Post Robie

At the finish of my 8th Race to Robie Creek

The race is over. I'm happy. I took it easy this year, and was rewarded. While my time was a bit slower, but not my slowest, I felt way better at the finish than any previous race. I was actually up for more mountain biking on Sunday, where I normally quietly pray that we head home after the first pedal turn. I'm happy with that. Next up is a 200-mile bike relay race from Boise to Sun Valley in June. Should be fun.

This last week has been nuts. Upon returning from Boise, Meg had gone out and bought a new house. Now new house. Now we have got to move. Some small things like Meg painting her office and me sealing the granite counter tops and getting all the lights and things working. We pack feverishly at home at night and hope for a dry Saturday in which to move. I have talked with the property management about renting the house, but still need to get carpet people lined up... I can't wait for it all to be done. Then we will just need to deal with a wedding :)

New House

Meg just sent me a text saying she picked up the key! We have a new house, so prepare for a housewarming!

Also, congrats to the Fleming clan for their new additin, Van Fleming. Awesome news!

As for me, I'm en route to Boise for my annual day of pain, the Race to Robie Creek. Wish me well; I'll need it...

A Tale of Two Gas Mileages

Last tank in the FJ Cruiser: 15.2 MPG
First tank in the Vibe: 29.8 MPG

Meg's Pimp New Ride

After a pancake breakfast, Meg and I went down to Salem and got her a new bike, a Schwinn Suburban. It's a 5-speed in pretty nice condition. There is a "stamp" that says 77 on it, so we believe it may be the same age as Meggie.

Nueva Casa

The new place

There was an offer. Then a counter-offer. Then we signed. And that's basically how we got this house. It is located in the Maplewood neighborhood, just West of Multnomah Village. 90 acre Gabriel Park is extremely close, as are many restaurants and other fun places.

We are keeping the house in Tigard, so if anyone is looking for a lovely two bedroom, two bath in beautiful Tigard Oregon, let us know!

More pictures here

Wanna see something really exciting?

The new ride

So, as you may imagine from my last post, the FJ is gone. In its place is a new (to me) Pontiac Vibe. My first "American" car. I use the quotes because even though it is built by an American car company in Fremont California by Americans, it really is a Toyota Matrix, which is just a hatchback version of a Toyota Corolla... Anyway, this is "America's best built car!" and guess what? GM doesn't want you to know that.

I have to say it is well though out. The only part that isn't is the useless roof rack (can't get the cross bars far enough apart). Inside it is comfortable, plenty of headroom, lots of space. It won't be off-roading like the FJ, but it will be getting 30 MPG...

And now, I'm part of this Exciting family of vehicles: