I rode my bike to work again on Friday. It's been so smoky that the first day I woke up and could see mountains I jumped at the chance. It was actually a very good ride to and from work - not too hot and not too windy.

Saturday morning I got a call from Emilie's dad inviting me to go riding. It was the first ride I went on this year and I don't even remember the last time I went last year. It's definitely been about a year since my last real ride. We rode the Tunnel Creek trail (Tahoe Rim Trail from the meadows to Tunnel Creek Rd.). We only went one way, but it was still a pretty good ride - especially since I haven't been for so long. I rode this trail once about four years back as an out-and-back. It's definitely a great trail, but there were a TON of people hiking and riding. It made it a little annoying. While waiting for one large group of people to get ahead of us we decided to try riding the TRT "stairs". I didn't take any pictures of my own but I found a few pictures of this section on the internet so that you can imagine what it's like: look here and here. I almost chickened out but after seeing a few others successfully ride it I gave it a shot and actually made it! I was glad that I pushed myself to try something difficult - it was definitely rewarding.

On Saturday night we attended the big 3-0 birthday party for Sam. Unfortunately, we arrived a little late and had to leave early but we were able to attend sans children thanks to my mom. It was a fun little party. I have to admit that I was a little depressed, though. I hadn't seen Sam very recently and I have to say he's changed a lot since the last time I saw him. I didn't realize how old he looked until I went back and looked at a picture I took at the party.

That picture of Sam is completely fabricated. You can see the original here. I'm just afraid that unless I do stuff like this Sam won't ever come see my page :(