How To Spectate

As you all know, next weekend is the big race and life is pretty crazy around here. However, a few weeks ago, we were able to get away for a day. Dieter was riding in race, one that is traditionally a non-friendly spectator course. It is always wet, windy and not pleasant to be out in at all. This year, I had a plan to limit my environmental exposure. A friend of mine lives a mere 6 miles from the start and I decided that, while Dieter was battling the elements, we would drive off and hang out there.

But we still had to put in some pre-race support duty. (This just means that I couldn't leave until the race went off.)

Here is Dieter in his spiffy new Battenkill United uniform pre-race. Notice the cow motif. (Dieter likes cows.)


He was joined by some adventurous B-U cohorts (That's one of my little munchkins there on the right.)


Farm Team had a good showing, as well.


Austin looks like he's cleaning his bike before the race - I'm not quite sure why.


While the racers headed out for a warm-up, my brood found ways to entertain themselves.




Levi found a mud puddle...


He was almost in the clear and then he tipped over.


Fortunately, the damage was minimal.

Eowyn was cozy and warm in her stroller.


Finally, the men lined up and the race took off.


And so were we.

We went to visit with my friend, Janet, and her family - husband, Justin, and their two really cute kids. They live in an idyllic setting. Justin is the year round caretaker of a summer camp/farm. It is serene and peaceful.

After playing inside for a bit, we got a little tour of the farm.

Janet, Justin, and Wyatt...


looking at these beauties.


Wyatt paid them a personal visit.


Levi headed up to the back field to converse with the cows.


The momma cows had not yet birthed their offspring with one exception. This is the only calf at the moment.


It's momma didn't take too kindly to my attention and moved a bit closer.


Janet's oldest child showed my kids how to collect hickory nuts and then crack them open. She had an attentive audience.


She's pretty good at wielding a hammer, too, for a 4 year old.


Her brother was not interested in hickory nuts. He liked my camera and kept insisting that I take his picture. I was too happy to oblige - I love willing subjects! (And he's such a cutie!)


By this time, we had to head back to the race. The hickory nuts had wet everyone's appetite and they were hungry so Dagny made my favorite bike race food - peanut butter and fluff sandwiches.


And I was able to get the obligatory photo of Dieter.


One of these days, I'll be able to get him from the front. But probably not until he's old and slow.