Vintage Motocross Racing

This was our second year going to vintage motocross races. Last year Walt's friend Ken raced and I got some great pictures of him. I was going to take photos of him again but he ended up not racing because of bike problems.

(Ken last year. March 15th, 2008)

We still had a great family day out watching motorcycle races. Vintage bikes are pretty cool and it's mostly older racers. This year there were even some participants from other countries and old champions racers too. The weather felt like summer and shade was scarce.


(I have no idea who these guys are but it's fun to take motocross pictures.)








Carley isn't into watching motocross races. She was always whining and bored.




We hung out at a buddy's RV. It was about the only place we could get shade.


The kids aren't used to RVs. They had fun climbing in and out of the top bed.




We got race shirts and Josh got a few autographs from the Pros who were there.


(One of the past champions.)


Sand Hill from the RV (left) to the track (right). See slightly bigger.

Mandarins and Motorcycles

Saturday was a fun family day. We went to Auburn for the Mountain Mandarin Festival where you can find the best mandarins in California. Mmm.


There are lots of enjoyable things to eat, see and do at the Mandarin Festival.


We watched a 10 (minus one) piece brass ensemble. We really enjoyed that especially since there were 4 trumpets!


The kids rode a few kiddie rides.


And decorated little mandarin heads.


Which took a lot of tendering loving care.


While the mandarin heads dried, they stayed in the Mandarin Daycare.



Where Josh's mandarin was not on his best behavior.


And of course we bought our 10lb. bag of mandarins. Our 10lb bag is almost empty already.


After the Mandarin Festival, we drove further up the mountain to a dirt road area where Josh and Walt rode their dirt bikes.

It was Josh's second time taking out his new bike and this time Walt brought his along for a little fun himself.


It was great to see the two of them having fun together.


Josh really enjoyed himself and got a lot more comfortable on the bike. He even got up to second gear for the first time.


I love to see them bond.


Walt was just like a boy wanting to catch air off the little jump. Towards the end of the day he was getting pretty high. I unfortunately had put away my camera by then.


Josh started pushing his comfort zone a little and got off the ground just enough. He was so happy about that.


After seeing the boys have so much fun, Carley wanted to go for a spin. She borrowed her brother's helmet and hung on tight to Walt's pants. He took it easy but she loved it.


I did hop on Josh's bike and took it for a few spins myself. What fun.

It turned out to be a terrific family day. We all enjoyed being together and went home smiling.

Little Stud, Dirt Bike Boy

Josh got his first dirt bike last week thanks to Walt working a side job and combing craigslist.com for a deal.

Walt, his friend, Ken and Josh took the little Honda XR70 up into the foothills and found an open area with a few hills for Josh to get his first lesson. From what I hear, Josh picked it up fairly quickly although he never got out of first gear. (Guess that will be lesson two.) Josh had a terrific time, he came home pumped and smiling. Walt kept talking all evening about how proud he was and how good Josh did. I'm really glad that the two of them will be able to have this experience to share as father and son.