I Can! I Will! The Park City Point 2 Point

Saturday's Park City Point 2 Point race was well organized, epic, brutal. To say it is one of the toughest (if not THE toughest) 1 day cycling races in existence would not be overstating. Many people, like me, signed up, trained and prepared for this event many months in advance. Hoping that all the physical and mental preparation would allow them to conquer a technical and long course through the resorts and an amazing network of trails in Park City, UT. 14,000 feet of climbing and over 78 miles of winding, rooty, rocky singletrack is enough to beat even the most advanced cyclists into submission. And it lived up to this expectation for me and for many others who came out early on Saturday morning.

Pesonally I felt I could certainly ride the distance, albeit slowly, what I didn't account for was my slothful consumption of fluid, a poor habit that typically yields body shut-down, delirium and apathy for the ride in which I'm participating.

I rode the first leg pretty well. Starting in the 8-9 hr group I was at the front for much of Round Valley riding the wheel of my friend Adam. We kept a decent pace which was actually enjoyable in the early morning coolness. Before heading to skid row I dropped my arm warmers and picked up a bottle for the long ride to Deer Valley. I made it through the aid station and then up again to do the BowHunter/Flagstaff loop and was back at 3hrs 49 min.

After picking up a bottle and heading out things started to go badly. Not drinking early and often has it's consequences. First the general pain of riding for so long sets in, then the aching of my ribs as I tried to breath. I kept riding. By the time I completed the lower part of John's 99 I knew it was serious. I started climbing back up to the Steps trail and I had to stop, the pain was too great. Another rider came by and encouraged me, telling me not to stop. I got back on soon after and started riding again. Up Steps I stopped at least 5 times and each time remounted and continued. The cramping had started and my steady granny gear pace was intersperced with moments of excruciating pain as my thighs, quads or calfs all began to spasm and cramp in turn. I would stop, strech, breath and remount. Miles caught me on Apex and following him helped me to get around Shadown lake. I started telling myself I just had to get down to the aid station and I could be done. I told myself I had no choice I had to make it.

The downhill was ok, if I positioned my legs properly so as to not cramp. However there's a brief road climb on the way to Crecent Mine Grade trail that really got me. Luckily Steve came by and gave me some electroyltes and Alleve to help stave off the cramps and pain. I remounted again and made it down to PCMR aid station. I was attended to by an amazing staff of teammates who provided, food, drink, encouragement, bike maintenance and cold water over the head. I felt revived. I don't know how long I was there, but it was at least 10 minutes, perhaps more. I was somewhat delirious. I knew I had to try to continue, I knew it was silly to come this far and not go for the finish.

So I was off again, with Adam in tow, who had also gone to that dark place of doubt, self-misery and irrational thought. Soon his pace was more than my dehydrated legs could handle and he was gone up Spiro. I struggled, dismounted on occasion, then remounted again. Each time in my mind I told myself I CAN!, I WILL! Determined, despite the pain, despite the frustation to continue riding until I collapsed or gave in to the pity and doubt and turned back. First I wanted to make it to mid-mountain trail, then to the re-route (which was horrible), then to the aid station on the Mid-Mountain. Dismounting there, while verbalizing my appreciation for their existance, I cramped again, luckily two volunteers were at my side and caught me in mid air as my right hamstring siezed and I began to fall. I would have ended up flat on my back had they not grabed me and my bike at the same time. I cannot express how amazing the volunteers were at this event. A couple of cups of coke, a swiss roll and fresh bottles and I was off again. Knowing I just needed to get past Red Pine lodge, up the last bigl climb and I would hit the LONG downhill back to the final, miserable short ascent before the final drop into The Canyons. I must have cramped and stop 20 more times between Red Pine and the finish line. But every time I thought I Can!, I Will! It was brutal, probably wouldn't have been as bad as it was had I been a more diligent about my water consumption. Live and learn right? It's taken 24 hrs to gain some persepective, to realize that yes, this race was very hard, but survivable. I know my time, my preparation, my speed can be improved. I know I will be back to prove to myself and those mountains that I can do better. I will ride it again! I Can! I Will!

