beacon shovel probe

Pre-Christmas Vacation

2011-12-24T06:19:00.001-08:00

With the lack of snow and bad air quality in SLC, Erik and I dropped of the dogs at City Pet Club and headed down to St. George. We proceeded to throughly break in our bikes and beat ourselves up a little in the process. Between the great rides, going out to eat each night and time off of work, we had a wonderful time. We drove back on Friday, my birthday, and had another fun dinner out at Settebello. Here are a bunch of pictures from the trip:

Winter is knocking at the door

2011-11-17T18:46:00.000-08:00

Here are a few fresh photos from last weekend's race in Ogden--it was cold!!!! Good thing I still have some AK toughness left in me!

Moab and the Other Half 2011

2011-10-20T06:14:00.001-07:00

For Fall break, Erik's mom and step-dad met us at home in SLC and we drove down to Moab for a long weekend of mountain biking, road biking and participating in the Moab Other Half--a 1/2 Marathon along the Beautiful Colorado River. The first day we hiked Negro Bill's Canyon to look at a really cool rock bridge. After a restful night, we rented Niner RIP's and promptly ripped down most of the Whole ENchilada ride (the upper part was not possible due to snow). The next day we headed over to the classic out and back Poison Spider ride. After returning the mountain bikes, I got ahold of a carbon Marin road bike from Chili Pepper bikes and Erik and I rode the La Sal loop---what an incredible ride. After throughly tiring our legs all week, we were now ready for the big event--the Moab Other Half 1/2 Marathon. Sunday morning we boarded our shuttle bus to the start at Dewey Bridge along the Colorado River. For 13.1 miles we walked (fast), jogged and shuffled towards the finish! In the end we did great, got our finishing medals, pint glasses, and were not too worse for the wear. Erik's mom, Mary Ellen (in her second 1/2 marathon), beat her previous time by more than 10 minutes! Thanks Mary Ellen, Jason, Erik and Moab for a great fall vacation.

It's that time again......

2011-10-06T08:42:00.001-07:00

Cyclocross season is upon us! That means fall weather, trying not to eat too many yummy treats, more darkness and lots of bicycle racing. Here are some pictures from the season opener at the Utah State Fairgrounds this past weekend. We had a double header of races, Erik got to race on Saturday as well, so it was really fun! As always, cross is almost as much about re-connecting with the whole cycling community and meeting new friends as it is about the 45-min-to one hour of gut busting pain on the bike!!

to cap off the summer

2011-09-08T09:06:00.000-07:00

I finally raced and finished the Park City Point 2 Point. I have volunteered for the first two years of this extremely grueling mountain bike race, and this year after securing my registration back in February, I finished the race. I had only a few "lows" during the race in which negative thoughts crept in. Mostly, it was really positive and I even managed to attack a few sections with more speed. I ended up having to fight for position from 15 miles out from the finish. That was hard. I ended up taking 4th in my age class, I am super excited about the result and am glad to have survived in one piece. At the finish line, Erik was there to greet me and take me and my bike (we both with pretty much fell over). It was an emotional, wonderful finish and to have my husband there waiting for me made it all the more special.

USCS Race #4 (the final race)

2011-08-21T12:16:00.000-07:00

USCS Race 4 went off without a hitch again thanks to the promoters, volunteers and great spectators. I talked Erik into racing with me as well, we had a great day! We had such a good day in fact that we hit up the Porcupine on the way home.

It was a super cross country--Erik was on the course for about 36 miles and 3+ hours. I was out for 24 miles and 2+ hours. That was plenty. It was held at corner canyon in Draper, UT. One of my favorite parts about the race was that the guys used all the BEST trails when designing the course. I love Clark's and the Canyon climb, Ghost Falls is a blast to descend and if I was a better bike handler I would like descending Rush a little more too.

We stayed through all the awards, Erik took a very well deserved 2nd place in the expert mens 30-39 category and I earned third in the expert women.

While we were sitting in the little shade that we could find during the awards and opportunity drawing (we can't call it a raffle in Utah--don't ask), Bob S. the race director was making weird hand signals at us. We just thought he was losing it in the heat. It turns out that we both placed in the overall for the whole series. Erik took 3rd place and I got 2nd place!!!

It gets even better---as we waited and waited during the drawing without winning anything, finally my name was drawn and I won a season pass to the Utah Cyclocross Series!!! As everyone knows, this pass will not be wasted and is MUCH appreciated.

That wrapped Erik's racing-he starts school again tomorrow. I have the big one looming over me--the Park City Point 2 Point is in less than 2 weeks. I feel ready and just as importantly excited.

this is what happens when you plant 11 tomato plants for 2 people!

