Pulling the pin, a moment.

A lot of thought goes into to some decisions, and you look forward to whats to come. But even when you think you've contemplated every scenario and every angle of that decision sometimes things just aren't what they appeared and you know you'll probably have to pull the pin.

I decided a couple of months back that I was going to give basketball at a high level another shot (pardon the pun) with the Canberra Gunners. I was looking forward to the challenge and getting back on the court again in a team environment. Having only committed to the bare minimum, as my extra time these days is minimal, I thought it was going to be fine and initially was excited. Although when thinking about all the extra things that inevitably always pop up, (extra trainings, game video sessions, weights, promo's, physio for my back, triple header road trips!) I decided that rather than getting to the point of regretting playing and not enjoying it and ultimately being too late to pull out and abandon the team, I would pull the pin early on before training had even started. That way they have easily enough time to find a replacement.

I knew it was the right decision straight away as it felt like a huge weight had been lifted. I had been getting more and more worried how my back would hold up for the season and how I would fit everything in around basketball, especially family weekend activities the new love of riding. If I wasn't enjoying basketball for whatever reason and it was taking away from riding my bike, which I am absolutely loving at the moment, I would really resent it. That's something I wouldn't want to happen as its been such a massive and great part of my life.

Committing to things is easy, but knowing when that moment is you need to pull out of something you know in your heart wont work, is tough, but also crucial for your happiness.

A Moment -

I had a moment tonight doing a loop around Stromlo that I realised why I felt so good about the decision not to play Basketball this season.

For the 11 or 12 years I played basketball professionally, once you sign your contract with a team you are basically owned for that time. Your time seems not to be yours anymore, your at the mercy of the coach. If your fortunate enough to be in a winning team where everything is going smoothly then you have your schedule for the week and the rest of the time is your own. If your on a losing team on the other hand, your weeks can sometimes be turned upside down with spontaneous training sessions, or crisis meetings being called. Leaving you with no chance of planning anything outside of the basketball bubble your in.

Ever since being out of that scene, I have just loved the fact that I or we can plan anything and it be OK. Weekends are always free! Amazing. Nights are my own! awesome. It just dawned on me that not being in a way 'owned' by someone, gives you a wonderful sense of freedom. Especially out on your bike in the fresh air, amongst nature, on a beautiful evening. I really appreciate the less committed responsibility outside of home life I find myself with these days.

Single track through the spring flowers on a gorgeous Stromlo evening....and a moment of happiness.

Wheel cake

To celebrate Jacob getting his 'wheel freedom' back - being able to ride on stuff now that his cast is off, we went down the park for a scoot and a bbq dinner. Jem had baked a cake that day and decided to turn it into a wheel cake to symbolise his bike wheel. Mick, Tracey and Emma met us there later on as they live just round the corner from the park we went to. Lovely evening with the family and a happy Jacob!

Back on 2 wheels

Well after 5 weeks of being in a cast and 2 extra weeks of staying off his bike, Jacob was finally allowed to get back on the saddle. I took him and Sam to Stromlo for a ride which he loved. 'Its just like riding a bike'

 

Pre Pre school

Sammy had his Pre School orientation day on Wednesday to get all the brand new students familiar with their new surroundings for 2013. He seemed to really like it and had a great time trying all the activities out.

Tura Beach weekend

We took a trip to Tura beach for the weekend to catch up with Em, Rich, Jack and Jo. We had a great day on Saturday, firstly Em and Jem went for a spin around Mandeni while Rich and I took the kids down there for some mountain biking also. William and Jack pretty much riding non stop for the whole time we were there! We then went over for some jumping pillow action where the kids bounced themselves silly. Its so lovely seeing all the kids bonding more and more and playing together so nicely. After that was a BBQ lunch and some quiet time at home, then Rich and I went out to Tathra to check out the trails. 

What I expected was far and away exceeded and I was blown away by the network of single track in there. Hugely different from what I have ridden before, with multiple 'heart in mouth' sections where you sometimes just have to hold on, stay alert and hope for the best. Whoever built the trails must be having a laugh in some spots as my bike barely fit through multiple tree gaps and coming off anywhere would ultimately lead to kissing a tree, which is exactly what I did at one point. Sliding out on a sandy berm, coming off and trying to push down a tree with my shoulder. Ouch! Bridges is another super intense section where you cross many huge gullies that require your bike to use its full range of suspension! All I was thinking for about 10 or so minutes on that bit was "Bike dont fail me now!"