Alpine Loop - first go of the season

So I rode the Alpine Loop this morning. I was supposed to meet the guys at 7 a.m. I awoke with a start and saw the clock at 22 minutes after the hour..Knowing I had to meet Aaron at 6:25 on State St. I rushed to get out the door. Flat tire, ugghh..so I pump it up and leave knowing the tube had an issue because I had just put a new tire on last night. I push hard, no Aaron at the meeting spot. So I ride fast through the semi-dark streets toward AF canyon. I arrive at the mouth, no one there, must have left without me. Slow legs, push harder. I ride into the canyon, serene, scenic. I get to Timp Cave, notice the clock on the wall - 6:15 a.m. Doh! I left an hour early! I borrow a cell phone from a early morning hiker, no service, I contemplate riding down to meet the group, nope, so I ride up, stop to fix my slow leak, blow up my spare tube, it freezes and shatters, not immediately apparent, I bum air off a couple of riders, then a tube, then more air, then get riding again, up, up, up. I get to the summit and within a few minutes they start to arrive until the whole group is there. A rough go for the first circuit of the Alpine Loop but at least I didn't have to suffer chasing the speedsters as they 'unraced' up the hill. Down the Sundance side with Aaron and then off to work. Riding makes most things more tolerable.

Soldier Hollow result

So Saturday I wake up early to the patter of rain on the roof. I load the vehicle, double checking that I have everything for the team riders that I promised I'd bring or that I know I need to bring. One day I'll make an exhaustive checklist, really I will.

The rain is coming down hard and so I don't rush off as quickly as I might. I make some instant oatmeal and follow Ed's tweets on my iPhone. Responding with some remark about turning off the sprinklers. I know the man has alot of faith but things certainly don't look promising. It's snowing/raining at the venue and even if it stops it's likely to be a messy day. Ed doesn't cancel.

I get a few texts and messages from team riders wondering. I assure them it's going to happen despite the weather.

I head up the canyon determined to be there for the team riders who do show and mentally ready to race despite the conditions. When I arrive, Dave & Scott are setting up the tent and I help them get it sorted out. We huddle in the Olympic tower an bemoan the fact that it's cold and wet and going to be muddy, but nevertheless we are ready to ride. More riders show up and the rain tapers off. The snow on the upper slopes behind the course starts to melt. Things are improving. Soon we are approaching race time and conditions have improved significantly.

While warming up we note the very muddy 12& under riders still on course. There's no way to avoid it I figure. Yet once we start the first lap it's not too bad. A little spongy and slick in spots, but rideable.

At the start I fall off from the leaders on the first hill and try to keep them in sight. There are 6 in front of me. Slowly I reel them back in. Dave, Geno, Reed, Vern, eventually Jason, but Ty is off the front and the gap is significant. I can't let up because Reed already came back to me once after passing him, so I know he's there watching me from behind and Jason is still very close. Too close to even make a minor mistake. I want to catch Ty but he's riding strong. I attack on the hills as best as I can and try to widen the corners so as not to slide out. It's a tricky race because of the conditions, and perhaps a bit slower than it would normally be, but overall the revised course was pretty good.

I finish in 2nd and I'm happy with the result, but determined to win at some point this season. I contemplate the expert category again but after checking results realize that even if I could hold my pace for a 3rd lap I would likely be 8th or 9th out of a 12 man field. I enjoy racing against the guys in my group, we have a good mix and it's anyone's guess as to who's going to race well each week. Yet at some point I know the longer distance is what I need to prepare for P2P and other events.

I don't know if I'm getting stronger physically but mentally I'm improving on my race tactics. The inability to go hard off the line is bothersome, but I just have to learn to live with it for now.

Looking forward to Draper and hoping I can keep the pace up again.

