Seagrave Stories

DHS GIRLS DISTRICT CHAMPS.

2012-02-04T09:56:00.001-08:00

Finals start here soon and solid chance of taking district title!!

St. Andrews by the sea.

2011-12-27T19:21:00.001-08:00

2011-12-26T19:38:00.001-08:00

2011-12-25T20:51:00.001-08:00

Xmas tree beach style.

2011-12-25T17:32:00.001-08:00

2011-02-25T09:48:00.001-08:00

This being the first true winter for me, there has not been as much time on the bike, but that does not mean I have not been active. XC (classic) has become part of my routine, along with returning to the pool. I am feeling much more excited about putting my front wheel on the line again. The biggest difference would be that the tires that will be on my bike will have much more tread, meaning mountain bikes will be what is making this year a fun one on the bike.
Off the bike, this year has been tons of fun working for The Liberty School, both in the classroom and outdoors with hikes, sledding, playing and learning in the river and exploring everywhere in between.
When I first moved to Durango, I was not sure if this was somewhere I would like to stay for a while, but with enough single track to ride for days on end and never have to do a trail twice. Even when all that trail you never have to drive your car w/bike to get to any of the trails. Then you have tons upon tons of people to ride with. Off the bike there is the Animas River for swimming/tubing/fishing etc. So, pretty much I cant imagine leaving a place that has everything you could want and just outside the front door!!

Matt

Long Time

2011-01-16T21:59:00.000-08:00

Many things have transpired since the last time I have posted an update, so I hope to be diligent and get most of the stories posted here. I also hope that since much time has passed since the last post I did not lose a lot of readership.

Matt

Flat irons Photo

2010-08-06T14:59:00.000-07:00

a picture of the flat irons I took before walking into the grocery store.

Missing

2010-07-27T21:19:00.001-07:00

Now that I am in Colorado for a while for work and not for a visit or holiday. There are a few people that are not here, that usually are. They are my big Sis, Jill and her husband Todd. Along with three of the coolest kids on the planet Julia (JuJu), Samuel (sammy) and Caroline (Carebear). Not having these five people who I care dearly about in Colorado, when I am here. Feels like there is a piece missing. OK, so I should take a step back and let you know that for the past few years I have spent anywhere from a couple weeks to a month in Colorado during the summer training and visiting family and time at the Kobayoshi house was part of this trip.

Uncle Matt

Cool Site.

2010-07-25T21:26:00.001-07:00

A friend and collegue has a website I feel you should take time to visit, read and view.
Documentingmywork.com

Engineer Mtn Hike

2010-07-25T14:14:00.000-07:00

The photo that I am in is almost at the summit and the other photo is once Ben and I made out way to the top. The Peak is just shy of 13,000ft. Really fun day.

Thinking.

2010-07-23T22:02:00.002-07:00

This summer has been a very good learning experience for me thus far. The things learned are not those in which I have been looking acquire knowledge about.
Many of the lessons learned this summer have come from the campers I have had a great opportunity to spend most of my mornings with Monday thru Friday every week and some weekends.
Flexibility is a key lesson that has been firmly planted in my mind.
Patience also is one thing that has been brought back to me, along with being adaptive to the current situation. There are many more things I have been reminded of and learned from the campers/students this summer that will be taken with me for many years to come.

Matt "always learning" Seagrave

camp photos

2010-07-21T18:58:00.001-07:00

photos of the rocks I climbed on Animas Trail to watch sunset

2010-07-18T21:46:00.000-07:00

Study Hall

2010-07-15T22:01:00.000-07:00

One photo from study hall today.

Cool Poem

2010-07-13T22:06:00.001-07:00

Why God Made Teachers
By Kevin William Huff

When God created teachers,
He gave us special friends
To help us understand His world
And truly comprehend
The beauty and the wonder
Of everything we see,
And become a better person
With each discovery.

When God created teachers,
He gave us special guides
To show us ways in which to grow
So we can all decide
How to live and how to do
What's right instead of wrong,
To lead us so that we can lead
And learn how to be strong.

