Thursday, July 29, 2010
Supporting a 8 hour mountain bike racer and the stuck car
During the ride, we were at our full alertness, but we were tired from the drama the night before. All these people were surrounding our car, while it felt like we were teeter-totting back and forth. Finally and after some burning smells, we moved away from the people and settled down in the portable den for the night.
All in all, a great place for us to watch the race and enjoy the beautiful warm smells that flowed through the forest.
CUB, aka THE GREAT PANINI (person)
We were lucky enough to support Megan as she tried her first 8 hr mountain bike race. It was nice and hot (for the supporters), but crazy hot for the riders. I was getting the food ready and making sure she had a CAMELBAK filled and ready to go. GU and CHOMPS seemed to enjoy the venue. I think there job was to look cute and sleep. Every once in awhile they thought some other dog was gonna get their food, but most of the time they seemed content finding that perfect spot.
Now we were tired from the long drive up the night before and then the whole issue of me driving the Honda Element a little off the off-road and high centered the car. Luckily, a whole bunch of people camping in the surrounding area pushed and made a ramp for up to finally break free (dreading taking it back to the shop to see what the damage might be).
Great race venue and atmosphere (where else do 20 people come out of the woods to push a car come from). JIM NORTHEY puts on some fun races...wwww.globalbiorhythmevents.com/. Thanks again to all those who helped out.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
New Mountain Bike Video.
We were lucky to get this far into the bike ride. Megan was scared by the 2 rattlesnake sightings early on the ride. I was glad to be on higher ground. WHEW!!!
I was with Megan while CHOMPS was with CUB. Too bad Cub was slow, I overtook them as quick as Contador went by Schlek. I wonder if Cub dropped his chain.
CUB, aka THE GREAT PANINI (I like bread)
Glad we got this far on the ride. TWO rattlesnakes and one with a gopher in its mouth. I'm glad Megan was leading. WHEW!!!
The video has me filming Chomps and then you see Megan and GU ride by us. Look at GU give us the LOOK.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
COMPUTERS...GRRRR!
Most of the issues are solved and we'll be posting more late next week. We're off to cheer and support at BOGGS 8hr race this weekend.
NEW GAME should be ready soon...should be fun for young and old alike.
Adopt a Pet. Ride a Bike. SMILE.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
WINNER for WHERE AM I? Contest 3
We were at the 2009 Tour of California at the last stage in ESCONDIDO...thanks for all of those who attempted to figure it out.
Next week a new contest...great for young and old, but best for those with good observation skills.
AND we will be having a sale the http://shop.thegreatchiweenie.com/ next week. More details to come.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Gene Cerise Ride
http://sloymca.org/bikeride.htm
I'll be there helping out early with Megan...Cub has to work at the Cove, but wanted to tell people about the ride.
Friday, June 18, 2010
We need a winner...
The day before this I was at Rose Bowl in Pasadena to watch the tour.
Other clues are posted on the MAY 18th entry.
Bob gave a great answer to why he got started in sponsoring cycling.
What a Day!
All footage taken on one day...nice negative tide at San Simeon Cove, atascadero critical mass and art show for bike month, and a great bike ride at Santa Margarita Lake.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
TOUR of CALIFONIA video...coming soon!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
The Great Chiweenie ROCKS the TOUR OF CALIFORNIA
I'm been following the Amgen's Tour of California with CHOMPS and Cub. We've been interviewing people throughout the week and will be slowing getting them up on this blog and our website. (Cub is having technical difficulties with the videos, but they will be up soon).
We have some small buttons that we will be handing out at the last 4 stages (Bakersfield, Big Bear, L.A, and Thousand Oaks)...find us and ask for one! (limited supplies)
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
WHERE AM I? : Contest 3
Every week we will be putting more of the original picture up with a hint posted below (and this messege). If you know where GU is, you can send an email to thegreatchiweenie@gmail.com or wait til its posted on our website and there will be an answer box for you to put your answer and email address (in case you WIN!!!). We will take the first 5 correct answers and randomly choose 1 to win. ONLY ONE (1) GUESS PER WEEK PER EMAIL ADDRESS.
