tomboy on the go

Vail dec 1-13. westin riverfront

2010-01-15T15:08:00.000-08:00

When I think of Vail I think of a perfect mix of excitement, socializing, and dining. there are just as many great places to eat as there are bars and back bowls to get away from the crowd. It's one of my favorite places to board and it's one of the places you'll find as many boarders as you do skiers. (to be continued)

what i did sunday nov 8, 2009 summer weather

2009-11-09T15:56:00.000-08:00

Every sunday at 8:30 am a few riders from Peak Bike shop in Queens, NY meet up at Cunningham Park and ride for over an hour. Turned out to be a large group too. Had a blast getting pushed to pedal as fast as the guys and bring my skills from downhilling to the few jumps they have here. Got home and showered and decided to drive almost two hours to Englishtown Raceway for my first time. $15 a person gets you a pass to walk around up close and personal with dirtbikers and ATV'ers of all ages. These people go all out. Their Rv's and campers and all their gear in the back of their trailer while the front is where a lot of them live. They just camp out and ride. I was crying while watching the tiny boys getting pushed out to the start line by their fathers hoping for the day i can be pushing my son to the same line. Being that he is only three I have some waiting to go but just the thrill of being there and knowing this could be in my future was enough to get the sensitive and proud tears out. Took some video which is now on youtube under my username mtbporru or tags: Nov 8,2009, Englishtown Raceway. I was just sorry I never went here earlier. It was pretty exciting to see lifted trucks and dirtbikes and adrenaline driven people together.
Two hours later I was starving and need good food not junk food. So drove back to Port Chester, NY to pig out at Tarry Lodge. This place rocks. 5 stars. Growing tired we retired to our sofa for an old movie, Frailty from netflix. Good day it was.

what i did today-scalzi skatepark in stamford

2009-11-03T13:40:00.000-08:00

This place is beautiful. Scalzi park has a lot to offer for skateboarders of all ages. I was hoping to get some skateboarding in myself but was surprised to see it was pretty taken over by young children who had the day off from school. This is a large skatepark with two separate bowls, one large and one small.http://www.cityofstamford.org/content/25/50/2368/4745/4750.aspx

I can't wait to get back early in the morning to spend some time here when it's quiet

what i did today. oct 25,2009

2009-10-24T21:39:00.000-07:00

Lunch was downtown nyc at Aquagrill on Spring street . They have heaters in their outdoor patio but this time we sat at the bar. I had a lobster butternut squash soup with poached shrimp, and apples then a lobster salad (grapefruit wedges and beets), side grilled asparagus and mashed potatoes. One complimentary mimosa and we were on our way to Burton to see their new lineup of fashion. Dreamy jackets and pants and goggles with cool graphics. Couldn't try on enough. Only got to leave with one jacket but that's okay season hasn't even started. Next was Quicksilver around the corner for one beanie and a pair of jeans for my son who was at his grandparents today. Today was a treat with an hour massage at a Korean place i've been faithful with for over 5 years. Straight to the point. No robes, no eucalyptus spray. Just walk straight in , lay on a clean cot and nap while your parts are pushed into. Afterwords we had to rush back to westchester to let the dogs out who hate the rain. Didn't take long before we were back in the car and our way to Ritz Carlton in white plains for BLT steak. crab cake and jumbo lump crab special for an appetizer, a filet with parmesan gnocchi, stuffed mushrooms, bottle of red and a lemon meringue desert. Not a bad base before two drinks in Nyack at Lace gentlemens club just over the bridge. Not a bad day at all. If I do say so myself

blue mountain, PA . October 3, 2009

2009-10-04T06:47:00.000-07:00

This is the first year Blue mountain has offered lift service to mountain bikers. They don't yet offer bike rental or have a facility to do bike services like tune-ups or repairs, adjustments. You must arrive here with all your own gear. They sell a minimal amount of junk food as do most other bike parks.Hamburgers, hot dogs, fried chicken fingers, french fries, bottled water and sodas are all that's offered. At $20 for a lift ticket this is the cheapest bike park with lift service on the east coast.http://www.skibluemt.com/SkiBlue/mountain-biking/index.aspx. I would describe the terrain and the trails similar to Mount Snow,and Platekill with transverse trails leading you out of the woods and meandering back into the woods to the bottom. i don't recommend going here when it's rained recently. Off-camber rooty trails will be very slippery and even though you aren't dropping off any man made features it will b challenging just balancing your bike. Fun fast flowy tight single track. It's a very short way to the bottom but it looks like even in their first year of opening their planning to add to their already fun dirt jump area with berms and table tops right above the dual slalom area. The lodge is currently a large empty space but maybe with time it will be a shop for bike gear or rentals and a cafe with protein shakes, salad, and sandwiches. Has a lot of potential and the staff is very, very nice

what i did today in Long Island, NY

2009-10-02T20:10:00.000-07:00

Drove an hour out to Smithtown to my favorite family run restaurant, Maureen's.It's completely decorating in everything "cow"! It's awesome. say hit to the cook, a big guy, Kevin. Plenty of places to feel at home. Cow stools at the counter, cow booths, and a screened in wrap around porch. I had a short stack of pumpkin walnut pancakes and an egg white omplette with spinach and swiss. Always excellent food and service. You won't find another menu like this and you won't find a friendlier place.

