Laurie & Dan get hitched + Oregon Enduro #4: Camas

Last weekend our good friends Laurie and Dan got hitched up in Ariel, WA and it was a beautiful wedding. I have no pictures of Laurie, but she looked stunning! Thor and I got all dolled up for the occasion, and we even coaxed Thor out on the dance floor for a few songs. He did a great rendition of the 'horsey-dance' to Gangam Style especially for Laurie & Dan on their big day. Believe me, I will do my best to acquire photographic evidence of this to share - because the photographer said he got a couple great shots. 

Also! We took the van to the wedding and slept in it. AWESOME! it was so comfy and quiet!!! I slept until almost 10 the next morning. Here are some more pics of the inside of the van at night. 

Laurie & Dan at their rehearsal dinner. 

Laurie, myself, and Avie at the rehearsal dinner. 

After the wedding it was time for phase 2 of the weekend - enduro racing in Yacolt, WA. This was race #4 of the OR enduro series and it was on more DH-type terrain. NOT my forte, and I was happy to make it through the race in one piece with just one crash. phew! I ended up third overall which was a great finish for me on that type of course. 

Adele and I waiting for the shuttle mid-race. 

On the podium in third behind Karina Magrath (2nd) and Liz Miller (1st) - two awesome, super-quick ladies!

Seattle, Stella and Bikes!

Last weekend we took the sprinter on its maiden voyage to Seattle to visit Kathryn,  Brian and Stella - and of course I snuck some riding in!  We got lucky and Aunt Susanna made it home from Cambodia while we were there so we got to see her and share the van with her too. 

It was great getting to see everyone - and on Saturday I did a clinic at Duthie Hill (the Sugar Showdown) where I rode my biggest drop yet. Lots of fun!

riding some gaps. 

Big bad wolf drop on Voodoo. 

Lots of Stella time 

Reading with Thor

Checking out the van

Stella's Summer Dress

I forgot to post pictures of this dress I made Stella! My friend Morgan turned me on to this pattern (Smashed Peas and Carrots pinafore - google it) - and it is super easy, and nice because it can be a dress at six months, and turn into a top as they get bigger!

Don't be deterred by the fabric buttons - turns out they are easy-peasy!

And how adorable is their croc rack at the back door? 

Sprinter Van Acquired: Phase 1 Complete

we did it! we bought a van. phase 1 of eject from current life and leave on road trip is complete. now we just need to sort out the rest of the logistics. 

we got the van last Monday - and have been horrible about taking/posting pictures. we will take more soon. 

without further ado - the newest member of the Tingey household:

Monday Night Short Track - 6.24,13 - My First Cat 1 Win!

I won my first Cat 1 race! It was one of our regular Monday night short track races, and I really surprised myself! 

I had a great start (I've been struggling to get clipped in fast enough) - so I was right with everyone headed out onto the course. I pedaled hard and stuck with everyone, and somehow found myself in the lead at the end of the first lap! Eep! 

I decided I better do my best to stay there - so I really buried myself and rode harder than I have in a long time - Thor might say ever! ;) 

Laura caught me at one point and we were riding together for a bit, but then she took a wrong turn and I was able to regain a gap. On the second to last lap I could tell another fast woman, Julie, was going to catch me, so I eased up a bit to let her catch up and come by and then I hopped right on her wheel and 'rested' a bit through the twisty, tree section. 

Once we got to the last real straight section I knew I needed to make my move to get around her, and I was able to power up, pull around her, and get back in the lead before hitting the next section of gravel single-track.  

After that I just needed to sustain my lead and not mess up in the motorcx portion of the infield coming into the finish. I almost couldn't believe it when I came across the line first! I was pretty excited, and proud of myself for pushing myself so hard. 

The best part was William, Thor and my Mom cheering like crazy from the sidelines (I even heard Adele at one point who was in my race, but we passed each other going opposite ways in one spot).. I could hear them every lap and it was great to have their support and then see them after the race. I love having family in PDX!