2011-08-21T12:11:00.000-07:00

Good thing we love salsa!

Vremington Crusher ride by alison.vrem23@gmail.com at Garmin Connect - Details

2011-08-09T16:10:00.000-07:00

Vremington Crusher ride by alison.vrem23@gmail.com at Garmin Connect - Details

Vremington Crusher Ride

2011-08-09T15:52:00.001-07:00

I got the day off Sunday at the last minute and I knew Erik would be up for a ride. I wanted to go pretty big to prepare for the Park City Point to Point coming up on Sept. 3rd. Well, we went big. We left home in Sugarhouse at about 6:45 am and started riding. We went up Big Cotton Wood Canyon, up Gaurdsman's, up and over to Scott's Pass to start Puke Hill which would take us to the Crest Trail. We refueled on top of Puke Hill and got out of there pretty quick due to a loud-talking female in another party that was too much for us to handle. We rode the Crest and descended into the Canyons Resort from the top of Mill Creek. We hit the Ridge Connect Trail and descended to Midmountain Trail. From there we went over to PineCrest and had lunch in the Park City Bread and Bagel Co. (very good by the way). Then the adventure started, we crossed into Jeremy Ranch and found the Moose Hollow Trail. This took us strait up and baked us in the sun. We thought we were good to go until the trail fizzled out and we had to bring back our Alaska roots and do some serious bush-whacking. Luckily we remembered out how to do that and found the trail again. Our objective was Big Mountain and we could finally see it from the ridge top. Ten plus hours later we popped out on top of big mountain. We descended partly on the Mormon Trail and then hit the pavement to home. It was a huge ride, but we made it and I am proud! Ten Thousand feet of climbing and 70 miles+ on the mountain bikes isn't too shabby! The Garmin link is above.

Crested Butte 2011

2011-08-09T15:43:00.000-07:00

We hit Crested Butte July 26-30th for some sickie mountain bike marathon days! We rode all day long day after day and it was great. I love that place- cool, clean air, wildflowers, high altitude, mountains, it was just incredible. We drank tons of our favorite electrolyte drink--Nuun and had nice big dinners. We hope to go back next year and make it an annual event.

July 9th Utah State Championship Series #3

2011-08-09T15:29:00.000-07:00

Erik and I headed up to Park City to race in the Utah State Championship Series Race #3. It was a 50 race that tested our climbing legs for sure! Despite multiple flats for Erik, he finished strong--even having to run his bike in. After a big mass start, I settled in for the big opening climb. I felt good spinning up Park City Mountain Resort and wondered who was in my category (this was the only thing I would change about the race--with a mass start and all, it was really hard to know who you were racing against. ) I kept focused and tried to ride a smart race with refueling, etc. By the end I had a bee sting and big crash--but got back up to complete the race and finish proud. I was pretty excited by my placing and can't wait to do it again next year.

Summer Solstice photo shoot with the dogs

2011-06-21T19:07:00.001-07:00

I thought I would update our parents and family with some new photos. The fence and planter boxes are finally finished and fully operational. The front of the house is looking great with Erik's deck railing and all the lush vegetation (thanks to mother nature and all the rain she brought). Erik and I continue to enjoy our house---coffee on the porch and lounging around the property in the beautiful mornings and evenings.

12 Hours of Mesa Verde

2011-05-10T08:14:00.000-07:00

Erik and I traveled down to Cortez, CO for the 12 Hours of Mesa Verde Mountain Bike Race. It was an awesome weekend of sun and hard racing. Erik put up 7 laps (over 110 miles) and I squeaked out 5 laps and about 86 miles of riding before the day was over. We both learned a lot about pacing, what to eat and drink and how to handle being on a bike for that long. At first I wanted no part of doing this ever again but quickly I began to forget the pain and discomfort and am now thinking about next years race!

Spring Break

2011-03-31T16:53:00.000-07:00

Into the sun and warmth

2011-02-14T14:30:00.000-08:00

I travelled to St. George, UT, this past weekend and had a great time mountain biking with friends. A group of people from the Revolution Mountain Bike Team put the trip together and made it easy to have fun.

I finally rode the famous GooseBerry Mesa trails (my new favorite trails anywhere), the equally famous Gould's Rim-Jem Trail-Hurricane Ridge trails and Barrel Roll in St George.

It turns out that the weather was just as spectacular in SLC, giving Erik some much needed sun and mountains.

For any family that might be reading this, feel free to purchase retirement homes and/or land anywhere from St George to Hurricane, UT (and Apple Valley/Little Plain just up the road from Hurricane is especially beautiful!).

