Jay Richards: Florida Buck Fourth

The third week of June, Jonell's mom was very gracious in taking her children with spouses and their children (minus miss Madeline) to the Florida Keys, specifically Duck Key for a week. We brought two bikes and Jake had his roller skis along. So I wouldn't get lost in the airport, I left a nice trail of white powder (Hammer Heed energy drink to be exact) through the airport. Seriously, it provided some good laughs and upon opening the bike box, I still had half a bag and enough supply for the week in the warm temps. We spent most days relaxing, riding and skiing in the morning and my brother in law TJ rented a boat for a couple of days to go fishing. The last day we went out with a guide which was interesting to experience but personally the outing with TJ and other bro in law Ryan was more exciting. The day we went out we were fishing for tarpon. They had gone out earlier in the week and has some success and figured it wouldn't be that hard themselves to do. Video below capturing a bit of the action.

Grandma with her grandkids on a trip up to Fort Lauderdale the night before flying back home.

I seriously doubt anyone else has ever rollerskied in the keys. There were some good looks and comments. I rode every morning and had Jon join me a few days and Jake and I also went out one afternoon when the heat index was around 100 but a hour spin was doable. The riding was a bit dicey outside the bike paths and limited but the wheels were moving so all good.

Probably the neatest thing was the local soccer field that the kids spent a lot of time at. It was a half sized field which kept the action tighter and honestly can say it was the best soccer I have ever watched. No drama, no crazy refs or fans. They would play in the morning than at 5 which would draw other kids that were pumped to have so many kids to play with. They were clearly disappointed hearing we wouldn't be back the next day.

Passing by poolside.

Dinner at Sunset Grille just next to the bridge which is longer than other bridges.

On the sandy beach of FL.

Bros

I didn't want the video to go viral with hockey mom beauties but instead a photo will do.

Not in Callaway anymore. Checking out the scene in Fort Lauderdale

It was a great trip for the whole family and like Ryan pointed out, no punches swung, no trips to the ER making things even better.

Sunday morning we were back in time to sneak over to Buck Hill. It was hard to get in race mode but being as close as we were, we had to go and there was no excuse not to go. It was great just to see all the nice folk and be in the race atmosphere.

My body was not happy the first few laps and was in the hurt tank with the hard effort but glad to finish and get a placing. A few years ago when Lyme was kicking my butt, I didn't think I would ever race and expert race again but keeping the wheels moving and pushing forward. Hopefully hitting up a few more series races this summer yet....