Early Season Lessons

Seems like every year I have to learn the same lessons. How quickly my feeble mortal mind forgets the lessons of the past. I flatted at St. George because I was pushing the limits and ripped a hole in the sidewall of my new Maxxis Aspen rear tire (frustrating because 1. it's new and 2. I should have been more patient in my passing) - result DNF. Then I flatted at Cholla due to a thorn which probably was already there and not having enough Stans in my tire to seal it (my mistake for not checking my front tire pre-race and preparing my bike fully). - result 12th place.

So I will give you (more importantly, me) my new priority checklist for all the remaining races.
1. Train and prepare physically so you don't suck and can actually feel like you are competing, don't worry if you are mid-pack or 1st, just be competitive where you are and work to improve.

2. Train mentally, know your course, pre-ride, train to pass, train to sprint the short climbs, train to ride light on the rocks, train so that you KNOW you can race and can let your mind master your body and push your limits a bit.

3. Check and maintain you bike completely. Not just wash it, but, clean the drivetrain, lube it, check the tires for thorns or wear and THE STANS volume, Brakes, etc. Be sure the bike can perform the way you want it too.

4. Nutrition! Eat enough and the right things pre-race that will give you the energy you need. Hydrate pre and during the race, eat a gel before the start. Give yourself a chance by doing the simple things you need to to have your body function the way it should.

5. Finally, know your competition, their strengths and weaknesses. Know who you should pass before the downhills and who you should pace on the climbs, know who will be considerate and allow you to pass and who you will need to be more aggressive with. Knowing these things can make the difference in your race.

DO NOT FORGET to do these things, Write them down, check them off, whatever it takes. That way you can finish your race AND enjoy the results, whatever they may be because you will know you did everything you could to give yourself the best possible opportunity to perform to your capabilities.
Lesson learned? I hope so!

Powder Park

Greg took me up to Powder Park in Big Cottonwood Canyon on Saturday. A good 2,000' climb to some excellent and relatively safe terrain. Definitely need to go back here again.

November in Utah

Rick S. and crew on the trail

A beautiful day in the mountains

November isn't exactly considered to be THE month for mountain biking, but typically we enjoy some nice high dessert dryness here and hence the opportunity to continue riding through Thanksgiving most years. Of course there are some days of snow or rain, but many of the trails dry out quite quickly.

This day probably wasn't as dry as we would have liked and most of us were splattered with a good amount of earth during this "lunch meeting" but it was worth it. Temps great, trails fast and a whole group of great riders to follow.

It's days like these that help me regain focus and realize it's about more than simply punching the clock and paying the bills.

Hell-o-ween Ride

It was an interesting night on the foothills of Mount Timpanogos. An eclectic group of costumed cyclists gathered to ride the local trails. About 25 riders showed up to brave the cold and ride the route (Water Tank Road to Bettys to Kennys Beltloop to Frank to upper Belt to Dry and back on the BST. The costumes were funny and some were a bit freaky. Overall it was a great experience riding with the motley crew while listening to Motley Crue thanks to Dee "Aaron" Snyder who hooked tunes up to his handlebars for our riding enjoyment. This ride is one of those unique experiences that is a "Must Do" for anyone who owns mountain bike, a good headlamp and a gorilla suit. Hope to see you next year. Thanks Rick S. for organizing the event.

Moo Moo Gorilla and Rick "Madoff"
My Precious
Aaron as Dee Snyder
Danielle the nurse explaining to Kenny the size of his..er..belt buckle?

Fall Riding

I love riding in Autumn. I'm confident I'm not alone in this. The weather is near perfect, the cool, crisp air makes the efforts comfortable. The scenery is amazing with the various trees and shrubs redressing for the season creating a rainbow of color that contours the earth. The high peaks have a dusting of snow which tell of the winter soon to come.

Most of all I enjoy riding with friends, the pressure and obligations of race season are over and we can just ride to ride. If I could have it my way I would just take the whole month of October off and spend it on my bike, with my family or visiting the amazing National Parks here in Utah and in the region.