Happy Holidays

2010-12-16T10:31:00.000-08:00

It's almost Christmas. We are about to get plenty of snow here in the Wasatch--should make for great skiing. And, right in time for Erik to be finishing up with his first semester of Pharmacy school. We all survived, and his almost month-long break is well deserved. As you can see, Eddy is eagerly awaiting his presents. I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday season!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T04:53:00.001-08:00

Well, it's holiday season

2010-11-10T11:45:00.001-08:00

Erik and I entered into the holiday season with a bang- a few colds and also a dog-fostering opportunity.

Meet Basso, he is a one year old Dutch Shepherd that we committed to fostering under the umbrella of a rescue group, CAWS, until he gets adopted. He is a really good boy and gets along great with Ginger and Eddy. I guess the average time to foster an animal is 2 weeks to 2 months, (hopefully it's on the shorter side for him and us, three dogs is a lot!). Apparently, he was on death row in Tooele's animal shelter. It's a good feeling to know that we helped to give him a second chance!

More House Projects

2010-10-16T07:01:00.000-07:00

Still doing house projects.....this time a new fence on the east side of the house and major tree pruning!

2010-09-02T06:58:00.000-07:00

Since the last post we have been busy like normal. I have to work about 1/2 night shifts now, but I love my new floor at the hospital- my old floor was disbanded and closed and they re-assigned all the nurses. I was lucky enough to get my fist choice, a cardiovascular medicine floor. I am learning so many new things, it's really fun to feel challenged.

Erik has started pharmacy school and I know he is feeling challenged as well. It's an adjustment to get back into school mode again, but I know he will do a great job.

We are getting excited for cyclocross season to start up soon--fall is such a great time here.

Erik's family was just here and they helped us with a project we had been wanting to do for a long time. We completely changed the entry of our house. Thanks to Jason's carpentry skills, we ended up with a beautiful new structure. Check out the pictures--

This is the before, notice the ugly gutter that doesn't even work, plain boring porch cover that is sagging and paint is peeling

Here is the after, redwood wood frame construction with tongue and groove siding added

We have just a few minor steps before it is finished, but here it is!

Back to Alaska

2010-07-27T11:43:00.000-07:00

Matanuska Glacier

the hikers after the famous Eagle River crossing

Katie and I at the top of the Pass

we had to cross a few snowfields along the way

rocks and water

Seward, AK, the place we sea kayaked (we chose the hug-the-shore route)

Katie and her first up close look at the glacier

I just got back from a trip up to Alaska with my good friend and adventure co-pilot Katie. We packed tons into the week-long trip. Activities included: visiting my parents at their new "Ranch," walking all-over the Matanuska Glacier, hiking in Hatcher's Pass, renting funny mountain bikes and dodging bears in Girdwood, lots of fish and moose eating, lots of coffee drinking (Alaska has really good coffee), sea kayaking in Seward (if anyone wants to see me get scared, this would be the way to do it!), sight seeing and finally a 24 mile trek called Crow Pass that took us from Girdwood to Eagle River in a backcountry pass filled with glaciers, bears and mountains. I also got to visit with my Grandma who had health problems this winter and had a great farewell party at my Aunt Lisa's house. Check out the photos!

Torrey, UT and the Capitol Reef Classic

2010-07-19T18:55:00.000-07:00

I invited myself along with Erik to his stage race in Torrey, UT this past weekend. We had never been to that area of Utah and I was really excited to go. We drove down Thursday night and arrived at our hotel- the Best Western Capitol Reef "Resort". Well, it was pretty much your regular hotel, but it had an outdoor pool and beautiful views of Sandstone Cliffs. I got two days of beautiful riding in. Day one included tours of the small towns around the area and a back- roads loop that put me onto Utah's famous highway 12. It was gorgeous. Day two I headed down the road and into Capitol Reef National Park. I had the whole park road to myself, It was awesome. I love to explore by bike -- you can just see stuff better! The mini vacation was great for me--no race to be nervous about, a pool, nice rides and I even found some good coffee! Erik raced his brains out again--I was happy to tag along!

Finished house painting project

2010-06-23T07:04:00.000-07:00

I have finally finished the house painting project, after about 2 months--It probably took 40-50 hrs labor and less than $400 in supplies--It was hard, but worth it.

Now we have a little more "homework" to do before we have a basement window replaced, but hopefully we'll get it finished soon.

The second picture includes the nice retaining wall that Erik put in last year, It is looking good with the flowers and plants taking off.

Erik has been continuing to race his brains out...he has been doing very well this year. I am racing in the mountain bike world and continuing to enjoy it while pushing myself to the max.

