is kind of out of the ordinary but I knew I didn't want to drive 3.5 hours with a full car and be hung over. Sunday morning we got up and had our usual breakfast at Freshies before we took off to head back to Boulder.

All at Cantina's, no order, Julianne, Dave, Heidi, Steph, Jenny, Tim, and Isabel



The crew at Freshies!



Turned out to be a fantastic trip and I'm glad part of the fam could make it out to see us!

So this weekend Tim's brother Sam came into town. He flew up from Las Vegas to do a weekend of riding with Tim and I at Vail. Sam is just learning how to snowboard and when we walked through the door to our apartment I saw he had a soft cast on his arm and I was like what in the world. Turns out he fractured his hand the second time out snowboarding but he was determined to ride with us and he did. We had a great day up at Vail the sun was shining and Tim and I put a hurting on Sam. By just after 12pm his legs were shot and he was struggling.

Tim and I decided to take him to the Gondola to download and we thought we had pointed him in the right direction before we took off and rode down to it but there was a miss understanding and we lost him. But after about an hour and half we ended up meeting up with him at the base of the Gondola. He had downloaded another lift and went into Vail Village instead of Lionshead where the Gondola is but he took the bus over and all turned out well. Two good weekends.

Below is a picture from Vail with the Handle Bar Mustache I decided to grow just for the girls coming out! I decided to hold onto it for another week but it was shaved off today. Good times though! I think I will have to bring it back on occasion just for funzzies!



P.S. Sorry about the small pictures but I stole them off facebook from everyone and they won't upload any larger through the blog.

Delayed

Well I was hoping to be signed up for the Breckenridge 100 by now but it turns out the website isn't updated yet. I did email the fella in charge though and he assured me the site would be up this week and that registration would hopefully open March 15th. So hopefully I'll be good to go then. I am getting more and more excited about it and trying to plan some long weekends out to Fruita and Moab and of course in the mountains around here. However it will be a bit before I get to ride in the high country as the snow needs to melt which it looks like March could build the snow pack up there a bit more but that's alright I'll just by pass it out to the western slope where the riding should be stellar in April and May.

Work went pretty well today. It is the first time I am really taking care of all the aspects of the close by myself. We do however have 4 prospects coming in to interview for the Senior Accountant position in the next 3 days and Patrick has set me up to do interviews with all of them as well. Going to be an interesting position for me to be in but I think I have a good idea of what we need in that position and what I would like to see.

That's all for now Stef and Jenny get into Colorado tomorrow and Tim and I meet up with them at Stef's sisters apt in Vail on Thursday night. Should be a good weekend. If there is no new snow I thinking I am going to try Tele Skiing for the first time in Steamboat Saturday since the girls will just be cruising and it would be a good time. Could be rough though. Tele skiing involves making every turn in a lunge position. Should be quite the work out for this ol boy.

Updates to come.