I unfortunately missed Gabe’s track meet, as I was heading down to San Luis Obispo, but Charlotte caught all the action. The telephoto does a nice job of catching people at the meet. Our discus star shows off his style. He’s quite the natural. Now it’s time for the 400 meter relay. Here comes the big man on the first leg. That must have hurt. ...

Today I’m heading out for a three day bike ride down to San Luis Obispo. I was lucky enough to be invited by Craig and Matt to join the “core” of this great 15 year old local tradition. The fifteen of us get it all together starting at Craig’s house before heading down to Big Sur. A big thanks to Dave for driving sag. Here’s the group all with fresh legs. And it’s great to see Erik (The Bike Doctor) helping out with a little last minute maintenance. ...

Ever since our last trip to Pinnacles National Monument, Charlotte and I have been looking forward to going back for a longer, tougher, faster hike all the way to the top. Today is that day. This time we arrive via the east entrance early in the morning. Unfortunately we weren’t fast enough to get a photo of the road runner that sprinted across the road as we drive in. The first part of the hike is easy along the Balconies Trail. ...

Our little track stars is back at SLV for another meet. Here’s some of the action over by the Gabe’s favorite, the discus event. The big man nearly throws a world record. You gotta be happy with that throw. Charlotte chills in the stands with Gracie while watching some of the running events. Next up is Gabe in the 400 meter relay. Not quite world record pace on this one, but he gives his team a good start. The look of a champion. ...

Today is the day for the big SVEF Mt Charlie Challenge Ride. It’s the biggest fundraiser for SVEF since it started six years ago. Though I’m somewhat biased, it’s definitely the most fun as well. Charlotte, Paula, and Sally have been working their tails off for months getting everything arranged. A big thanks to everyone else that helped make this year’s event another resounding success. Gabe and the school band offered up some early morning brass. ...

Our biggest turnout yet, and the official ride is just around the corner. Today we’ll be doing most of the real ride minus the Hazel Dell loop. So it’s up Mt Charlie, over Summit and Highland, down Eureka Canyon, back along Soquel, and up Glen Canyon to Skypark. We even had enough people for a separate training ride for the 50K event. Outstanding!

Renee and Marcel are having an 80th birthday party for Bea at their house in Los Gatos. I can’t say I know too many of the family assembled for this fantastic celebration, but it is great to see a few familiar faces. It’s always such fun to visit with Bea and her family. I’m so glad Gordon is in town for this as well. I couldn’t believe Renee did such an awesome job on cooking great food for so many people without catering. Unfortunately the photos couldn’t capture the actual number of people that came for the party. ...

This year Gabe and his friends Stephen, Zach, and Doug are off to Santa Cruz for some bowling. Sounds like a fun way to spend a birthday. How can you not have fun bowling? he place is so hot, everyone is chugging down drinks as soon as we get them. Doug lays down the law with a big strike. Two games are the limit for this crew, as everyone’s game starts heading downhill quickly. Monica, Nick, and Chelsea really enjoyed themselves as well. I know Charlotte and I did. Maybe next time for my birthday. ...

Today we’re heading down to Pinnacles National Monument with Karen, Valri, and George’s family. I’ve ridden past this beautiful spot on the King City bike ride before, and I’ve always wanted to check it out more thoroughly. Time to load up the cars and head on out. It’s a great time of year to be making this road trip. Luckily we’ve arrived early and have no trouble finding a great spot by the trailhead. Everyone looks like they’re ready for fun. ...

The SVEF Mt. Charlie Challenge Ride is coming up soon, so it’s time to ratchet up the training rides a bit. We’ve got a pretty good turnout today and the weather is cooperating. All this posing is really for the Scotts Valley Banner, but Charlotte manages to get a few good shots standing next to the photographer. In a totally unrelated event, we’re over Val’s house for dinner with the family, including George and his crew. Gabe was showing off his inability to wink his right eye, and Monica was doing one of her weird tricks. Pretty entertaining. ...