I get to make a trip up to AK this summer with my good friend Katie, I am excited to be a tour guide, and I have a few great adventures up my sleeve.

Oh-I almost forgot--I planted a cherry tree last fall, and we got 2 cherries this year. They are Rainier cherries and were delicious! I am confident that next year we will have bunches.

What the Vremington's have been up to

2010-05-30T14:28:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I last posted, but don't worry-we have been busy. Erik has been racing every weekend--doing great and having a good time!! I stepped up to race with the big girls (no-not the clydesdales) but the fast girls and am racing with them now. Let's just say the competition is great and I haven't seen the podium in a long time! Eddy and Ginger are keeping us busy as usual, they continue to amuse with their antics.

I painted 3/4 of the house and discovered some dry-rot along the way in the basement windows--so it goes:)

We also just got back from Washington state for a Harrington family vacation--we had a great time despite the rain and cold--we managed to rent mountain bikes and ride all over the town of Leavenworth. The accommodations, food and company were superb!

Now it's great to just be hanging out over this long weekend. Here are a bunch of pictures of the past few months.

2010-04-22T07:15:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been so long that I have posted, it's not winter anymore!
We have been busy as usual.....finishing up winter with more skiing, and now we have been having some awesome rides in the beautiful weather. Erik has been racing his brains out, and I have been trying to ride and get ready for when the mountain bike races get into full swing.
A friend and I will be heading out to Colorado the first weekend in May for a 12 hour race. It should be lots of fun and I will finally get to see a small corner of Colorado.
Eddy and Ginger continue to have their "moments" but overall are enjoying each others company. Enjoy the spring pictures from our yard. The picture of Eddy I took when I walked out of the back room and found that Eddy had pulled various pillows from around the house and made a nest!

A big dose of skiing

2010-01-02T15:54:00.001-08:00

Lots of skiing lately......

We have mostly been in BCC in the low-angle trees due to the avy danger.

Today we got into LCC and found some really fun lines dropping into Twin Lakes Pass.

2009-12-06T16:08:00.000-08:00

First Ski Outing of 2009-2010 Season

Myself, Kelsey, Erik, Stormy, Ginger, and our friends Jess and Stephanie all toured up Millcreek road after the gate to the end--about 4.5 miles each way. Sore and tired legs, but it felt great to get on snow!!

2009-12-03T04:36:00.000-08:00

Christmas Time

Halloween Cross

2009-10-31T17:51:00.001-07:00

We had a great cyclocross race at our favorite venue, Wheeler Farm today. We get to race there again tomorrow. Should be fun. I posted some more pictures of Eddy as well. He alternates between spunky ankle-biter and sweet puppy that only wants to sleep either in Gingers bed or in someones lap.

He is definitely keeping us on our toes, even at two in the morning!

Meet Eddy

2009-10-25T21:03:00.001-07:00

Check out the newest Vremington! He's a mean 5 pounds and 8.5 weeks old.

Race #1

2009-10-10T06:17:00.001-07:00

Race #1, Weber Co. fairgrounds, fun fast and dusty.

Race #2 today.......same bat time same bat channel.

Alaska

2009-08-21T15:53:00.000-07:00

I made a quick visit to my (and Erik's) home state of Alaska last week. It rained and I got a sinus cold, but I had a great time. We were both lucky enough to grow up in that great state--mountains and rivers stretch as far as the eye can see and I know that we both did our best to take advantage of it while we could!
I got to see friends and family that I haven't see in a while-It was perfect. Enjoy the pictures.

Begining and Middle

2009-07-25T16:58:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have seen our house over the past year, we have had a large "dirt embankment" in front of our house on the south slope of our yard. Well, I am proud to say, the mud hill is gone! Erik has worked super-hard and built a beautiful wooden wall. I fixed up the unsightly SW corner today with perennials and a rock garden. All that's left is to plant behind the wall! I am happy for our neighbors to have a much nicer sight to see! Here is a beginning picture (the wall is built already, i couldn't find any pictures without the wall) but you can see the ugly dirt corner, and a mid-way picture--I'll post the finished product when it's done! Oh--check out this picture of the Humming Bird Vine that grows on the light pole in our parking strip each year. I call it the snuffleupagus (sp?) tree.

Good Morning!

2009-06-29T06:46:00.000-07:00

Good morning everyone. Here is a picture looking out the window into the backyard at our place. Looks nice, makes me want to stay home and sit in that chair!