Next we drove to a Yamaha store with ATV's and snowmobiles. I'm looking for a Troy Lee helmet and an HD helmet cam for biking. Turns out they had neither but my son had fun looking at all the bikes. So we moved on to White Post Farms on Old Country Road in Melville, NY.Got on a hayride, a train ride and fed some animals.Lastly we drove to Huntington,Ny and had dinner at Hanu.A gorgeous lofty place. Brick walls, high ceiling, red velor curtains, and chandeliers galore.

what i did today: East Hampton, two farms, Wolfier Winerie, 2 ferry boats

2009-10-01T20:40:00.000-07:00

Even on a gloomy day we had a blast. There's so much to do in East Hampton for every age group. Wineries, farms, shops, restaurants, boutiques. With an hour and 45 minute commute each way it was very easily handled by playing Shrek, Charlie Brown, and The Incredibles on the dvd player in my truck

I love farms and so do kids. Brought back a bunch of homemade desserts, cornstalks, hay stacks, and small pumpkins.

I felt like I was in Vermont in some places and Napa Valley in others.

Blue Sky restaurant for lunch. Really cute place but food was just okay. Wolfier winery has to be one of these most gorgeous wineries i've been between Napa Valley and the Hamptons.

Shred Betties | Team Blog | Halo: Knee Surgery

2009-09-24T09:30:00.001-07:00

Shred Betties | Team Blog | Halo: Knee Surgery

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What I did today

2009-09-22T17:56:00.000-07:00

Started out at Bruce Playground in Greenwich, CT Exit 3 off 95.http://www.weddingmapper.com/g/ct/stamford/vendors/view/21697. Then we drove to Bedford, NY through all the horse stables, and farms, and country estates to Richard Gere's restaurant where he was sitting outside at a table. No one else was allowed to take an outside table at the time he was out there so we got a table inside directly in front of a window with direct view of actor and his company. I was frustrated at not being able to go and shoot photos but afraid of being disrespectful and kicked out I wondered how paparazzi ever made a living doing just that. But I did manage to get one shot on accident when we first pulled out without even knowing he was there or that that was him.I had spaghetti with garlic and tomatoes, well two orders actually. I'm not kidding. And a lemon meringue tart. The prettiest tart I've ever seen with dollops of marshmallow cream. My son had a cupcake. It was really good.
Next was hiking at Mianus Park, Ct with my son and one of my dogs. The other is not social with other dogs. It was a full day and now I just finished watching Bruno on dvd expecting it to be really stupid i was surprised we laughed the entire time.

My Favorite Restaurants in Westchester, NY

2009-09-21T15:05:00.000-07:00

Today I got to hit up a waterfront favorite in Irvington, Red Hut Bistro at 1 Bridge Street #150. A little hard to find because you enter a parking lot and walk along the water past one brick building and there you'll find it,another brick building with a rooftop deck and chairs and tables outside. I always get good food, and good service here and today was perfect weather to sit outside. I had a beet salad with goat cheese and a Marinated skirt steak with a cucumber salad. I didn't have it today but i do recommend the lemon tart.
                     Tarry Lodge, 18 Mill street, Port Chester, NY.http://www.tarrylodge.com/. This is an extremely gorgeous place in a very unexpected location. They offer parking across the street. This place is three stories and offers impeccable food and service. I recommend the sweet peppers as one of the appetizers. I recommend the marinated skirt steak. I have had the cannelloni which is also fantastic. You can't go wrong here and they have an amazing wine list.
                     Bedford Post Inn, Bedford NY, 954 Old Post Road,http://www.bedfordpostinn.com/. Set in the heart of stables galore you will see patrons showing up for lunch in equestrian wear. Sit outside on a gorgeous day under the trestle or if you sit inside in the small lodge downstairs you will be tempted by the glass display bakery. Their menu changes often.
                    BLT Steak, 221main Street, White Plains, NY,http://www.bltsteak.com/.Inside of the Ritz Carlton is an ultra-modern lounge with dark wood floors and high ceilings and one long wall of glass. The long bar has beautiful dark cabinetry. A must is the parmesan gnocchi that melts in your mouth.
                      Harvest On the Hudson in Hastings on the Hudson is a waterfront gem with a fresh herb garden and large playground on site outdoor seating, a large fireplace, and high ceilings similar to a mountain lodge.http://www.harvest2000.com/hoh/ 1 River Street is a must do on the checklist.
   L'escale, 500 steamboat Road, Greenwich, CT, http://www.lescalerestaurant.com/. Waterfront bliss. Yachts are parked beside the restaurant. You must valet park and request outside seating because it is so gorgeous. Tuna carpaccio, tuna nicoise salad, are my regular plates but you can't go wrong here either. This place is straight from a travel magazine

