Slow Motion with D

Ha! Heck no! While most of OBRA is slogging through the rain in the valley getting ready to dominate the Cherry Pie winter classic and the tour de Hagg Lake aka Bananna world championships, I’m trying to stay true to my promise that I made to spread my wings outside of cycling. I used to do a lot more stuff throughout the year, but cycling pretty much rocks my world, so I’ve ignored the things I’ve loved so. Climbing, hiking, snow riding and learning such new things as kayaking have all taken a back seat to my love of 2 wheels the last few years. I don’t mind so much, but it is good to do other activities more than just once in a while. This year I’m mix’n it up. So, here’s what I’ve been doing since nationals.
Doing more xc skiing than usual
with James the dog of course
I’ve even started waxing my own skis. It makes me feel faster!
did a family puzzle
I even learned how to roll a kayak Sunday night!
my car is totally Bend. It’s a Subaru of course…
…but I’m still trying to keep a little bike fitness…just in case.
We have a new pet to hang out with too. This is Petey, Timmy’s sugar glider. How’s that for diverse?

Just hanging out at the Video store on a steady Monday night.  I’m currently watching Ohio State get whooped by LSU, but I think I’ll switch over to a movie before too long.  I’ve been catching some good flicks lately and if you wanna check out some good stuff, here’s a small list:

Eagle vs Shark (out tomorrow on dvd)
3:10 to Yuma (out tomorrow on dvd)
Eastern Promises (dvd)
Juno (in theaters) great soundtrack too

Here’s also a list of some of my favorite DVDs from 2007.  I tried to pick movies that the mainstream might not know.  Check them out at your local indi store. 

The Motel
Cocain Cowboys
Election
Children of Men
Sherry baby
Volver
Pan’s Labrynth
Waitress
Big Bad Swim

So, after my trip to nationals, I had 2 days at home before flying out to visit family in Wyoming for xmas.  Whenever I tell people that my grandparents live in Wyoming, the next question is always, “where?”  Then I say, “Jackson,” then they go, “Ooh…”  Yes, my gparents live in Jackson Wyoming.  I love it there, but I think other people get more excited about it than I do.  Most people think huge mountains, great snow, and fancy fur boots.  Yes, there are all those things in Jackson, but I mostly just think about the good food that gma cooks up.

salmon, caviar, meatballs, pickled shrimp, potatoes

Aunt Mary and cheese fondue

Guardian cow of the cheese

And for dessert, chocolate fondue!

I also tend to think Republicans, when I think of Jackson…

Cheney wasn’t taking my calls.  That’s Air Force 2 at the local airport.

This guy also hangs out at the airport…

There’s a little ski hill in the valley called Teton Village.  I’ve been going there for 20 years, but around xmas there’s usually some glitch with the operation.  One year is was too much snow, so 75% of the mountain was closed.  Then another year is was not enough snow, so 75% was closed.  This year the lifts were running (and the Tram is back), but at $81/day, I didn’t really want to pay.

The resort is so developed it’s crazy.  Amazing and steep terrain though.  I’m pretty sure it’s the most vertical feet from top to bottom in the U.S.  the nordic center, however, is…lacking.  Mt. Bachelor has over 50k groomed, a nordic house with food, retail, fireplace and changing rooms.  Teton Village doesn’t even have a bathroom inside…

I mostly hang out with my uncle Mike and his wife Eva.  Mike is pretty much why I started riding bikes.  He owned Missoula Bicycle Works when he was in college.  Eva is a nordic nerd who does races, so I get my butt kicked whenever I go out with them.  I think we’re the most normal people in the family, so we get a long really well.

me rocking my sweet technique.  Mike and Eva waiting for me.

Mom, Tiffany and I went to an animal rescue shelter and donated a few dollars for the holidays.  I liked the kitties and I think they liked me.

I left a few days earlier than the rest because I needed to be home for a bit.  Watch movies, relax, nordic nerd out and re-charge for the new year of travels.  New Years came and went without much of blip on the radar, but it was a good time.  Hope everyone had a happy and safe holiday season.  Thanks for reading.

The oldest and youngest Schmitt family members.