PLEASE BE SPECIFIC! I know someone could say GU is on EARTH. And even though that is true, its not specific enough...
THIS WEEK'S CLUE...
Lance Armstrong was riding and Frank Schlek won the stage.
week 1 : I am at a major U.S. bike race (answer is not the name of the bike race...which city am I at?)
PRIZE...
Any one (1) product at our store (http://www.shop.thegreatchiweenie.com/).
Saturday, May 15, 2010
CRUISIN'
GU, aka THE GREAT CHIWEENIE
Chomps first real group ride. He looks to have figured out the positioning, but still doesn't understand how to move to the good smells yet.
CUB, human
Chomps first real group ride. GU went back with Megan's mom (with Megan) to keep her company while Chomps and I (and a few other riders) went through Hidden Valley. This was a ride we did often when I worked down here. Chomps seems good in the pack. Sometimes he feels like he is all the way out, but mostly b/c his body is longer than GU's.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
CONTEST 2 - WHERE AM I? WINNER IS_____?
The correct answer was MT. BAKER in WASHINGTON STATE.
Congrats to all those that got the correct answer! We will be posting some more videos hopefully tonight and all next week look for new blogs (hopefully daily).
Thursday, May 6, 2010
THE OTTER!!! Sea Otter Bike Festival
Sea Otter is a festival of bikes and we always love the atmosphere...here are a couple of pics from the days there...(so much stuff, so little time)
This bike drew lots of looks...crazy light Cannondale FLASH.
Me (GU...the dog) looking at some cool sliding dropouts on the new SALSA MARIACHI...if I remember right.
Hardwood bikes...that's cool. All of them were pretty rad. The bike company was RENOVO.
One thing about bike racing is you get to hang out with the world's best without much hassle. Here are two superstars from TEAM LUNA CHIX ...
Georgia Gould...she won the short track and cross-country titles at this years SEA OTTER
Katrina Nash...top 10 in the cross-country (8th)
Its great when they don't mind getting their pictures taken with us.
Yes, this was the first time Chomps and I shared a pack. I don't know why he insists on looking the same way I look. He's kind of a copy-dog.
He needs his nails cut too... (CUB: If he gets his nails cut, so do you)
Here are some future women's stars...ALEXIS and KENDELL RYAN, and their dad (guy in background with helmet on) and Jeff.
New Sleeping Bag...it works!
GU, the Great Chiweenie (DOG)
I love wind! Its one of the best things in the world.
I hate cold! Its one of the worst things in the world.
After a crazy night, with Megan and Cub being a little stressed. It was unusual that Megan was the one barking, and not Chomps or myself. But we were all ready for bed.
I love sleeping in the tent, but the ELEMENT would have to do. Cub wasn't gonna put up the tent in the wind and I think Megan and him like to sleep in the car every once in a while. I noticed right away that Cub got a new sleeping bag...SIERRA DESIGNS ARROW ROCK. Through the night, I got to test it out a bit, but the real test was the next day.
After riding sweep in the girls varsity race, I was pooped and cold. The new bag came in handy. I didn't move for over an hour. It just filled in all those cold pockets that weren't covered by my extra sugar. I would recommend it to any dog that needs a good place to lay his head.
CUB (PERSON)
Our first test of the bag was at Lake Arrowhead for the SOCAL high school mountain bike race #3. The wind was howling and the free camping was desolate. We rode earlier in the day with our team riders and went out to eat. The wind kept blowing while the temperature was dropping. After dinner, I pulled a little to far into the intersection and a car was coming, so I backed up a foot and we heard a honk from behind. I backed into them with my bike rack, but there wasn't a scratch.
Luckily, I kept my mouth shut and just took the verbal abuse from the non-drivers who were far from being sober, in more ways than one. Megan didn't, but luckily we drove away as one said it was okay. Then we were followed by them for a while, so I drove in directions that weren't where we were staying, but near businesses. Finally, they turned around and drove by us again, then went off into the darkness.
Relieved and tired, we pulled into the camping area...one car with a tent behind it and an RV. We tooked stuff out of the car so we could use the HONDA ELEMENT the way it was designed...combine the front and back seat (taking off the headrest) makes into a nice recliner bed. We stuffed the area between the seats and got into out sleeping bags. My new SIERRA DESIGN ARROW ROCK was now my first 3 season bag. I was joined by Chomps, while GU slept with Megan to start.