My Favorite Restaurants in NYC for the Atmosphere

2009-09-20T14:15:00.000-07:00

              These places I'm listing serve great food don't get me wrong but they are mainly designed to attract large groups and cater to high volume so the service may be lacking because it is so crowded. I never crave the food from these places. You are always excited to go and you're satisfied when you leave but you never crave the food alone. You crave the who's who glancing at what you're wearing and all the noises. Not to worry, bring your friends or have a business meeting here.The decorators have your short attention span in mind and have also propped conversation pieces for ice breakers.
            Tao starts with huge wood, medieval doors that came off a castle somewhere i'm guessing. You turn left at the hostess stand where a few young ladies prompt you into their den. Downstairs is a small seating area near a super dark bar and beyond is fancy eating hall with a 2 story Buddha statue. Upstairs is a loft with a large bright bar and meat market area with a tiny sushi bar in the corner.42 east 58th street is a must do for tourists and locals. In the meatpacking is a deceiving building that looks more like a retail store. Buddakhan is a huge two story warehouse. There are so many creative rooms in here you can get lost after a few drinks trying to find your company on a crowded night. 75 9th Avenue. Try to get seated downstairs in the library room or if you have a large party reserve the communal table downstairs as well. I saw Christina Aguilera and her husband here.They have to eat too, right? Phillipe 33 east 60th street is a loungy pan-asian place to have a bite before going out on the town. Music helps a restaurant so much. It can make or break them along with the lighting and food. Do dress up for this meat market. Tables are tight and you never know what hottie will be by your side.
               Buddha Bar at 17 Little West 12th Street is a reservations, dress yourself up, recommended spot. Sit near the bar left as you walk in. The red sofas have a dramatic effect on your smooth talking.I have had dinner here twice and don't remember what I ate. What you won't forget about this place is the DJ booth, the large Statue and good looking women that frequent here. My memory of this place is being with a group that included a silly drunk young man. My girlfriends date thought it was funny to use a toothpick and poke my very pregnant belly with it. LOL. Lucky for me my son is healthy, no holes.
                STK steak is directly across from Buddha Bar so obviously a perfect night on the town would be dinner at STK then drinks at Buddha Bar right before you hit one of many night clubs in the meat packing.. The crab salad with avocado appetizer is all I remember but i did finish two. These places are social settings. You come with a group and have a few drinks and you basically use the food as a base layer for your night of abuse. STK is a very promiscuous setting with curved white leather booths. bathrooms are upstairs and do hold on to the rail on your way down.26 Little west 12th Street.
                    And Lastly I'll recommend Megu at 62 Thomas Street. This place has tempura asparagus that comes in a flower pot. Very pricey but you deserve it.

Nello, 696 Madison Avenue is a very polished fine Italian restaurant. Looks more like a small boutique inside. I got the idea to eat here while i was watching NY Housewives. I used to follow their hot spots. But it isn't as loungy and loud as the others. A fancier place more suitable for a romantic date