Why God created teachers,
In His wisdom and His grace,
Was to help us learn to make our world
A better, wiser place.

July 4th Weekend

2010-07-05T09:46:00.000-07:00

After dinner activities

2010-07-01T17:37:00.001-07:00

So what we did was had two team of three people launching balloons in the air in hopes that they would land on the other 30 some odd camper and staff sitting in the triangle shaped groups in order to get points.

New Readers

2010-06-30T22:01:00.000-07:00

I would like to take the time to welcome all new readers to this blog.

WELCOME :)

Matt

little update!

2010-06-29T12:06:00.000-07:00

Durango Mountain Camp has been a blast and huge learning experience for me thus far.
The learning experiences I have had are learning the testing procedures for PST (writing), GORT and IOTA. 2 o'clock letters for teaching students to improve their penminship. Along with many other smaller things that will help to make a big difference in the fluency and comprehension of the students I have a chance to work with.
Yestardays activities would be a good example of a fun day. Work with students in the morning, lunch, mtb ride, dinner ultimate frisbee, desert and then one on one time reading with two students.
Today the morning was much the same except I had a chance to shadow a lesson with one of the tutors now off for some bouldering with staff and students then dinner and maybe a road ride before evening reading sessons.

Sorry for such a short update, but pretty busy here.

Matt

2010-06-20T14:29:00.000-07:00

Day 1: Moved into cabin, rode telegraph, meadows, mikes and one other trail. Now, getting organized to start working at the camp tomorrow.
Will search for my camera later on today and start posting photos.

Matt

Pecos

2010-06-18T21:15:00.000-07:00

I left Corpus this morning headed for Pecos, TX. Which is where I am sitting right now. The start of the day was driving along the water of the Texas Coast and the day ended with a drive into a beautiful sunset with the davis mountain off to the west. Along the way I was introduced to a really good BBQ joint in Junction TX, This worked out just right in that a good friend of mine Jason called to check on me and I just happened to be outside of Junction and he said there was this BBQ joint I needed to stop in and have a bite with some pie and so I did, man was that good.
Ok, so I need to find my camera, so there can be pictures to go along with these stories to make them more interesting. That will be one of my goals tomorrow, and maybe even a short mtb ride in Albuquerque.

Cheers,

Matt "traveling man" Seagrave

New Adventure

2010-06-16T21:27:00.000-07:00

My travels now take me to Durango, Colorado. Where I have an internship with the Durango Mountain Camp. Where all the campers are dyslexic. In the morning there will be classroom work, then in the afternoon outdoor adventures. Such as rock climbing, mountain biking, horse back riding and fun times on the river. After an afternoon of fun, then the campers focus back on reading.
I am very excited about this opportunity and owe thanks for a handful of people.
Donna for introducing me to Mrs. Diorio and Julie Wingfield who introduced me to Joyce Steeves who was able to get me into contact with Joyce Bilgrave. All of whom have made this opportunity possible.
Again, the awesome opportunities I have had and will have are made possible with the help of others.

Thank you.

Matt Seagrave

Urban Assault

2010-05-18T07:01:00.000-07:00

These photos are from a race this past weekend, here in Richmond, Va. I am in the black and gray cycling clothes.

New clothes

2010-04-22T08:46:00.001-07:00

There was an email sent to my inbox a couple days ago stating that the new team clothing will arrive here in Virginia. So, stop back in to have a look of photos.

Matt

First MTB Race Results

2010-04-13T06:35:00.000-07:00

I am running short on time this morning. So, the update will be short for now and hopefully longer later today.
Donna and I traveled about 40min. north west of our houses for Camp Hilbert MTB. I rode the middle of the race conservatively and was able to pull out 4th place for the day in the expert class. Even though I rode conservatively, when the race was over. My body was still very tired. The whole drinking while you are racing the mtb is not anywhere close to being as easy as drinking on a road bike. Ever time I found a good place to drink. That spot was gone. This part of race plan should really be put into action during the pre-ride.
Donna finished 5th in the expert class!!