I slept well in the ELEMENT and ARROW ROCK...the only times I woke were to see if our stuff outside blew away or not. I was toasty warm and noticed the many features of the bag that I would probably never use, but could if needed (you can attach you bag to a sleeping pad so you don't slide off while asleep).
Luckily, the races went better than the night before. After the race was packed up, snow soon followed.
Friday, April 23, 2010
High School Mountain Bike League...Lake Arrowhead
GU, aka THE GREAT CHIWEENIE (dog) Sleeping in the car is always fun. A big protected place to sleep with lots of warm blankets and portable down dens are fantastic. The wind blew all night, but I was comfortably hanging in the den. The next day, the weather started to get better....WIND!!!
Cub and I followed the girls varsity race and the weather was a little chilly, but perfectly windy. I stuck my head out and ears were a floppin'. It was one of the best rides of the year, but I was pooped. Time to get back into the car and check out those portable dens.
CUB (person)
Race #3 for the SOCAL Interscholastic Mountain Bike League. Lake Arrowhead was the destination. The wind was howling the day before and made our idea of sleeping in a tent not as pleasant. So we used our HONDA ELEMENT and its ability to make seats into long bed. We slept the night away. The family was comfortable in the warm blankets and sleeping bags.
Race day was even windier and the cold moisture was coming. Gu and I rode sweep for the girls varsity race. The course was great, but the wind at times felt like it was going to blow you off the hill. It doesn't help when the pup in the pack, GU, acts more like a kite than a missle. He turns toward the wind and those ears flop. He loves it. He must have been the only one. It wore him out, as it did the high schoolers, and he quickily got comfortable in the car.
Monday, April 19, 2010
TAIL OF THE TAPE
last note: GU and Chomps love to play wrestle with each other so we hope you enjoy! IN NO WAY DO WE ENDORSE DOGFIGHTING...BUT WE DO ENDORSE PLAYTIME FOR ALL YOUNG PUPS (KIDS AND PETS ALIKE). Tell your friends. Tell your friends.
Friday, April 16, 2010
FIGHT FOR ________!!!!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Last CLUE!!! We have 3 correct answers...only 2 more!
THE CONTEST...
Every week we will be putting more of the original picture up with a hint posted below (and this messege). If you know where GU is, you can send an email to thegreatchiweenie@gmail.com or wait til its posted on our website and there will be an answer box for you to put your answer and email address (in case you WIN!!!). We will take the first 5 correct answers and then randomly choose 1 to win. ONLY ONE (1) GUESS PER WEEK PER EMAIL ADDRESS.
PLEASE BE SPECIFIC! I know someone could say GU is on EARTH. And even though that is true, its not specific enough...(there is more than one answer that we will accept for this week)
I'm close to another country and North of Mt. St. Helens.
week 3: Whatever is behind me (GU), is considered active.
week 2: March 25, 2010 1:40 pm, the temperature is 33 degrees, with 0 inches of new snow the past 24 hours.
THE PRIZE...
Any one (1) book OR $10 off any product available on website.
GOOD LUCK!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
ANOTHER CLUE...WHERE AM I?
THE CONTEST...
Every week we will be putting more of the original picture up with a hint posted below (and this messege). If you know where GU is, you can send an email to thegreatchiweenie@gmail.com or wait til its posted on our website and there will be an answer box for you to put your answer and email address (in case you WIN!!!). We will take the first 5 correct answers and then randomly choose 1 to win. ONLY ONE (1) GUESS PER WEEK PER EMAIL ADDRESS.
PLEASE BE SPECIFIC! I know someone could say GU is on EARTH. And even though that is true, its not specific enough...(there is more than one answer that we will accept for this week)
Whatever is behind me (GU), is considered active.
week 2: March 25, 2010 1:40 pm, the temperature is 33 degrees, with 0 inches of new snow the past 24 hours.
THE PRIZE...
Any one (1) book OR $10 off any product available on website.