My Favorite Places In NYC to Eat For The Food Itself

2009-09-20T13:30:00.000-07:00

Before I got pregnant I lived on 43rd street and 11th avenue. I resided in this awesome one bedroom until I was 8 months pregnant and we moved into a house 30 minutes away in westchester. Well, none of those factors have affected my dining in NYC. When we have a craving we go. My son has eaten out in more glamorous restaurants than any other non-celebrity kid I know of. When he was an infant we thought this was a cinch because he would sleep through dinner right in his car seat carry out.As he got older and sleep was unnecessary we went to Walmart and got the greatest tool of parenthood- a dvd player- and we don't go anywhere with it. Helpful on flights and anywhere else. My only advice is to keep it charged. I'm only going to mention restaurants with damn good food and these places are slightly steep on the price but your belly will be happy. Quality, ambience, service. First off is Geisha, upper east side. Yum, yum, yum.This place is a maze. Booths to the right of the bar a small room and sushi bar in the back and tables in narrow corridors upstairs. good food, great service.33 E 61st street.Next is Vento in the meat packing district. It's a tall triangular brick building dead center in the fork of the road touching Hudson St.Their menu changes but what's consistently good is a simple margarita pizza. I've been know to finish two after a hangover. 675 Hudson Street at 14th street. Aquagrill downtown on Spring street is excellent on service and the freshest fish. You will consistently get an excellent meal here. Fresh clam and oyster bar. I'm a regular of the tuna carpaccio and the lobster salad. If you do bring your little one there is a huge playground right around the corner.I've been going here for 3 years and if you can make it on a weekend the blueberry pancakes will be the best pancakes you ever have.210 spring street.Next is Hearth only open for dinner. Saw Dustin Hoffman here. Excellent wine ist and if you can sit at the stools in the kitchen. They used to have snapper crudo which I literally ordered and finished 3 orders of. Yes I can eat! But sadly, they took it off the menu, maybe it's seasonal and will be back. they have a replacement that is equally good and I think it's red snapper hamachi. Pastas are always homemade and you're not going to get these dishes anywhere else. One of a kind. Brick walls small bar, reservations recommended. Across from a small skate park. 403 East 12th street.Mercer kitchen is a hotel that caters to models and actors and anyone who wants to see or be seen. saw Hugh Grant here recently.99 Prince Street is in the heart of shopping town. Shop after shop after shop. I love the beet salad with goat cheese. The roast chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans is a yummy classic. The chicken is so moist and tender. The bar is lit purple and there are communal tables next to the open kitchen to peak in and watch. Take the K in the elevator from the hotel to get to the lower level or take the stairs but warning wearing a short skit for the patrons below. Across the street from Mercer Kitchen is another favorite downstairs. Lure can only be seen on street level as nautical windows.Once inside you are on a yacht. Large leather booths and wood lacquered floors. You have to get the shrimp tempura-slightly spicy, the yellow tail hamachi and the lobster croutons. The lobster croutons are so expensive but the salty ocean water taste will leave you blissful and try to find them anywhere else.142 Mercer Street,Lure. A personal favorite of mine is Chinatown Brasserie and I have to emphasize the fact that I hate Chinese food. This place doesn't look like much inside but they de-vein their shrimp! need I say more? Not many places de-vein the shrimp in their shrimp fried rice. So buttery and good. I honestly finish an order by myself plus at least 6 orders or steamed dumplings. I know you think i'm making this up. I'll have to post a video one day. orders aren't enough. They come 4 dumplings in each steam bucket. we switch off between the shrimp, the shrimp and snow pea and the mushroom and buck choy. There are no mystery fillings, no MSG, all dumpling and meat and vegetable. No cheap stuffing that you wonder what your chewing on. there is nothing else but wholesome goodness.I could eat here every day. Pic shown. 380 Lafayette
The best steak in the whole wide world gets owned by Del Friscos. 1221 avenue of the Americas. Be prepared to spend but you will be so happy you did. The best, the finest, most craved after steak is only here. Start with crab cake because i'm still searching for another crab cake in lobster bisque just like it and without luck. This one melts in your mouth. When i'm bad I go really bad with a side of garlic and oil pasta.

Last Rites Tattoo Theater, Chelsea nyc

2009-09-20T12:00:00.000-07:00

http://www.inkydreadfuls.com/GalleryHome.html http://nymag.com/news/intelligencer/17679/http://darkimages.com/

This might just be the coolest tattoo shop in the world.I wouldn't get a tattoo anywhere else. This place is a dream for any Halloween fanatics, alteranatives, very dark individuals, and Goths.I don't have a tattoo. I just went i to have a peak and found it hard to leave. So much eye candy. Statues, tombstones, skulls, blood red painted walls, and dark art. A must see when you are in nyc

Halloween, my favorite time of the year

2009-09-20T11:49:00.000-07:00

Last year I drove from NY to Philly to go to the Easter State Penitentiary which was alot of fun because we made a day of it and biked through downtown the stopped at a bar directly across the street. It was a haunted prison. Adds alot of ideas for your own party to take the time to visit a professional haunted venue. Obviously few people will have the budget to hire actors but getting into theme is always fun. Another venue we went to which was out of this world was Headless Horseman in Ulster Park, NY. I vow to return here every year. The budget for this place is unbelievable. The property they own is limitless, about 45 acres. They have a corn maze, a fleet of tractors that carry about ten people at a time through there amusement, and the most extravagant animated props. I was totally impressed. I would have paid double for whatever our ticket cost because they went all out. http://www.headlesshorseman.com/

With the space I had and the budget I used about two months prior to Halloween to prepare and shop online. I got alot of great stuff and ideas from Grandin Road,http://www.grandinroad.com/ which is an affiliate of Frontgate.Martha Stewart is also involved with their designs and they have realistic tombstones, skeletons, serving plates and glassware for the occasion.Not sure if you ever did research on the price of real goblets.Actual Gothic goblets can go from $45 and up into the hundreds! I purchased a ton of Gothic battery operated candles from them. They have amazing designs and around 4 tombstones. The only product I was disappointed in were the two scary black cats because in the photos they look great but in person they look cheap. So those were returned I kept the owls. I also did alot of searching on ebay. I actually became obsessed with ebay for props and discouraged and how pricey the large animated stuff was. made me want to go to school just to learn how to make them.
I was really lucky to know someone who works for Ruby's Costume Shop and was able to get me a ton of stuff for free or at a huge discount. we got rolls and rolls of black fabri which is ideal for making a maze.I got all the masks and the skeleton door frame and fireplace mantel from Ruby's. We were lucky to have an unfinished basement. If yours is finished that's okay too but then you can't staple the material to the ceiling like we did. So with the fabric cut it into long strips and made a dark narrow maze. Not very narrow but creepy enough where corners can hie surprise and at every corner was a prop. Lastly and most importantly because the $100 fogger we got did not work on command was lighting.Purple lighting green lighting perched above each prop. Oh and a CD of ghoulish horror. Screaming of course like a torture chamber. I even let my guests bring a battery operated candle down with them if they wanted. Fireproof. Less worries for you. What I learned the hard way is not to let anyone bring down their drink. Glass bottle broken was not good. To fill in any empty nooks and crannies you don't have to spend alot to create a grand theme. Target has a lot of decor as well as costumes. SCroll all the way down to see added pics.