Matt "root rider" Seagrave

Easter

2010-04-04T20:45:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a fun and enjoyable easter. With family and or friends.

Matt "jelly bean eater" Seagrave

Random thoughts

2010-04-02T06:58:00.001-07:00

So, I really enjoy cooking and making food that I have not made before. Also making that food for others to enjoy. The only issue is that I dont always have the inventiveness needed to create cool dishes. So, the phone at Jason Comstocks house rings alot when I am wanting to create something new and interesting that will make your mouth and stomach smile. That is what happen last night. I wanted to create a cool dish for Donna so Jason and Kim both came to the rescue. To help with plans for a chicken butter curry with chick peas poured over brown rice, to go along with a side salad. That I drizzles one of my own homemade dressings.

Matt"cooking it up" Seagrave

More NYC

2010-03-28T16:21:00.001-07:00

I forgot to mention the Senior Citizen Center that was still hopping with loud music in the village at 1am. Never a shortage of fun to have in the city.

Matt "getting down" Seagrave

NYC

2010-03-25T12:33:00.000-07:00

So, Donna and I were sitting in my brother and his wife's apartment this past weekend and Andy said "Geeze Matt" as he was looking at my blog and wanted to know why I have not updated it lately. well there is not a real good answer for that. So, back to the trip Donna and I made to NYC this past weekend to visit Andy and Candy(Candice). Donna had not meet everyone in the family yet and so I thought the last weekend of Spring Break for her would be a good time. Now yes I checked with her first before I bought the tickets. We headed up there on Saturday Morning and stayed until Monday afternoon. Saturday was a good train ride with a home cooked dinner by Andy then a solid night on the town in the Village. Kinda crazy how you can ride the subway for almost an hour and still be in the city. Throughout the night we took in some good music and cupcakes. Donna and I were given the musicians tour which was really cool to see alot of spots where famous musicians got their start. Also in the tour we were shown the different venues Andy has played which is cool to now have an place to go with the story.
Sunday we went to the Cloisters museum and then down to the park to feed the ducks all the while going for a good walk. There are some pretty cool places in NYC, and definitely alot of people.
Monday; Donna, Andy and I woke up had breakfast then hopped on the train to start making our way back to Richmond, while Andy went for an interview and Candice was at work.
This past weekend was awesome. Super excited that now everyone has meet Donna and She had meet them and everyone really digs each other.
Hopefull there will be pictures to be posted.

Matt "train hopper" Seagrave

Inspiration

2010-02-16T13:25:00.000-08:00

Watching the olympic comentary, the word inspirational keeps coming up. For alot of people there are people around them on a daily basis that are inspirational. Maybe they are not around everyday but they are people who are close to them emotionally (i.e. family, distant friendst etc.).
For example every single person in my immediate family is inspirational to me.

Check it!!

2010-02-16T05:59:00.000-08:00

Check this organization out to get H.S. kids into cycling.

General Update

2010-02-11T18:30:00.000-08:00

How are you doing? Now I know you can respond to that question, but figured might be a good way to start toady's post.
Well, the racing season is about to begin. I have been talking with different race directors that will work with me to help get awareness about ALS out to as many people as possible, which I believe can be very helpful. Also on the racing front there is a race here in Richmond called Working Mans Stage Race that I am helping plan and organize. Which I am looking forward dabbling in race promotion a little.
Now, the main reason why I started the post today. I just finished making and having Dinner with Donna Mae and I can not stop smiling inside and on my face. Really cool to find someone who seems to enjoy everything that enjoy and helps push me to keep striving to create the future and life that I want. To make it short I have found someone very special person!!

Matt

Donate to ALS

2010-02-02T09:59:00.000-08:00

"Each year, over 5,000 people are diagnosed with ALS. It takes the generosity of people like you to help us continue the level of service we provide people living with ALS. Your generous donations of time, talent and treasure help researchers and doctors search for a cause and cure for this deadly disease."

Click any thing above to make a donations

test video

2010-01-25T12:08:00.000-08:00

riding from front yard to back yard Im still working on getting the camera angle correct for trails so you can get a good vantage point of what is going on and coming up on the trail when I get to that stage or recording.

