10 Barrel(s) of laughs in Bend

A few weeks ago, we took a quick weekend trip to Bend to spend some time with T's football buddies and their wives, the Greenbergs and the Schaffers.

We met up with their other football buddy, Garrett, who owns a brewery in Bend, and we certainly enjoyed our time touring, tasting, and enjoying the menu at his brew pub.

Another weekend highlight: Watching Taylor in his element out on the mountain bike trails. He was a terrific tutor to his friends and patient as always with me.

I left my camera in the car when we were touring the brewery, so these are from T's phone.

Was really fascinated with the bottling machine...

Colby gearing up at the bike rental shop.

Such a specimen, that Mike. 

Such a stud in his kit.

Typical 50% smile rate.

Colby, Kat, and Carissa.

Forgot to take a group shot out on the trail.

We really worked for those tacos and beer.

Oh. This has nothing to do with the trip, but I just feel the need to post this. If you look carefully, you can see a camouflaged fly. It's a salmon fly, to be exact, and Taylor made us pull over the car in Warm Springs just so we could all catch a glimpse of these seasonal insects. It's a fly-fishing thing, and we just didn't understand. :) 

Cruz-ing down the coast

One time Taylor told me if he had whittle down his interests to just two things, he'd stick with fishing and mountain biking.

After I asked if he wanted to travel to Northern California for Troy's wedding, he looked at a map, and giddy as a school girl boy, he wondered if I would possibly...just maybe...kind of be interested in going to Santa Cruz.

Since he did all of the driving on the trip, I figured it was only fair for the guy to live it up before heading back to Portland.

After a lovely morning-after brunch at Troy's mom's house, we rushed down the highway to Santa Cruz, and in true Taylor fashion, he had it all mapped out. We blew through town and out on the trail toward Wilder State Park.

What a beaut! For miles we rode on the rimrock, with the ocean directly to our left, and outstanding farmland to the left. When a breeze blew, you could smell the sweetest combination of sea air and fresh produce...just like walking through a farmers' market.

Once the trail ended and we had to cross over the highway, things got a little uncomfortable for me. Since I am not the most experienced rider, poor Taylor's patience was put to the test as I tried--rather unsuccessfully--to grind up the hills. I've got to give the guy some serious credit. More than just a high five. A standing ovation is not enough. If I could do a one-person stadium wave, I would. He is such a trouper when trying to teach this old dog new tricks. I get a bit (understatement of the century) frustrated when I can't do things right away. I don't have to be the best, but I do not like fumbling...over and over again...especially when it's something related to athletics or athleticism.

I wish Taylor could have rode more of the trails, but we had to rent my bike and return it fairly early. We settled for a stroll along the wharf and some serious people-watching on the boardwalk.

Although I have only Hood River to compare it to, Santa Cruz is a pretty sweet place to hit the trails on a bike. I highly recommend, and I hope we can come back again when I'm a bit more experienced. That is, if Taylor agrees to continue teaching me his techniques. ;)

I took some video on Taylor's phone, so I'll see if I can add that at some point. That'd be pretty high-tech of me if I could.

All geared up and ready to go.

I, on the other hand, chose to forgo the padded pants, and was sorely (yes, pun intended) remorseful.

Helmet heads.

Lucky for us, there were some surfer passers-by.

Surf's up!

Strolling along the wharf.

I'd never seen a seal so close up...except maybe at the zoo.

Celebrating their love in front of the carnies on the boardwalk. How romantic!

It's times like this when I'm so glad it's not considered taboo to bust out your camera just about anywhere. This was a California mom waving to her kiddos on the roller coaster. The front was just as good as the back. Use your imagination.

Taylor, seriously...stop asking me to take your pic at every landmark. Oh. Wait. That's me. He he.

Welcome to Santa Cruz, where the '70s rule.

Goodbye SC. We'll see you again sometime.

Le Tour fever

Taylor had me watch a documentary about Le Tour de France, and I must say, it really helped me appreciate and understand the race. We took this photo at Mellow Johnny's in Austin. He's such a good sport.

Six Hours of Mt. Hood

Before we headed to the Greenbergs' for an all-American Fourth of July party (on the third!), we ventured up to Mt. Hood so Taylor and his buddy Denny could participate in Six Hours of Mt. Hood.

As the name of the race suggests, those crazies rode their bikes for six hours on a grueling course, all for the glory of finishing, as well as a nice pint glass and necklace. ;)

Besides being the (un)official race photographer, I hit up the trails for a run before lounging at the base of "camp" to work on my tan. It was a tough day for all.

The "hand-off" between Taylor and Denny.

What a stud.

It's crazy to think just a few months ago we were skiing here. It looks a little different during the summer months.

Comin' in hot.

Super happy to be done.

Taylor and his teammate, Denny (who, by this point, had already changed and had his post-race beer).

And, the night before the race, we went to the Timbers game! Such a great weekend.

Great seats courtesy of Timbers midfielder Freddie Braun!

Super Sunday in Hood River

A few weeks ago, we drove up to Hood River and headed out on the Post Canyon mountain biking trails with one of Taylor's besties, Ketler. 

Taylor was smart to plan this trip as my first official mountain biking outing because Ketler served as the perfect buffer between my frustrations with being a first-timer and my enjoyment of the experience. I can't wait to go again.

TB, Ketler, and me...with the Gorge in the background.

The happy couple...once the hard part was over!

This is Taylor "looking tough" and me...well...I can't really keep a straight face ever.