Jay Richards

Cranking it with Luke Busta. Saturday I went to Brainerd to watch Jake's race. Jake did great. Won both of his races and would of won both races if he was a 7th grader. When I got home I was scheduled for two lessons but they cancelled. So I went out on the trails to check things out. No sooner then 2 minutes, Luke came flying by jammn' to his pod so I jumped in the tracks and we ripped out Wavy Gravy. The tracks are just perfect right now. Classic sking is the ticket when it is cold like it is now and the tracks are rock solid, fast and firm.

Yesterday I went back to the ARB and did the 16k skate race. I broke free with 3 other guys including Don Harris (who won the Gov Cup last weekend) Deven Arenz and Paul Olson. The course was pretty narrow with a classic track on the side so it was hard to pass.... so I just sat in at the fourth spot all race. Middle the way through, I clipped Devon's pole and took him out. Not cool. I didn't jump in front as that would of been bad form so he got back up, nothing broken and quickly bridged back up. About a k to go, I hopped in the track and tried to go to the front but it was on the outside and it didn't happen. I did move to the third spot as Don slowly started to crank things up. About 300 meters to go Don was flying and Devon was losing ground just a bit. I tried to get around him but didn't have the room. Even at the finish it wasn't open enough to go around so I did my best to sneak in to second but Devon got me by a half a ski. Don also won the classic race. He has been skiing all over the place. In between college and law school I think he said. Maybe medical. Can't remember. I was stiff last night so I went to the hot tub to loosen up. It was good to get this race in before Mora. I have a game plan set. Basically I will get in the front group and hang on hopefull til the end. 2km to go I have a plan. I will let you know how it goes next week!!!

This morning I was in breakfast duty since Deb the cook was off. I made 9 grain hot cereal of course, farm style potatoes, bacon, corn flake encrusted french toast and caramel roll french toast. We also had grapefruit. I love making breakfast and love eating huge breakfasts. After that I went to Jack's class for a reading program. I could of done without the 30 min of psychobabble from the OT person but what do you do. I was getting sleepy. Finally I got to have Jack and do some craft stuff. I then went back to his room and helped him with another project. I try to go to the kids classes at least once a month. Should be more. I talked to his teacher about the class coming out so hopefully in a few weeks we will get the 100 kindergartners or so out on the snow. Jon's class is coming next week.

My bike remains in the bike box. I noticed they groomed the snowmobile trails this morning. Today would of been perfect as the snow has been turned up and it is like pavement with enough give for good traction. But maybe in a couple of weeks I will think about riding. Two weekends of ski racing first. I will try and do the pole pedal and pant this year as well so I better do a little bit of riding. The day has turned gorgeous. Jonell and I are going to take Jens out in the pulk once my dad gets back from skiing.