KC on a photo stop while climbing the Great Western Trail

Almost new bike for sale, 2009 GF HiFi Supercaliber

This bike (stock version) would retail for over $3,800. This bike with SRAM components and Rock Shox Race fork with remote lock out is HOT! It's smooth, fast and down right sexy! Upgraded brakes (Avid Juicy 7), Carbon handle bar, lighter saddle make this one sweet XC bike. It's been test ridden by a couple of team riders (less that 50 miles total on this bike). If you or someone you know wants it, just drop me a line. $3,100 and it's yours. That's right, save 800 bucks and get a better bike in the process. I'm sticking with the 29, so here's your chance to take advantage of my addiction to bigger wheels.
Oh - Medium Frame size.
Maxxis Larsen TTs on it - Tubless setup
Ignore the pedals, unless you really want candy Sls, we can work something out.
Questions, let me know.

Jackson Hole 2009

Me trying to recover after the sprint finish with Reed.

Jackson Hole race recap:

Reed's account of this race is great, so I don't need to go into too much detail. This was by far one of my favorite race courses and events in general. The fields are smaller, the trail technical and the competition this year has been exciting.

I didn't realize I had won this race the past two years. What's even more interesting is that I've shaved time off each year for the past 4 years. 1:26, 1:23:31, 1:21 and now 1:16. Having someone pushing you like Reed makes you ride as hard as you possibly can, then following him on lap 2 I was determined not to lose contact, which I started to do just before the big road climb. I forced myself to push hard enough to close the gap within 10 yards by the top of the climb and that made the difference, otherwise Reed would have been gone and I'd be coasting in for 2nd place. We both made mistakes on the downhill after the oxygen sucking climb but his was worse, although he was up quick and apparently ok after his crash. I was finally able to get by on the road with a hard kick which was critical considering the technical nature of the finish run-in (it has a hard left that's off camber just 40 yards from the finish). I was just able to hold him off on the sprint into the line and felt great, not so much because I won, but more because I raced my best and didn't make too many mistakes.

The whole trip to Jackson was a great experience and one I look forward to each year. It's a beautiful area to visit, I get to spend time with good friends and just relax and ride bikes. This year we also got to ride some amazing single track that we didn't even know existed in years past. Putt Putt to Cache Creek to Game Creek, then West Game Creek to Ferrins back to Cache and Putt Putt. 25 miles of amazing trails in the mountains of Wyoming. It's a MUST do circuit.

I already am looking forward to next year.

'09 Snowbird Mountain Bout

Me, Brad, Jason and Reed going off the line.
Brief Recap:
WA state weather again today, rained on the pre-ride but course was in good condition. New trail very nice, much more suited to my climbing style, technical, but at a decent grade. Not the granny gear crank of the Dick Bass Hwy of years past. Eventually the Snowbird course will be one of the best. Next step, eliminate the treacherous gravel road downhill.

This year turned out pretty good. Reed and I sprinted off the line and went 1,2 into the single track. We were able to control the pace on the technical, rooty, rocky first section. This gave everyone a chance to relax I think, instead of cranking up a bill hill and blowing up. When we hit the new trail which eventually dumped us on a dirt road for stretch, the attacks came. I was able to only lose a few spots and we were back on single track. I got by Reed and then took some risks and snuck by Brad on the downhill, then it was only Kevin and John to try to hold on to. Kevin flatted, and, although I expected him to, didn't come back. So my goal was to try to stay in contact with John H on his FS setup and hold off Brad and Jason who I could see not far behind me. By the third lap however I couldn't even see J.H. anymore and I had a comfortable lead on the boys behind me, so I focused on keeping a steady pace and not making any BIG mistakes on the wet roots and rocks. More rain came on the final lap. It helped pack the downhill road a bit, but made other areas a bit tricky.

