After Vermont... Pleiss Family Vacation

Here are a couple pictures from our post-Vermont family vaca in central New Hampshire. I could go on and on about how wonderful this trip was. We had mom and dad, all of the Pleiss kids & spouses, grandkids and extended family visitors too! We had a great time at the family cabin. We had 10 people sleeping in the cabin (comfortably!) and up to 12 around the dinner table. It was really a special time with everyone. Did some great hikes (including Mt. Chocorua), some good bike rides and excellent COLD swimming in various bodies of water. We had a great time. Greg saw a black bear on one of his rides. I will eventually post a link to a bunch of pix from this trip (and more from Vermont)

Family breakfast at the cabin: Greg patiently waiting for blueberry pancakes and local NH maple syrup (yum!).

Jackson (future national champ) had the most energy of anyone, ready to ride his bike 24 hours a day! He got in some good climbing and technique work with Aunt Christie and Uncle Greg

The family cabin! We will certainly make many more trips to this wonderful place. Hopefully someday Murphy will come too.

Vermont Report: FINALLY

I have to say that the race weekend we had in Vermont this year for the USA Cycling National Championships is up there with the best. It wasn't the best in terms of results (by any means).However, in terms of a fairly low stress *away* race, fun with frends and family, good food and what ended up being great weather, it was awesome! We got to actually get away from the venue and enjoy Vermont (and swim in a river!)

I could go on forever about all the details of the weekend. If I could have a "do-over" for the XC race I would jump at the chance. It was also nice to see Meggan, who we all miss very much! Joy and Matt both had good showings in their races, and my STXC resulted in 5 lightning fast laps (with LOUD and EXCITED cheering from Joy and Matt). SO not too bad overall!

By far one of the best moments of the weekend was particpating with my niece and nephew in the Shimano Kid's Race. We had been planning it for months, and Anna and Jackson would be bringing their bikes out from Indianapolis, IN. I think they win the prize for furthest distance travelled for the kid's race. It was well worth it! Here is a photo recap of the event.... Thanks so much to Joy and Matt for joining in on the family fun! You have new best friends in Indiana now!

Jackson and Anna ready to race!

Joy a.k.a "Coach D" gives a pep talk to her new BFF's!

Christie and Anna check out the competition!

Christie and Matt giving some last minute tips to the kids before race time.

Jackson wrapping up a lightning fast race including a tumble with cyclocross style remount on the descent! Also got a push start after the tumble from Ryan Trebon (who would go on to WIN the pro men's short track championship later that day!)

Anna shows off her (2) battle scars! She was very proud of these wounds. Aunt Christie was very proud of Anna dealing with a hard crash on the last corner and getting right back up on the bike!!

Joy and Anna recap the day's events

Some pix!

Here are some more pix from Deer Valley Nationals (in June). I am still gathering photos to FINALLY do my Vermont post and also Rim Nordic Stage Race post. They are coming, I promise!

In the meantime, congrats to everyone who kicked some serious butt at Aspen Nationals this past weekend. Joy, James, Matt to just name a few. Sounds like it was an excellent weekend up there. And it sounds like everyone survived without me! :o)

Thank you to Thom Blaine and Ben Mesa from Team Jose Ole for these great pictures!