Winter Camping, XC skiing, Big Wheels, Snowboarding!

Home sweet home! RV's and Sleds make for a fun weekend!

After the last snowmobile trip with Metzger, we sat down and decided we needed to ride sleds again very soon. We decided it would be fun to take the RV's up to the mountains for some winter camping. Ruth and I loaded up the trailer and headed into the hills to meet Mike and Shannon. The roads up the pass were nice and clear, but no sooner than when the jacks were down, did it start snowing! It snowed all weekend and the snow conditions were amazing.

Ruth and I went XC skiing too. 

Mike and I rode sleds a few times, Ruth and I went XC skiing, the dogs played in the snow, and everyone hung out and a had a great time!

Fast forward a few days and drop down a few thousand feet. I was able to get out on the bike with the dogs for a quick ride. The ride wasn't anything special, just a normal evening at Grand Ridge. The awesome part was that I managed to go after work and had enough daylight to ride without bringing lights! I ran into Tyler Salvage from Evergreen and we rode until dark and even squeezed in a drink at the bar before the night was over.

Tyler Salvage and Rylie checking out some drainage. 

Daylight!

Pure elation.

This is one of the most fun times of year as a racer. This is when all of the new product starts to appear. My 2014 product is slowly arriving. I managed to get out to Tokul for a few laps on a new steed this weekend. The new Diamondback bikes are looking amazing and I can't wait to reveal the whole 2014 lineup.

Wagon wheels.

It has been snowing consistently for the last 12 days. Stevens Pass has received 12 FEET of snow in the last 12 days. Knowing there was endless powder, Ruth and I decided we needed to dust off the snowboards and make some tracks. I'm sitting here typing this because I am still so excited about how good the conditions were today that I can't sleep. I've never ridden through powder that was this deep. We rode until neither of us were able to stand up anymore. Today was the most fun I've had on a snowboard in years.

So Seattle. 

Fresh deep powder everywhere. This is under Hogsback (The main chairlift!) 

Couldn't wipe the smile off my face!

The snow has been amazing, but bike season is right around the corner. I am working to dial in the new bikes and can't wait to hit the trails again! Until next time...

-KT

Snowday!

The weather all winter has been very mild, but all good things must come to an end. It finally snowed. Our city shuts down when it snows, but this was on Saturday night, so by Monday morning, it had all melted and the city was able to function again.

Reminded me of back home! 

The picture is blurry because these two wouldn't stop running around!

 In order to celebrate the snow, I decided to join Metzger and go sledding for the day.

Mike has a spare sled that I was able to use. The downside was that it was a lot of fun, so now I have to save my pennies and buy a sled. (Sorry Ruth!) 

On our way to the pass we saw this brodozer for sale. Don't be this guy. 

Bluebird day and beautiful snow. 

No one around either!

This was such a fun day!

We are going to take the trailer out this weekend and do some winter camping and XC skiing. The bikes will come back out soon! I just looked at the calendar, it's only 6 weeks until the first race! 

-KT

Face update, Los Angeles, Seahawk Parade

So my face was a little messed up the next day. I had some interesting looks at work on Monday, but everything has healed up and almost back to normal now.

Monday morning. Not my best look. 

The downside with having my face smashed up, beyond trouble eating, breathing, talking, sleeping, etc, was that we were going to visit my niece and nephew 5 days later! Ruth and I hopped on a plane Thursday night and flew down to LA.

My half sister and her family treated us to an amazing weekend. Universal Studios, hanging out on the beach, an amazing super bowl party, and good times with the family.  We had a great time and can't wait until this fall to see them again!

The Seahawks cheering section!

Universal Studios

In case you've lived under a rock, you have heard that the Seahawks won the Super Bowl! As is tradition, the home city hosts a parade for the returning champions. The parade was mid day on Wednesday, and this is the first time the Seahawks have won, so I wanted to attend the parade. It was absolutely INSANE!!! IT took 4 hours to get downtown. I couldn't believe how many people were crammed downtown. It was wall to wall people all cheering for the 'hawks!

The waiting line for the train was very "Seattle" 

Everyone was heading downtown. I'd hate to have been a visitor today. 

The most people I've ever seen in one place. 

Russel Wilson rolling through town.

Living in Seattle for the last few weeks has been so much fun. The city has had so much energy, it was amazing to see everyone come together. Hopefully this town stays this way. It's been amazing!

Until next time!

-KT