Overall a fun race and I finished 2nd. Best result this year. We'll see if the new Solitude course is also as friendly.

It's been a great race season this year, simply because the top 6 or so riders in our group are all pretty well matched and the time differences are very close. The determining factors are more how good someone is feeling that day and the type of course we are on. Then there's the ever present risk of mechanicals. (just hoping I don't have any) Overall, I'm really enjoying the racing this year.

Mid Season Break

So we had a bit of a break for the last few weeks in the ICUP racing series. But this coming Saturday that all changes with the Snowbird race. I would like to say I'm ready for it, but I'm thinking it will depend on alot of variables which I have yet to determine. A. Diet for the reminder of the week - can I avoid the sweets and backyard bbq hamburgers? B. Which bike I ride - The Fly is reliable and known but the new 26 HiFi (even after 30 miles in Park City on Friday) still seems iffy, yet having the suspension would be nice. C. Sleep - I'm getting up early and staying up later than I should because of Le Tour. Can I limit my exposure to what is certainly an addiction and get enough rest or will my weakness hamper my ability to perform well on Saturday.

All shall be answered come Saturday when I show up and try to put the hammer down on the new and improved course at the Bird. I fear that no matter what I do however, Kevin is just too fast this year. I hate to resort sabotoge Kevin, but would you like to come over for a BBQ on Friday night?

New Wheels

So finally all the parts arrived and I was able (with help from Dave D., James, Spencer, Dave) build my new bike. I didn't want to burden just one person with the work so I spread it around and everyone was quite helpful in showing me what to do to make this thing functional. We ran into a few glitches, which is part of the deal when your bike is sent to you in pieces from all the various parts manufacturers and you have to put the puzzle together, hoping everything fits.

It's pretty, looks fast, but I haven't been able to take it out to the dirt to see how fast it really is due to all the rain. That's right I don't want to get it muddy just yet. Afterall this isn't a horse and I'd like the trails to remain smooth instead rutting them up with my selfish behavior.

It's fairly light: 24 lbs 12 oz. I could shave a bit of weight off by swapping the pedals for the Ti Eggbeaters, but for now it's ready to go. The Superfly is right at 24 lbs, so it's pretty good considering I'm adding suspension but going to the smaller wheels.

My greatest hope is that it will strike fear into the heart of my fellow competitors when I line up at the next race. Psychological warfare may be my only hope.

Deer Valley 09

Kohl on his first race


Despite being under the weather all week I showed up to race Deer Valley this morning. I knew I wouldn't have quite the power and speed I needed to contend with the fast guys in my group, but I did my best.

The other reason I was anxious to go was that my oldest son (5) finally started riding without his training wheels this week and so instantly thinks he's ready to race, who am I to say no to a budding young cyclist? So we went, despite the seemingly gloomy outlook for good riding weather and despite my persistent hacking cough.

Sometimes you just have to take a chance and not dwell on the 'what ifs'. This is what we did and it turned out to be a great day. Kohl finished 1 lap of the 3 expected for the 9 and under category, but he was happy with that, he crashed no less that 5 times, but got back up every time and continued. His two key observations from his first race experience: 1. This grass is bumpier than our grass at home AND 2. I need gloves for when I crash so my hands don't get all muddy. Wisdom IS gained through experience!

So while Kohl is learning the subtleties of mountain bike racing I'm more concerned with the harsh reality of climbing ability and trying to stay with the leaders. True to form they took off hard and, while Little Stick kept the pace methodical for the first 10 minutes or so, it still put me 11 spots off the front. I had to battle my way through six category riders to get to my final spot, about a minute back of Brad and 2 minutes behind the leader today - John. It was some good racing in good conditions on a tough but fun course. Geno and I spent most of the race swapping places until I finally put enough time on him on one downhill section that he didn't come back and slide by me again.

I felt ok, not 100%, but ok and I'm content with the result. Now a few weeks to get healthy and do some training for the July races.

