Twenty-two years ago today, I entered my first BMX freestyle competition. Part of something I want to do this year, is to recognize important anniversaries in order to celebrate and reflect. If you want to watch either of these events, just click on the images above. Here are a few thoughts: It was at the Thompson Recreation Center, in Columbus, Ohio. I can remember it was a really snowy Sunday afternoon, and was the first time I met some fellow riders that became some of my dearest friends even to this day. My routine was 3-minutes and to watch it now feels like FOREVER...I rode to the song "Rebel Yell", by Billy Idol, which is so funny. I was in the 13 and under novice class, and I think I got 3rd place. When I look back, what a start to an amazing experience that helped to shape me into who I have become.

When we think of California, most of us think of palm trees and the Pacific. However one of the great things about the state is the true diversity. Some friends of ours were gracious enough to invite us up to Lake Arrowhead for a few days of R & R and we were able to experience a whole new part of the state. Lake Arrowhead is in the San Bernadino mountains and the elevation is around 5000 feet. The boys LOVED being able to sled and play in the snow once again.