Stowe, Vermont winter time with the little one

2009-09-20T08:44:00.000-07:00

I cannot wait for my favorite east coast mountain to open with powder. I've been eagerly making this 5 hour drive for the last 2 winters at least 4 times each.Love this place. It has everything.And the town has everything. For any gear or repairs go to Darkside-2160 Mountain Rd,Stowe, VT 05672-4766,(802) 253-0335‎. It is a real trendy shop with a huge variety of snowboards, skateboards,and tons of clothes. Igot a Santa Cruz skateboard here.I also had them put my new EST bindings on my new 2009 Burton Supermodel board. these guys are quick.I've stayed at Top Notch Resort at least 5 times and Stoweflake once. Stoweflake isn't as fancy but they have an indoor racket ball court which is pretty unique and I did use and a nice bar that gets a huge crowd for breakfast.http://www.stoweflake.com/. Top Notch Resort is a pet friendly resort which is great for kids because my son loved walking through the halls and seeing these huge retreivers waddle past. It makes the kids less homesick and kids love animals. It seems like every hotel gives out homemade cookies so you can't narrow it down that way. When we brought my son Top Notch did bring a crinb into the room but it's a good thing we got a larger suite with a living room because he didn't want anything to do with that little metal crib. I brought all his bedding from home and some soft toys but still he wasn't having it so he got the sofa. We bring a few dvd's for him and his own small luggage bag fits everything I need for 5 days. Diapers, his clothes, dvd player in case we go out to eat, and a few of his toys he hasn't seen in a while. Top Notch Resort has a beautiful restaurant named Norma's that has a wall of glass facing the mountains. They have an outdoor pool and jacuzzi and an indoor which gets crowded at night. We use it everytime we stay there.I have never used the spa but i'm sure it's excellent.http://www.topnotchresort.com/. In the town is Ben and Jerry's Icecream Factory which I haven't been but maybe fun for the kids, farmers market with apple cider donuts which are amazing when you can get them hot. The new Stowe Mountain Lodge was finished last winter and when we tried to make a reservation they couldn't complete our scheduled visit. they always had a few of our days unavailable and it's hard move around with luggage when you have a child so we preferred staying at one place but this new Stowe Mountain Lodge is so gorgeous.http://www.stowemountainlodge.com/I got to have lunch at the bar twice and take a tour of the lobby. Pretty incredible and they have timeshare opportunities. They are literally at the foot of Spruce Peak lifts lifts. And don't forget to stop by the firepit for gigantic marshamllows and hot chocolate after a full day of boarding.The pics above the marshmallows are Top Notch Resort and the pics below are of Stowe Mountain Lodge

Ashley Fiolek, an 18 year old motocross champ

2009-09-19T16:50:00.000-07:00

In 2004, at the age of 13, she won her first national championship at the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships at Loretta Lynn’s. Being born deaf doesn't affect this athlete.She was introduced to a motorcycle at 2 by her mom and dad.http://www.ashleyfiolek.com/

O'neal Racing

2009-09-18T23:05:00.000-07:00

I'm really loving all these manufacturers coming out with sexier women's lines and at the same time sad this wasn't popularly in the media when i was younger to get involved earlier. Women's extreme sports wear is definitely more abundant today. Later than never I'm loving the portrayal of sexy females doing sports men have been enjoying.This contest I found on o'neal's racing website is a great opportunity for girls to be role models for other athletes to partake in the same,http://oneal.com/oneal_model_search.php. Also don't forget to check out 2010 Troy Lee women's line,http://www.troyleedesigns.com/2010_collection/. I love the new white air wing helmet and the whole white and purple grand prix jersey and racing pant set. It's on my wish list. Maybe one day it will be on my body while i'm entering races next year.

New Burton vest

2009-09-18T17:37:00.000-07:00

$99 gets you a vest you can throw on in seconds and keeps you warm, goes with everything. http://www.burton.com/womens-jackets-burton-sly-puffy-vest/218513,default,pd.html?dwvar_218513_variationColor=633&start=11&q=vest

sept 18th. what I did.