GOOD LUCK!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
A Busy Weekend...
GU, THE GREAT CHIWEENIE (DOG)
Weekends are always busy...but having to drive a lifetime away to get to a bike race is tough on all of us. Cub and I got to ride with the Girls' Varsity race. I don't think Cub could keep up with them, but he tried. The wind was epic. Horses, Cow dung, and wildflowers were giving me a ride to remember. Too bad we had to finish.
Later that weekend we headed to the Poppy Reserve. YES, dogs are not allowed (I think they are specieist). The ranger let Chomps and I go as long as we stayed in the packs. I enjoyed it, but I think Chomps is struggling with this active lifestyle.
CUB (PERSON)
Weekends are always busy, but when I have to drive the 3 sleeping amigos (Megan, GU and CHOMPS) for 16+ hours in 3 days, I'm beat. Gu and I got to sweep the Girls' Varsity race at Warner Springs. GU loved it when I hated it. GU loved it when I loved it (downhills with tailwind). Good job all those who battled that wind.
Chomps seemed to be pooped and missed me and Gu. He climbed up on my shoulder so I wouldn't leave. The poppy reserve left him and the rest of us even more tired. The poppies were out and looking pretty good this year. NO DOGS allowed, but since we were traveling through and it was hot out, the ranger let us take them in our packs. They fear the dogs being bit by rattlesnakes.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
More Clues to the Contest, Where am I?
THE CONTEST...
Every week we will be putting more of the original picture up with a hint posted below (and this messege). If you know where GU is, you can send an email to thegreatchiweenie@gmail.com or wait til its posted on our website and there will be an answer box for you to put your answer and email address (in case you WIN!!!). We will take the first 5 correct answers and then randomly choose 1 to win. ONLY ONE (1) GUESS PER WEEK PER EMAIL ADDRESS.
PLEASE BE SPECIFIC! I know someone could say GU is on EARTH. And even though that is true, its not specific enough...(there is more than one answer that we will accept for this week)
March 25, 2010 1:40 pm, the temperature is 33 degrees, with 0 inches of new snow the past 24 hours.
THE PRIZE...
Any one (1) book OR $10 off any product available on website.
GOOD LUCK!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Another Where Am I? Contest...YEAH!!!
THE CONTEST...
Every week we will be putting more of the original picture up with a hint posted below (and this messege). If you know where GU is, you can send an email to thegreatchiweenie@gmail.com or wait til its posted on our website and there will be an answer box for you to put your answer and email address (in case you WIN!!!). We will take the first 5 correct answers and then randomly choose 1 to win. ONLY ONE (1) GUESS PER WEEK PER EMAIL ADDRESS.
PLEASE BE SPECIFIC! I know someone could say GU is on EARTH. And even though that is true, its not specific enough...(there is more than one answer that we will accept for this week)
THIS WEEKS CLUE...
Cub thinks his grandfather would have been a great _____. Hmm.
THE PRIZE...
Any one (1) book OR $10 off any product available on website.
GOOD LUCK!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
TRYING SOMETHING NEW
GU, the great chiweenie (dog)
This is more like it. WIND!!! Go faster!!! WIND!!! Yeah!!!
CUB (human)
I hate riding in the wind. Is Chomps okay back there? I can't see him very well..."Gu, is Chomps okay?". I don't know if I like this setup.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
How GU rides in the backpack...
CUB AND GU: We do not feel that everyone needs to ride with their dogs. We started b/c Megan and Cub went to cycling events and wanted to carry GU with them so he didn't get hurt (stepped on or ridden over). GU does not go on every ride we do, only the ones we feel we can keep all of us safe on. And if you see him ride, you know he loves it and is comfortable in the pack.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
THE REAL DEAL
GU, the great chiweenie (dog)
Who would have thought that something other than bike riding, eating or sleeping in the sun could be FUN!!! After about 3 weeks of getting to know my adopted brother, Chomps, he helped me realize what else is fun.
WRESTLING!!! Off the top rope and into the ring. I decide to keep my weight low to hold my ground. It appears that I'm always losing, but like any good wrestler I'm here to entertain the audience. I wait till the last second and then I win. Then we do it all again. We really are showdoggies.