Inauguration Day

2009-06-14T17:14:00.001-07:00

Inauguration Day ride on new sweet ride today:) Go Salsa!!

side note: Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for a great weekend of riding. Revolution friends and teammates--great time at the sufferfest. I always look forward to seeing everyone ( and knowing that other people are as crazy as me!) Sunday ride to Marina--Kelsey, Irene and Jeanne, It was a blast to take Red-Hot-Fast Chili-Bike on it's maiden voyage with you.

the hard race

2009-05-25T16:02:00.000-07:00

Just got back from a hard race. Really hard. So hard my hair turned white and curly and I needed a massage!

Spring

2009-04-21T06:09:00.000-07:00

We actually have been up to a lot lately......the blog just doesn't prove it. Spring is in full swing here in SLC, we pretty much quit skiing two weeks ago (my last day skiing was waist deep snow in April!!). Erik has started road racing and my first mountain bike race is in May. I am posting some pictures of all the flowers at our place (mainly for the Alaska folks), some of Erik and his teammates, and oh yeah......I did the powder keg race division and got shut out of the time cut-off (Adam, I feel your pain). Kelsey and I took a short trip down to Moab for her introductory rides while Erik was off in Santa Barbara eating avocados and riding up Lance's old training climbs!!

skiing weekend warrior style is fun

2009-03-08T19:20:00.000-07:00

We hit some great terrain this weekend...Saturday it was the Ivory Flakes with Erik and our friend Katie. Sunday Adam Holmes showed us the ropes on the North Face of Mt. Kessler, aka"Gods Lawnmower". Now with tired legs, sun-burned faces and full bellies, it's time to get ready for the week! I think I may see some Moab in the near future......enjoy the pics.

can you say "Mt Superior"

2009-02-21T17:36:00.000-08:00

Sweet ski today with my sister Kelsey and our friend Jeff. We sweltered in the sun traveling up Toledo Bowl with a nice decent of Holy Toledo. After some leg burn we headed over to Cardiff Fork and made our way up Mount Superior. We skied the North Face in great conditions considering the last storm was several days ago!

Skiing and livin'

2009-02-19T04:48:00.001-08:00

It seems like we have been skiing mostly storms lately, as you can see in this picture of Jennie and I.

But, finally the weather cleared and Erik, Adam, big Will and a few others hit the "Ivory Flakes" area and had awesome turns.

We are excited for a little home improvement--new entry doors front and back!! It seems that wood doors suck up the moisture and don't like to open! Besides that, we are looking towards to the visitors that are starting to line up for the spring and summer.

It takes a long time to tour back into Red Pine

2009-02-02T15:04:00.000-08:00

Quick (relatively speaking) tour into Red Pine today. The sun was out and the snow was windblasted. It was still fun though, as the skinning got a little hairy on the crux beneath the ridge at the end of the valley. The views were great.

This is hilarious and really hits home for some reason...

2009-02-01T10:59:00.000-08:00

This was sent to several by Drew Jordan--I think it is great!!! I don't know who wrote it, but they were right on.

Cyclists are the biggest sandbaggers and secret trainers around. They'll say anything to soften you up for the kill. Don't let this happen to you. Study this handy rider's phrasebook to find out what they really mean when they say:

"I'm out of shape"
Translation: I ride 400 miles a week and haven't missed a day since the Ford administration. I replace my 11-tooth cog more often than you wash your shorts. My body fat percentage is lower than your mortgage rate.

"I'm not into competition. I'm just riding to stay in shape"
Translation: I will attack until you collapse in the gutter, babbling and whimpering. I will win the line sprint if I have to force you into oncoming traffic. I will crest this hill first if I have to grab your seat post and spray energy drink in your eyes.

"I'm on my beater bike"
Translation: I had this baby custom-made in Tuscany using composites blessed by the Pope. I took it to a wind tunnel and it disappeared.
It weighs less than a fart and costs more than a divorce.

"It's not that hilly"
Translation: This climb lasts longer than a presidential campaign. Be careful on the steep sections or you'll fall over -- backward. You have a 39x23 low gear? Here's the name of my knee surgeon.

"This is a no-drop ride"
Translation: I'll need an article of your clothing for the search-and- rescue dogs.

"It's not that far"
Translation: Bring your passport

three days and 13,000 feet later...

2009-01-25T17:43:00.000-08:00

Well, we have been skiing the storm ever since it started last week. We have logged lots of sweet turns and have tired legs and red faces to show for it. We get another day tomorrow and perhaps Tuesday, but I might have to turn in the towel before that!
Ski it while you can!!!
This is a picture Erik took of Adam and I on day 2.

we are parallel blogging

2009-01-20T19:50:00.000-08:00

I decided to set up a new blog that is for free. So, eventually, when the bill from Apple comes around, we will switch to this blog.