2009-09-18T16:06:00.000-07:00

Drove down to Long Island City where my sons father had to show his empty building to someone interested in leasing. we left the car there and took Justin on the subway one stop to Houstons in nyc. Alot of restaurants in nyc have specific lunch hours usually ending at 230pm and then close until dinner. Houstons,http://www.hillstone.com/, is one of my favorite consistently good chain restaurants that stays open throughout the day. Usually I have a thai steak salad with noodles,tomatoes, avocado, mango and peanuts, slightly spicy but so yummy. Sometimes I get the ahi tuna salad with mango and avocado but this time I had a cheeseburger. Something about the sesame bun and the cheddar cheese. Is it happy Vermont cheese? The cow was definitely happy in his life. Grazing in the sun getting talked o and massaged all day i'm sure. Only happy cows meat would taste that good. Then of course at Houstons you cannot leave without doing the warm brownie nut sundae. The vanilla ice cream melts all over the caramel sauce and creates love in your belly and love in your heart. The flavors are so amazing. There's no other brownie in the world like a Houstons brownie. Then we were off to get Justin shoes and the only place nearby we knew was Geox,http://www.geox.com/, a very futuristic looking store. Most of the kids shoes are eye candy. They're super shiny, or metallic, or have lights on the bottom and sides. They were out of Justin's size in the first two I picked so we went with shiny silver ones.On our way back to the train we passed the Ferrari dealership and I can't believe they sell a skateboard. pretty cool. Got stuck in the worst traffic home because of Rosh Hashanah.http://www.chabad.org/holidays/JewishNewYear/template_cdo/aid/4644/jewish/Rosh-Hashanah.htm. Now I'm home and hoepfully soon i'll be long boarding to the movies to see one of my favorite actresses, Kate Beckensale in Whiteout.http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000295/

Heavenly resort, lake tahoe

2009-09-17T16:52:00.000-07:00

This place was so awesome.http://www.skiheavenly.com/ I fell in love with tree skiing here. Tahoe is one of the gorgeous places in the world to snowboard. Sun was shining. Views of the lake from almost every trail, water was sparkling like diamonds.It is truly paradise. Every single morning like clockwork I rushed to the Red Hut Cafe for strawberry pancakes (the way strawberry compote should be an is so hard to find)and an egg white omelet with tomatoes, cheese, and avocado.There's two locations. They are very close to each other. The older one looks like a shoebox trailer but once you enter the service is friendly, the menu is fantastic and the food will make you sad you ever have to go home to the options for breakfast back there.http://www.redhutcafe.com/contact.html. The New Red Hut Cafe is down the street from chairlifts at Heavenly that will drop you off at a fun little terrain park. The New Red Hut has two chair lifts hanging from the ceiling and looks like a log cabin with high ceilings and lots of natural light coming in from huge windows.

                    For lunch take a short drive to Riva Grill for their pizzas. It's right on the lake and if you sit at the bar maybe you'll meet one of the local bartenders who has lived in Tahoe for 25 years and is happy about it. They know all the secrets and the must-sees, must-do's.
                    One place we frequented was the Naked Fish. A very unique sushi joint. When you walk in you won't see much but a fish tank and two small rooms. The wait is long at this place and has plenty of regulars.Two guys work the bar and the extravagant rolls are entertainment. I will never see the kinds of rolls they have anywhere else. For example a pesto vegetarian roll with sun-dried tomato. it's so yummy.http://www.thenakedfish.com/
                    For something new and different, a quick lunch go to Fire and Ice right near the base at Heavenly by the gondolas.http://www.fire-ice.com/ It's a trendy looking stir fry/wok place. You pick your treats from the bar and watch a skillful guy sauce it all together and saute it up.
                    We stayed at a timeshare from a relative so unfortunately I cannot review a hotel. There were so many new ones near the base. After a full day of boarding and stuffing my face I didn't have enough energy to go to any clubs or casinos. I'll go to Vegas for that specific type of trip. All I wanted to do was bury myself in a hot jacuzzi tub and do it all over again the very next day.

Beaver Creek, Colorado winter

2009-09-17T01:10:00.000-07:00

Beaver Creek is an amazing place with tons of action.http://beavercreek.snow.com/info/winter/rst.vil.asp So many gorgeous places to stay and eat. We stayed at the Sheraton Vista in Avon, a timeshare property, which is literally down the street about a mile. The new Westin is super close too. You park at the bottom of the valley and take the shuttle bus up if you don't want to pay for parking in the village garage. We did park in the village garage since we were dropping off my son in daycare.http://beavercreek.snow.com/info/winter/ss.smallworld.asp.A full day of daycare in the village is around $120. They are well staffed and super friendly. Made things so convenient We parked and dropped him off, Walked back to the car and picked up our boards and went up two escalators and boom there are the lifts! So many art galleries and shops, bars, and restaurants. An ice rink at the base of the Arrowhead reminds me of heavenly, Lake Tahoe.
We stayed a week and switched off between Vail and Beaver Creek. We had breakfast at Rock's Bar and Grill.http://www.rocksmoderngrill.com/rocksmoderngrill/default.asp. We had dinner at the Blue Moose Pizza which was so crowded.http://www.bluemoosepizza.com/home.htm There was a wait to get in but this is one of the cutest family friendly pizza places i've ever been. There were small children everywhere. The table cloths are checkered blue and white with crayons given for small children. The food is excellent and you feel like your in someone's house instead of a restaurant. Everyone without small children ends up at this crowded local bar. hard to find stools but you can't miss this energetic crowd at the Coyote Cafe.http://www.coyotecafe.net/