CUB (person)
Who would have thought that GU could actually play like a real dog. In the world of everything is better if its real, GU needed Chomps to become real. He's not just a character in a book. He's not just the dog who really likes to bike ride. He now knows how to wrestle. (We heard he played with a dog once before we adopted him, but we thought it was a rumor).
WRESTLING!!! GU being the starter of the fight and sitting his sugary butt down to save energy. Chomps jumps off almost everything except the ceiling. They battle like no other. GU the entire time wagging his tail with enjoyment. Its better than anything on television (oh yeah, we don't have any t.v. channels). NOW GU is REAL!!!
***I (Cub) have been a little slow in getting the next contest up, please bear with me. Chomps has been a little more time consuming than I planned.***
Thursday, February 25, 2010
The WINNER is __________!!!
We gathered all the correct answers and wrote down the names on pieces of recycled cardboard. Placed them outside, equal distance from the corner of building and had a "cookie" on each one (Each cookie was equal in size...app.)
We sent out Chomps to choose...here's the results!!!
GU, the GREAT chiweenie
Why did you say GU in the video? Can't you recognize your own children?
The original picture was taken on the MISSOURI RIVER in MONTANA, near the town of FT. BENTON. THE MISSOURI BREAKS will be the trip our next picture book will be about...look for it later this year. Thanks to all that played and we will have the new "Where am I?" Contest up soon. Other people that got the answer correct were Diane, David, Sarah and Julie...GOOD JOB!!!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
BIG BROTHER
2 nights ago (CHOMPS is always stressed alert when awake - sitting in pic, GU is relaxed alert - laying in pic)
GU, THE GREAT CHIWEENIE (DOG)
Where's Chomps? He's not in his crate...he's not in the bathroom (run downstairs)...he's not in the kitchen...hmm, I smell food, WAIT!, where's Chomps?... (run upstairs and down the hall)...No Chomps here...back to the bedroom to tell CUB and MEGAN..."GU, what are you doing," Megan calls out. Cub sits up and lifts the covers off his upper body and then his legs. "Gu, Chomps is right here...don't step on him," Cub states. Sniff, sniff, sniff...Yep, that's Chomps (waggle, waggle, waggle). I saved the day! Back to sleep (Back to the armpit).
CUB, PERSON WITHOUT A NAME (PERSON, WE THINK)
(GU leaves the bedroom)..."What's he doing?" I ask Megan. "I don't know," Megan replies. (This is the second time he's left the room. Megan already went and got him from downstairs once.) "GU, what's wrong?",I ask. (Gu walks in. I lift the blankets off of me) Please don't step on him...I don't want to see the TIRED TIRADE. Chomps slightly acknowledges that its not as dark as it was with the covers on. GU sees Chomps and sniffs while wagging his tail. "AWWW!!!", in unison with Megan. I lay down and GU promptly finds his spot in the armpit. Megan says, "That's a good big brother!".
UPDATE:
WE ONLY NEED ONE MORE CORRECT ANSWER FOR THE "WHERE AM I?" CONTEST. Correct answer will be posted next week and the one (1) t-shirt winner will be announced. Look at old posts to help and the biggest hints are the 2 dogs SEAMAN and SHEP...find their stories and the correct answer should appear.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
CONTEST UPDATE!!!
Look at the other clues and pictures and do some research on SHEP and you can figure it out!
Welcome CHOMPS!
GU, THE GREAT CHIWEENIE (DOG)
1...Are my parents having a puppy affair? Who is that they're holding?
2...Beware of growling blankets!!!! And don't step on them!
3...He's not afraid of the evil monster WALL! He just jumps over it.
4...He is always talking.
CUB, PERSON WITHOUT A NAME (PERSON)
1...The house is not a bathroom.
2...When he sleeps, he's asleep...don't try to wake him
3...If there is food in the house, he will find it (and paper is not a food).
4...Don't be surprised to find him on window ledges, desks, or anyplace else you wouldn't look for GU.
Here's a video from our first ride with CHOMPS...
Thursday, February 4, 2010
WHERE AM I??? The full picture.
THE CONTEST...