Downhill back toward the finish

It's the simple things

Simple things are really the basis of happiness in my opinion. My kids funny little quips, going on a bike ride, a piece of fruit when it's just right, and so on. Ironically it's also the simple things that can most easily be our downfall. For instance, this evening I went on a nice ride on the SS. It was nice to get on the Purple machine after racing 3 times last week. It's simple, one gear, just stand and go, no thinking, no shifting, just pedal. I met Chris and KC above the race course and we proceeded to do the normal loop up Betty's to the Altar, Betty's lament to Dry and back around on the BST. I had to walk a loose section or two but otherwise felt pretty good, pushed hard to catch up with the Dynamic Duo when I spun out on the loose stuff and handled the technical sections, albeit a bit slower than I would have on the "Fly". Not sure why, but the SS just feels less stable after riding the Fly so much.

So we finally make it around and we are at the shooting range, which requires the log ride attempt at least once, especially when with the Holley's, (which is why I enjoy about riding with them, because they both are always encouraging me to try new things or push a little harder, even when it's not verbalized). So I pass on the first attempt due to the high grass it was hard to see the approach. KC made an attempt and I circled back up to go again. I approached, braked, as always, rode up onto the log and when I was about 1/4 of the way the bike slid off the left side, however my balance was to the right and so I went down and rolled, twice I think, hitting the outside of my right knee on the rocks. Besides being itchy from the roll in the grass and onto the pavement. I also realized that this seemingly simple task of riding the log was now going to leave me with a painful, but hopefully temporary, reminder that some things that seem simple can also be painful.

So now I sit here, stretching and rubbing my leg hoping I didn't do anything too drastic that would slow my riding and progression on the season thus far. Ahh the simple things, so fun, yet dangerous enough to really screw everything up.

Sundance ICUP 09

Blog weary

I enjoy other blogs, they are entertaining, witty, interesting, informative. But somehow I find it so hard to work on mine. Beside half the time I do anything worth reporting about, someone else is doing it with me and they write about it. So it almost seems redundant to post my own musings about the events of the day.

However I feel the need to share a bit more, a bit more often. So I will endeavor, once again to provide some updates.

We'll see how it goes. For now you can read about my day Snowboarding at Sundance with Mr. Lisonbee (a skier).

Bikes for Sale (like puppies only better)

So I've been told to thin the herd in the basement.

Sold the Paragon to a friend of Jesse for a good deal.

Here's what else I have. They are on Ebay and KSL, but you can save shipping if you buy them.

2008 HiFi Pro which is Brand New and hasn't been ridden:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Gary-Fisher-HiFi-Pro-BRAND-NEW-29-Med-Frame_W0QQitemZ140287786174QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMountain_Bikes?hash=item140287786174&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

2007 Gary Fisher Supecaliber
http://cgi.ebay.com/Gary-Fisher-Supercaliber-Race-Day-29-Med-Frame_W0QQitemZ140288806848QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMountain_Bikes?hash=item140288806848&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

Miss you Sharon

Todayt it's been one year since my sister Sharon passed away from brain cancer. I've tried not to dwell on it too much, but there are days where her presence is missed and I can't stop the tears from coming. I think about the family events she's missing or the bike rides she could be coming on. I think about her humor and candid nature. I think about her boys and how much the could use her love and teaching. I think about my parents and how hard it is for them to see their child leave this earth before them. Perhaps my heartache is a bit selfish, but it cannot be helped.

One never expects to lose a loved one, especially at such a young age. I console myself with my certainty that she is happy, safe and waiting for all of us to pass on to see her again. What can I do beyond that?

Today I read Adam's blog which references Fat Cyclist's goal to raise funds for the LAF in 2009 as a team. While I've contributed to this fund in the past perhaps this is a new opportunity to recommit myself and encourage others to help. Help fund a solution to parentless families, the suffering of children and all the pain that cancer brings to the individual and all those who care for them.