Another gorgeous place to go in the village of Beaver Creek is Park Hyatt. We ate at 8100. The designer clearly stole my ideas. Everything is perfect. Food was so amazing. http://beavercreek.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/entertainment/restaurants/index.jsp. If you are lucky enough to stay at the Park Hyatt here is a great link of their services.http://www.familyvacationcritic.com/park-hyatt-beaver-creek/htl/

Rays Indoor Bike Park, Cleveland Ohio

2009-09-16T16:52:00.000-07:00

Getting close to that time of the year again. Lift service at bike parks are changing their schedules to weekends only if they had been offering weekday service. Soon even NY will be preparing for skiers and snowboarders at such resorts as Windham and Hunter and biking will be only for the weather tough. But if you have the chance like I did last winter of 2008 to drive to Ohio this warehouse is worth the trip. the ambiance is very hip and will make the youngest bmx'er swoon in excitement.Ray's http://www.raysmtb.com/ 9801 Walford Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44102. Last year Ray's opened October 18th. Still waiting for the 2009 schedule to post. I drove six hours from NY and stayed at Holiday Inn ten minutes away which was full of other bikers. Bikes on their cars, trucks, and in their room. Holiday Inn 4181 W. 150th St. Cleveland, OH 44135http://hubpages.com/hub/FIRST-INDOOR-MOUNTAIN-BIKE-PARK
(216) 252-7700 offers discounts to Ray's riders. Stayed for two days and wish I was there for one of the women's camps
.http://www.btrails.com/trails/rays-indoor-mtb-park-cleveland-ohio#/files/imagecache/342x513/trail_photos/Rays_MTB_Park_Alan_Davis.jpg

2009 Jamis Dakar Bam 11

2009-09-16T16:16:00.000-07:00

This is another one of those times I had the priveledge of getting an EP discount through my beau, paying only $2700 of the $5100 it retailed for when it was new and the $4650 it sells for now at the end of the year. Diablo freeride park in NJ is offering the 2010 as their rental fleet already and selling their 2009 rentals.I heard you can pick on eup for under $3000.
This 2009 year I've had the greatest opportunities considering i'm a mom of a small child to travel from Platekill, NY to Highland Bike Park in Tilton, N.H., to Diablo Freeride park in Vernon, NJ. I have been to these bike parks this 2009 summer an estimated 22 riding days total with a season pass at Diablo being Diablo is closest distance to me at an hour and half commute each way.
"Where others see nothing but trouble, you see nothing but fun. If steep chutes, rock gardens, slickrock slabs and big drops are what you live for, BAM is your bike.

We took the proven 7-inch mp3 rear suspension from last year’s BAM, pumped it up to 8 inches of terrain-swallowing travel so it’ll take the drops you used to bail on. It’s active and plush thanks to a 2.67:1 leverage ratio that squeezes the most out Fox’s DHX shock, with minimal pedal or brake feedback, keeping you in complete control.

We gave BAM downhill-inspired angles for descending confidence, and a lengthy top tube that lets you breathe on the ascents as you make the most of the mp3 suspension’s stable pedal platform. A new unified bell crank and CNC’ed pivot hardware keeps things laterally stiff and torsionally tight so you can power out of one switchback into the next."-ride-this.com

I love this bike to death. It handles well. it's plush. It conquers all from step-ups to drops and jumps I never thought I can do. the only flaws I've had with it are that the derailleur get loose after a strenuous downhilling day of rock gardens and pounding. nothing a multi-tool doesn't fix in a snap. The other problem is the first day I rode it my shin guards rubbed the paint down to the metal on both sides of the frame where I held on tight flying down a fire road. I had no idea My thighs were pinned against the frame that hard until black was missing. I was sad at first but taped it up against further damage.Pic shown. This probably won't happen to most because I wasn't supposed to be holding on to the frame this tight.

POC VPD Tshirt

2009-09-16T13:16:00.001-07:00

I was so excited to get new body armor having used sxsixone's black long sleeved pressure suit since i started downhilling at Diablo 4 years ago the summers were drenching me in sweat.I cared for something more form fitting, lighter, and feminine.This new product by POC sports was just what I wanted. Retailing for $315 makes it tangible to a select few. My privilege of dating a boyfriend who worked in a bike shop and could EP me one made it possible.
A short sleeve jacket with shoulder-cups, breast plates and a back protector. One of few certified at Level 2 (“High performance”) of the motor cycle standard EN 1621-2. The new back-protector-concept is made of the new Visco-Elastic Polymer Dough (VPD) that gives a high level of protection as well as a unique capability to adapt its shape to your body. The ambition has been to support mobility and comfort, incorporating the highest possible level of spinal and torso protection.

