Vancouver 2101

The old BCHydro building decorated for the the 2010 Olympics, welcoming the world to Vancouver.

My son and my daughter at Robson Square.

My son and daughter with me at the Olympic Cauldron that was lit after the opening ceremony. The flame was carried across Canada in Olympic Torches the starting about November 1st 2009

Well, what can I say?? A pretty gal in hockey gear, before the Canadian women's team went on to win GOLD!!

My son and daughter and Adelle (fixing her hair) watching a street performer. Pantsie Andie?? wearing a pchycodelic outfit and gold shorts,,, trying to do some sort of dance!! Funny as heck to watch. I tried 6 times to download the video but it would not work :(

What can I say again? Another pretty gal in a uniform :) I think I surprised her, but she was a great sport.

The Zipp Line at Robson Square.

Down and Up, instead of Up and Down

Getting ready for the ride on Mana road in Waimea. Starting elevation about 2900 feet before we descend into Waipio Valley at 800 feet elevation. Then we have to ride back up the 2100 feet we descended!!

Brian and Gerd following Monica and Ricci up front.

Some cattle I assume part of Parker Ranch.

Ricci and Monica as we cross highway 19 at Honokaa. Still smiling as we are still going downhill!!

Over all, the total ride was 3950 feet elevation gain. Sounds like Kaloko all over again.

If you ever come to Kona, make sure you come to check out this view, also there is a great hike, but it will take all day.

What a gorgeous view. There is a trail on the other side of the valley if you look close.

Now we are excited to start climbing the 2100 feet gain back to Waimea.

Monica, Ricci's dad and mom ( who are the greatest sag drivers around. Thank you so much for being there for us, and the wonderful muffins!!) Ricci, and Brian who came all the way from Austin.

You just gotta take some pictures of the view!!

Back on the road again!!

These uphill climbs are killing me!!

Ricci's parents come through again!!! Almost back to Waimea we get a break and some bars.

Back to Mana road where we are getting ready for a 30 minute run. Another great day on Kona.

Thanks everyone for the great ride!!

Beaches and Bikes

Sunday morning ride, from The Club, with Gerd, Eric and Cliff, (L-R). This is after about 12 km and 50 minutes to get from sea level, up Hina Lani to 1500 feet. Next section, KALOKO!!!

One more quick photo after filling water bottles before the next 13km 3500 elevation gain with absolutely no downhill, and barely any flat sections.

Cliff making a call for more oxygen!!! The last section on Hue Hue is 17-18 % grade. Heck, we are still going for a 1 hour hike :)

The descent is a blast, 0 to over 80kph in about 15 seconds!!! Eric and I took another route, all downhill to where we started from, and was 19km at 50kph,,,, average

Some fish photos just in the bay at the Pier. This is a needle fish in layman's terms,,,

and some angle fish

and some yellow fish

and a school of fish. I hung out for a long time with these fishies in school, I can use all the help I can get.

KONA BREWERY BEER!!! The reward for getting the bbq together,,, or shall I call it the grill!!!

And the steaks have been "most excellent!!"

Team Ironman Canada on a Wednesday morning ride with Ricci.

Team Kona,,, Ricci and Monica.

Congratulations on your great race at Kona World Championships Ricci!!!

Lava tubes, along the Queen K, just past the airport.

Enter at your own risk!!! Wear proper footwear, not flip flops like me,,, yup, I drew some blood in there :)

Neighbourhood Gecko. My sister has some great photos,, soon to be seen here.

It is always hard to find time to get to the beach, luckily there are many.

And a busy beach at the south end of Ali'i Drive, near the Ironman turnaround.

2009 almost over??

Enjoying some of the fabulous ocean after a Christmas morning run along a beach trail in Kona.

Did I hear, never turn your back on the ocean??

Ok, from the sound of that crashing into the rocks, I am gonna get wet'r,,,,

Now there is a big wave, and a lil pink visor in the water!!

A great way to spend a Christmas morning :)

Mele Kalikimaka

Austin Longhorn 70.3

Early morning swim start, this one of the swim heats, that started heading out at 7:30am at Walter E Long Lake.

Not my fastest swim, but actually my most enjoyable swim.

Out on the bike course that went through some farm land and nice rolling hills. Although I was guilty of daydreaming, I did not see any Longhorns!!

56 miles of bike course.

Heading out on the run, from T2 went went through the stadium and came out on this side as we started 3 loops on the run course.

It was exciting to finish in the stadium with all of the spectators cheering and making lots of noise to encourage the racers.

Part of the finishers SWAG, along with the medal and a finishers hat and metal water bottle!!

Monica on her last loop heading to the finish where her sister and family are waiting to cheer her through. The hill in the background does not look like much but seems to go on for ever. Thankfully there was an aid station at the top with the volunteers dressed up in all sorts of costumes.

Congratulations Monica on your first Ironman 70.3 race. Well done, under 6 hours!!! Now for Ironman Canada 2010!!

A great way to end the season, a 70.3 race in Austin Texas. Now for a break from training.

Recovery breakfast at Kerby Lane Cafe . An omelet, along with ginger bread, buttermilk, strawberry and cream as well as Punkin pancakes. One more great reason to love Triathlons
:)