For the 3 of you that read this blog, please consider joining the team. http://www.fatcyclist.com/2008/11/12/lets-break-some-records/

Maybe no solution will be found and this is just a reality of our existence on this planet, but we never know. Just as I never know if I'm going to win any given race I enter, but you keep fighting and pedalling anyway, you just don't know what can be accomplished due to determination unless you try.

Hope is right!

So now we face at least 4 years of a democratic leadership with grand visions of turning America into another European socialist nation. What else can we have Mr. O, but hope. We will all hope that he will live up to his rather vague promises. Yet even in his acceptance speech he started backpedaling about what he could actually accomplish, I find that concerning. Managing expecations he hasn't even attempted to deliever on yet.

I hope that he will be a good president. He certainly looks presidential, perhaps that's why many voted for him. I'm sure he can act presidential, he's been doing that for months. But can he peform as a president should, will he represent the interests of America and not drive our already tenuous economy further south. I worry that the prevalant attitude of entitlement that exists among so many of his supports and is evidenced in his platform will not breed additional complacency.

As much as I care about the environment and the need for alternative energy sources, there's no switch to turn on to simply make it happen, it will take time, innovation, desire, not just government mandates. I really was hoping to start a new business next year, but now it appears that I might have to change occupations (since my highly technical and valuable services will not be needed if the Pres. has his way) and hold on, hoping.

I really do hope that there's some new government grants that will allow me to ride my bike and teach others to do the same, then I can focus on what I love to do and the government can take care of me and I won't have a care in the world! I hope Mr. President, I really do hope.

The Mouse House

So I took the family to Florida last week. We had enough air miles to fly at no cost and free lodging on Disney property (thanks to Gail’s father’s DVC timeshare), so it was hard NOT to plan this trip. We ate breakfast in the room and tried to limit eating out as much as possible. We still spent enough money to make me uncomfortable, but we had a great time and it was a welcomed break.

Having my parents along with us was also helpful while managing 3 kids, strollers, snacks, etc. We visited all the parks, rode the rides, saw the shows and had fun as a family. We also lost our camera (Gail did that is), but it was found – I love that people are so honest on vacation, and is being mailed back to us. I did however make a few observations while roaming the parks that have I think are concerning.

1. If we are in a recession, where are all these people coming from spending ALOT of money to visit WDW? They were not all Europeans!

2. Our culture is severely deluded into thinking we need much more food than we actually do.

3. As a result of #2 I saw more overweight and morbidly obese people at the parks than I thought possible in one place. Honestly not all of them could have a glandular problem! (While waiting for the group to get off a ride at one point I counted (15 minutes of doing this mind you, 5 sets of 25 passersby) 1 in 25 males over age 20 was within proper weight range for their age and height, 6 in 25 were not just overweight but obviously obese)

4. The motorized scooter is now not just for aged or disabled, if you are fat and don't/can't walk more than 1 mile without suffering a cardiac incident, then you can rent a scooter and zip around your favorite theme park. I find this phenomenon an eerie foreshadowing of things to come. (i.e. WallE) If Disney is predicting it in their movies they must see the trend as well. Be forewarned! Or get fitted for a hovering recliner at your earliest convenience.

5. I gained 7 lbs in 8 days myself and I didn't eat French fries and a burger every day. I think most people have just stopped looking at the scale anymore or have broken it and thrown it away. Believe me I would like to dispose of mine right now. "Liar" I yell downwards as if addressing my feet, but the truth is there in little digital numbers, staring right up at me, unflinching. "No, this is reality buddy!" they respond. I guess I should feel fortunate I can still see the number over my slowly protruding belly.

Summary: vacations are nice, they are needed, and even Disney is a fun experience despite the worrisome trends I noted. However, unless each individual is disciplined enough to return to normal activity, diet and sleep habits after vacation then it's just a very slippery slope to the bottomless pit of self-deception, health problems and motorized transports. But hey, if they figure out a way to put solar panels on them it will probably be ok, right?