Every week we will be putting more of the original picture up with a hint posted below (and this messege). If you know where GU is, you can send an email to thegreatchiweenie@gmail.com or wait til its posted on our website and there will be an answer box for you to put your answer and email address (in case you WIN!!!). We will take the first 5 correct answers and then randomly choose 1 to win. ONLY ONE (1) GUESS PER WEEK PER EMAIL ADDRESS.
PLEASE BE SPECIFIC! I know someone could say GU is on EARTH. And even though that is true its not specific enough...(there is more than one answer that we will accept for this week)
THIS WEEK's CLUE...
NEW CLUE: Shep is another famous dog that is well known here (remember we will accept more than one answer). Shep's story is sad, but a neat story.
(week 3)There is a trail named after these explorers (trail name will help you guess locations...look at picture for more help)
(week 2)Seaman's owners were famous explorers.
(week 1)Seaman and his owners traveled here.
THE PRIZE...
A GREAT CHIWEENIE T-SHIRT
GOOD LUCK!
We've had people guess the explorers and some come close, but not correct guesses yet.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
THE CONTEST...
Every week we will be putting more of the original picture up with a hint posted below (and this messege). If you know where GU is, you can send an email to thegreatchiweenie@gmail.com or wait til its posted on our website and there will be an answer box for you to put your answer and email address (in case you WIN!!!). We will take the first 5 correct answers and then randomly choose 1 to win. ONLY ONE (1) GUESS PER WEEK PER EMAIL ADDRESS.
PLEASE BE SPECIFIC! I know someone could say GU is on EARTH. And even though that is true, its not specific enough...(there is more than one answer that we will accept for this week)
THIS WEEKS CLUE...
There is a trail named after these explorers (trail name will help you guess locations...look at picture for more help)
(week 2)Seaman's owners were famous explorers.
(week 1)Seaman and his owners traveled here.
THE PRIZE...
A Great Chiweenie T-shirt
GOOD LUCK!
We've had some good guesses, but no correct answers yet.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
REMEMBERING LAST SUMMER
SUMMER 2009 remembered (slightly)
picture above (Ray's Mountain Bike Park, Cleveland, OHIO... www.raysmtb.com ) GU, the Great Chiweenie (dog)
Great to get out of the warm rain. It was kind of scary to watch, but was great fun to see Megan drop onto the whoop's. I only rode a little bit, but the smells of the old building were amazing as they blew through the broken out windows. Rad day...too bad Cub had to just watch. Broken ribs from playing kick ball sidelined him most of summer.
CUB, person with animal name (human)
Main park was closed, but this was open and had quite a few of the locals jumping around with joy. Great place to spend the day, especially when the weather is bad. I think buildings like that would be condemned in California, but great use of space.
Pic on left (Milwaukee, Wisconsion)
Cub
Pretty bummed we were a day late to watch a race right on the street we were eating on.
GU
Why are you holding me over here??? The food is on the table over there...Cub got BACON!!! C'mon take me over there.
pic to right (Ashville, Ohio...Cub's bro's swimming pool)
CUB
Gu's first attempt at swimming (not wading in ocean). His body turns like a rudder on a boat and he doesn't seem to like it too much, or at all.
GU
"You guys hate me don't you." Please let me go over there in the sunny spot on the deck away from pool. Oh, yeah, dead bird smells. (Roll, roll, roll... a bath soon followed).
THE CONTEST 2nd CLUE
Thursday, January 14, 2010
WHERE AM I? THE CONTEST
Every week we will be putting more of the original picture up with a hint posted below (and this messege). If you know where GU is, you can send an email to thegreatchiweenie@gmail.com or wait til its posted on our website and there will be an answer box for you to put your answer and email address (in case you WIN!!!). We will take the first 5 correct answers and then randomly choose 1 to win. ONLY ONE (1) GUESS PER WEEK PER EMAIL ADDRESS.
PLEASE BE SPECIFIC! I know someone could say GU is on EARTH. And even though that is true, its not specific enough...(there is more than one answer that we will accept for this week)
THIS WEEKS CLUE...
Seaman and his owners traveled here.
THE PRIZE...
A Great Chiweenie T-shirt
GOOD LUCK!