Varied terrain, quite steep and some super fast little bursts that leave you giggling with excitement. We covered about 40kms of it and I was impressed to say the least. Technical, tough climbs, fast and flowy! all be it a little sandy in spots but a brilliant ride none the less and one that left me on cloud nine for the rest of the day. Thanks again Rich. Looking forward to the next visit to Tathra! 

See you guys in a few weeks!

Waiting for the jumping pillow to fill up

 Jumping pillow races!

 A large lizard scurrying up a tree as we rode past at Tathra

 Short point peninsular, beautiful spot.

 A bit of rock climbing

 Thanks big sis, see you soon

Baby boy

When you cant make it in time to your own bed, just find the nearest large soft area, curl your knees up and put your arms between your legs, roll onto your belly and then pass out! 

After I brought Lucas in from the car asleep, I went to check on Sam and came back to find him looking like a little new born again on our bed. Very sweet.

 

Dirt Crits

 Sammy and Lukey lining up for their under 6's race, very cute!

 William in the under 11's ready to go

Go Will!

A blissful world

I often watch Sam and Lucas and wonder what they are thinking about. No serious worries or concerns, all is taken care of, loved and looked after. Its a blissful little world they live in. So it should be.

Compete

I would recommend riding a bike on a nice trail to anyone. It clears the mind, increases fitness and is bloody fun! 

I blitzed my time up Stromlo today on the 'Red loop' from the Scott 24. From carpark back to carpark, it took me 34 minutes. Reaching the top almost a minute faster than my previous best. I was in the groove, picking all the right lines, breathing, focused, controlled. Days like that are awesome. I smile after any ride, but after one like that where everything clicks, your left totally satisfied. 

Competing against myself is something I've learned to enjoy more and more. Pushing myself when no one else is watching.

Sunset from the carpark

Mother and sons

Jem and her 4 wonderful boys

Cast off!

Its been 6 long weeks for Jacob in his cast. The little man has been a trooper and hasnt really complained, taking it in his stride.

Today was the day he got to have it off! 

 Before

 During

After!

Laneway laricans

We spend a whole lot of time out on the Laneway. Its the only real space we have where the boys can stretch out and ride or run around. They have made friends with some kids a few houses up and sometimes it  turns into a playground full of children rather than an access for vehicles. 

Bro's just hangin out

Our first family camp

We took an overnight trip up to the beautiful southern highlands near Bowral NSW on Saturday. We stayed at a caravan park in Moss Vale purely to catch up with an old friend of Jems (Ange and her family) and see how we would go camping all together. I bought a new tent a few weeks ago and it was the first time we had used it so we werent sure. Luckily it was pretty easy to set up and we all fit in it (Just!). It all went relatively smoothly apart from some tired kids and being quite a cold spring day and night.

As we were pulling down and packing up the tent we met a couple with a georgous dog which they showed the boys how to perform tricks with. It kept them all entertained and gave us a chance to get everything done, if we could take them with us on every camp that would be great!

Trivia night

The school had a fund raising trivia night on Friday that we went to with some friends of ours. It was a really fun night and had some interesting surprises when the extroverted sometimes crazy Rick, broke into dance with Simon which almost became X rated! Really funny! Jem has the video of it and we are thinking of uploading it to Youtube! Sore sides from all the laughter!

Dirt crits

Whilst chatting to a guy I met at the BMX track, I found out that during the daylight savings time of the year they have kids mountain bike races on at Stromlo on a Thursday evening, called dirt crits. I took all the boys down there last week to try it out. Although being a little chilly and the boys having a couple of stacks before the races had begun they had a good time. Sam did the under 6 race with me running behind and came second (out of about 10)! and William took part in the under 11's. He of course had a great time as they did a loop of a lower section of single tracks and came 5th in his group. 

Being free for under 12's it could be a regular thing for us, especially as it starts to get warmer. You have also gotta love the atmosphere surrounding cycle meets and races, great family day outs and activities to share.

 Sammy celebrating his podium finish!

Will off and racing!

More dress ups!

Even super hero's need to take a nap!

                                                    "Can we play dress ups?" 

"Ok, what do you want to be today?" 

"Spiderman and Iron turtle?!"