- Ventilated Polypropylene shoulder protection
- Breathable mesh for ventilation
- Ventilated Polypropylene breast plate
- Removable and flexible waistband
- Patent-pending snap-on Cervical and Coccyx in sandwich-molded and lined polyethylene

Size: XS/S, M, L/XL
Color: White

Well one first use of this protection was at Highland bike park and I immediately learned how vulnerable it is. sweat turned the stitching yellowish. the white material was susceptible to fraying from anything including the black velcro kidney belt. It got mysterious stains on it. without sounding strange i'll add the fact I have never ate or drank while wearing this because the zippered front makes it super easy to take off and when you do break from biking you are happy to unzip yourself. so where the stains came from... I have no idea. I wrote to POC because I love their website, pocsports.com. their products are fun, innovative, and very attractive to athletes. I want a ton of stuff from POC in the future and would hope they care about their consumers needs. This is the communication:

Hi,

Thanks for getting back to me with the info. Here is your RA#. Put it on the outside of the box that you 're going to ship the TEE in. Once we get the TEE we will take a look at it. We won't send you a new one until we get yours first. Any questions just send me an e-mail.

RA # CM1418.

Thanks,

Andrea

POC USA

From: ellie porru
To: Andrea Needham <andrea@pocsportsusa.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 1, 2009 9:32:12 PM
Subject: Re: VPD Tee warranty

x-small,small VPD spine tee
590 pinebrook blvd new rochelle, ny 10804
9545510916
Elixandria Porru
I wore the tee to Diablo today-pic attached. it's always under this jersey. it fits me so much better than the sixsixone and it's not as hot. Just very delicate.
--- On Tue, 9/1/09, Andrea Needham wrote:

From: Andrea Needham
Subject: VPD Tee warranty
To: mtbporru@yahoo.com
Date: Tuesday, September 1, 2009, 11:02 AM

Ellie,

We will gladly take care of you. We do need some information from you first before I can send you and RA #. Once you get the RA# please write it on the outside of the box when you ship your VPD tee to us. I will e-mail you an RA# once I get your information.

Information I need from you:

Size of the TEE, shipping address, and phone number.

Thanks, Andrea

POC USA

280 Heritage Ave

Portsmouth, NH 03801

From: Travis Swalbach <travis@pocsportsusa.com>
To: andrea@pocsportsusa.com
Sent: Tuesday, September 1, 2009 10:42:18 AM
Subject: Fw: RE: Attn:travis

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: ellie porru
To: warranty@pocskiusa.com
Sent: Monday, August 31, 2009 6:42:59 PM
Subject: Fw: RE: Attn:travis

The pic attached is from Aug 15, 2009. this VPD tee is straight from the wrapper. I have the matching elbow pads. I loved the lightness of this protector. I was boiling in hot in the black long sleeved one from sixsixone. But after it's first use i realized how delicate it is as it is pricey. The white material frayed immediately. Then mysterious yellow streaks appeared even though i never ate or drank anything with this on because it's a zip away to being off. After a few uses at diablo all the sweat on the stitchings turned yellow and stains came from who knows what being that it's worn under a jersey. I'm just wondering if you've had any similar complaints because maybe this is an excellent product for only skiers who won't be sweating directly. As a biker sweating is a guarantee. this material is not strong enough for a mountain biker. I loved the look and the fit.At $315 I don't know many people that can replace it every summer

--- On Mon, 8/31/09, Jarka Duba <jarka@pocskiusa.com> wrote:

From: Jarka Duba
Subject: RE:
To: "'ellie porru'"
Date: Monday, August 31, 2009, 1:52 PM

Ellie,

Yikes. E-mail warranty@pocskiusa.com and Travis will set you up with a new one.

Next time…. Remove the VPD piece from the garment prior to washing.

Jarka

From: ellie porru [mailto:mtbporru@yahoo.com]
Sent: Sunday, August 30, 2009 3:39 PM
To: info@pocskiusa.com
Subject:

I do alot of downhill biking at Diablo park in NJ and Highland in NH. I was excited to get this new VPD spine tee a month ago. After sweating the white turned yellow and because it zips off easily I have never ate in it. It just kept staining after sweating and biking.I took it to the dry cleaners but they told me they didn't handle such products.I put two pressure suits in delicate cycle. the sixsixone came out new. The $300 POC one kept every single yellow discoloration and stain plus the spinal protection fell off. Considering this is sold as performance wear to athletes it doesn't stand a chance at lasting one biking season.

As you can see they were caring, personable, and were willing to replace the product. I never did send in the armor. If everyone sent theirs back in after several uses for a new product this company would fail. I only wanted to know if other bikers had the same to say about it and make a suggestion about trying a more durable material. This purchase will not refrain me from buing other POC products and I do love their marketing.
The sixsixone suit I have (pic at the top)is a 2007 red and black longsleeved suit that I'm a little too small for even though it is a small.