Way to go, proud Daddy!

Wow, Steve's a winner! Brought home a blue ribbon and everything -- I'm so inspired!
-Wendy

Run for Autism 5K was a kick

I've got an autistic boy, so every fall, we try to participate in the 5K Run/Walk sponsored by the Autism Society of America, Treasure Valley Chapter.

This year, I ran the 5K, and my ex Amy Stahl walked with our son, Drew. Last year, I pushed Drew in the Burley trailer as I ran the course, and Quinn rode his bike alongside.

There was a great turnout as usual, and we had beautiful weather on a crisp and clear fall day.

The race course started and finished at Veterans Memorial Park. We ran from the center of the park over to the river and Greenbelt, and then went east on the Greenbelt to the Main Street bridge, turned around, and came back.

Several serious runners took off like a laser at the beginning of the race, so the whole pack started out fast. I knew I couldn't keep up that pace, so I dialed it down as the race progressed. Still, the exhileration of running in the race caused me to run much faster than usual. My pace was 8:03/mile, and I ended up winning first place in the 40-49 age group. Not bad for an old fart!

(L-R, Lena and Monte (co-directors of Read Set Go) and Lindsey)

It was great to see some of the folks at the event who have worked with Drew's language and academic skills since he was only 2 1/2 years old. Now he's 9, he's in 4th grade at Cynthia Mann Elementary, and he's doing well. We're very proud of him.

Drew did great in the 5K walk, and had no problem completing the course.

For more information on the Autism Society, TV Chapter, go here. There are a lot of great resources for autistic kids in the Boise area. Drew has benefitted hugely from these services.

Drew and his mom, Amy Stahl.

Idaho Velopark is awesome

My son Quinn and I rode several trails at the Idaho Velopark last Sunday as part of the Trailpalooza event. It was great to see a ton of people out there at the Velopark, and it's impressive to see all of the new trails that are built and ready to ride - just 6 months after work began this spring.

Check out the Velopark web site for a new trails map.

Two You Tube videos of the park riding experience are really fun to watch, too. Dual Slalom. Pumps and Jumps.

Do what you can to support the Idaho Velopark project and contribute funds if you can. The web site has information on how to donate.

There's an REI - Velopark trail project going on next weekend.

REI Trail Day
When: 9 a.m. -3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27.
Where: Idaho Velodrome & Cycling Park.
What: REI employees and their affiliates will build a new trail at the cycling park. The public is welcome to join in. You can sign up at REI, or call REI, 322-1141.

I found the photo at broadbandsports.com.

-SS

Loon Lake video link is cool

Check out this video on You Tube about mountain biking the Loon Lake trail by Kevin Mullin of Boise. It's got great flow ... just like the ride itself.

I rode the Loon Lake loop with my friend Mike from McCall on Saturday afternoon, and it was positively sweet!

Gorgeous colors springing forth, deep reds and yellows starting to pop. Really fast after the first long climb ... can't get too out of control, tho, got to watch out for other trail users. And on the Loon Lake Trail, you WILL run into other people on the trail - hikers, backpackers, motorcycle riders, mountain bikers, horses, Boy Scouts, you name it, I've seen 'em on that trail. On Saturday, tho, just a few hikers and bikers.

Loon Lake glistened in the afternoon light, surrounded by mountain splendor. Last year's fire opened up some country, but really didn't spoil the view of the lake whatsoever ... now there's new green growth coming up under the blackened forest.

We watched for spawning salmon in the deep dark-green recesses of the Secesh River as we pedaled back to the campground/trailhead, slaloming around the rocks, roots and creek-crossings. Didn't see any fish but I know they're in there.

Topped it off with soak at Burgdorf. Yee haw.

- SS

Fun Fun Fun on the Salmon River

We floated the Lower Salmon River Gorge in a 4-day trip over Labor Day weekend.

The weather was wonderful, and we all had a great time.