Family camping - just the three of us

Despite wet weather Saturday, we loaded up and headed to the east shore for a family camping weekend. The campground / area featured a six mile paved bike path. G was so excited, asking days before if he could be the "leader" on the bike path. He did not let a little rain deter him.






That is Lake Huron behind G. With a beautiful storm brewing above it, keeping visibility to a minimum. The temps were mild though and we rode a total of 4 miles. With only one mishap. G fell, had himself "a little cry" (his words) and then got back on his bike and finished the ride back to our campsite.

We also visited a nearby lighthouse, where G enjoyed running around a refurbished pilot house from one of the Great Lakes' old steamers.




At the campground, we walked Smoke along the beach, played on the playground and walked while G rode his bike around the campground. He loved every minute of this weekend, in large part I think, because it was just us.





Sunday, the weather cleared up and we took the bike path a bit farther. We also packed a picnic lunch. A perfect example of the kind of memories his father and I want to give him.

Motocross at the County Fair

This was C's first motocross at the County Fair and G was thrilled to be in the pits, part of his crew you know.

C did an awesome job, running three motos (including one in the open class). In his last moto, he fell and promptly got up, righted his bike and resumed racing. All on his own. Excellent job C!

County Fair play date

This was perfect. G and his best little friend D (and friend) spent this week's playdate at the County Fair. The pics speak for themselves.

Mio-Hunt Creek

The CCC rides are changing for G. Instead of spending every moment in camp with Mom, he is enjoying longer trail rides with Dad. Makes him feel like one of the guys, even though his Dad takes him solo on the shortest loops available.

Now it's more than a little sad to watch G as he watches his Dad take off for the really long trail rides with the men.

It rained on this event again this year, but only for a few minutes. The staging area was also just as rough as it was in 2005. This time however, we arrived in daylight. With our weed wacker. This shot should give you an idea of what we had to whack clear to make room for our tent:


Chris and C drove in for an afternoon ride. And Tom was there as well. Which is good, because G doesn't think any ride is complete without Tom. You should have seen him looking around for Tom at the last two enduros.

National AMA Enduro - Harrison

G's Dad raced his first national enduro August 6, 2006. He was in the company of pro riders and set to race one of the most difficult race routes there is on this circuit. And he was game. Unfortunately, he experienced clutch problems on the first leg and had to quit at the first gas stop. That didn't diminish his overall experience however, and he plans to race all five Michigan races next year.

His friend Devon chose this race as his first enduro. He too bowed out at the first gas stop--vowing to ride and train more in preparation for his next go at it in 2007.

G was totally in his element. Can you tell?



He loved every minute. Camping at the race staging area. With Devon along. G just loves when others camp with us. Makes him feel like "one of the guys" I think when there are more along. He also digs the excitement of race day. Dad takes him to the riders' meeting. Then we clamor to the starting line to watch the starts--timed at minute intervals. For this race, Mark, Barb and Darcie joined us as spectators. G immediately announced his intention to travel the spectator route with them--leaving Mom on her own to run the gas route. Ah well. I already know how I rate.

More than a few folks commented on G's perpetual dirtbike motor sounds. I'm beginning to think he could run on one part milk and one part oil.

Thanks to Mark for the following pictures. G's Dad is on the KTM and Devon is on the Kawasaki.

Devon's start.

Devon is in the green helmut.

Dad's start, just to the right of the center pole.

G's Dad shared the minute start with several pros. So when he wasn't the last one off the starting line, he purposefully shut down a bit to let them around. When I asked him why, he said he figured he'd just get that out of the way. They were sure to pass him at some point.

G's Dad in action.

Devon in action. Actually looking for G's Mom, thinking this spectator spot was the gas stop.

G discusses the race with Dad and Devon.

Uncle Mel's visit

Enjoyed time with Uncle Mel, Kyle, Sarah and M. a couple of weekends back. They arrived Friday night and spent all day Saturday with us and friends on Otsego Lake.

Sarah and G

Uncle Mel catching some winks.

Kyle kicked back as well.

Even Smokey took the opportunity to kick back.


M with G right at hand. Always.

And G and M enjoyed a bazillion baby toads.

C's first motocross race

Traveled to Onaway to watch C in his first motocross race. G was in his element--not only does he idolize C, he also felt right at home among the riders and race excitement.



C gets pointers from his Dad at the practice start.



And he's off.



First moto...in the pouring rain.



Despite the downpour, C worked the track and finished the first moto in 6th place.





Taking a hill on the second moto.



Enjoying the feel of his trophy..with his pit crew.