Matt

New Feature

2010-01-25T07:34:00.000-08:00

So, you are thinking. Man this blog has not a many stories lately and the title is "Seagrave Stories." That is very true. So, I will be putting more stories up on the blog once again and the "new feature" will be video from a helmet camera that my roommate (Ryan Galloway) will be letting me borrow for a while. This way you can see the trails that I am training on.
Recently I have started a job for a company called Over Time Athletics. What they do is have employees come into schools once they have let out for the day and get the students involved in physical activities such as basketball, kickball, ultimate Frisbee etc. Now the classes are very structured with warm up games, skills and drills before the actual "real game" starts. Really fun to help keep kids active and having fun.

Till next time
Matt

Date Night

2010-01-08T06:28:00.000-08:00

So, here is a picture of Donna and myself. We have started a Date Night once a week, where we will go do something that is not bike or sport related.

more photos

2009-12-31T12:27:00.000-08:00

December

2009-12-14T07:42:00.000-08:00

Here are some more pictures from the past few days.
Donna is here in Corpus to visit and meet the family and some friends. While here we have been in Austin, built my race bike for 2010 and worked on designing the new kit. Sadly the weather has not been as nice as predicted, hopefull this will change today and tomorrow before she has to leave for Richmond.

Donna in Texas

2009-12-09T19:07:00.000-08:00

Driving to San Antonio tomrrow to pick Donna up at the Airport and then driving to Austin to see Zaner and visit the city for a day, then back to CC.
On a racing note. Everything is moving forward and the bike should be built and ready to ride this weekend and maybe even taken out on its maden voyage!!!

Matt

New

2009-11-19T19:10:00.000-08:00

I am going to be partnering up with the south Texas ALS chapter and ALS-C3 to help bring awareness to ALS for the 2010 season. Verge Clothing and Bebop Pedals are on board with the project, thus far.

As more developes I will post the details here.

Cheers,

Matt

couple more days

2009-11-17T20:36:00.000-08:00

Just a couple more days and we will have an update worth reading!!

Cheers,

Matt "directions changer" Seagrave

changing times

2009-11-06T21:09:00.000-08:00

Look for an update here in the next day or two, on how things are changing and staying the same in my journey down the road I have chosen. Some things have come to light, while others have not.

Matt

Just Us

2009-10-19T11:20:00.000-07:00

These are some pics of Donna and I from some of the cool places we went hiking.

More adventures with Donna

2009-10-19T11:13:00.000-07:00

Donna and I are hiking around Seven Falls in these pictures, just on the other side of Cheyenne Mountain.

Samuels two wheel attempt

2009-10-19T11:07:00.001-07:00

These pictures are from when Donna and I took Samuel down to the park by the house and tried to help him learn to ride without his training wheels. I hope you enjoy.

today

2009-10-15T15:56:00.000-07:00

More of Today

2009-10-15T15:51:00.000-07:00

todays adventures

2009-10-09T15:18:00.000-07:00

hangin with the kids

2009-10-08T21:11:00.001-07:00

todays events

2009-10-08T18:03:00.000-07:00

More photos

2009-10-06T15:33:00.000-07:00

today3

2009-10-03T20:49:00.000-07:00

today2

2009-10-03T20:47:00.000-07:00

today

2009-10-03T20:44:00.000-07:00

Donna Mae

2009-09-29T20:52:00.001-07:00

For all of those who have been reading my blog and have read the name Donna, not knowing who she is and why her name keeps popping up.
Donna is my girlfriend whom I met here in Richmond. She is someone who has taken the time to really introduce me to the city of Richmond and make me enjoy the city that I called home for the past 7 months. Donna re-introduced me to the mountain bike and even got me to do a single speed race earlier this month, which was a blast. She and I share the love for the bike, and out doors. We have already had two camping trips this past month.
I am going to miss having her around every day to keep me smiling, but we will make trips to see each other this winter.

Matt Seagrave

Final night

2009-09-29T20:49:00.000-07:00

Tonight is the final night in the team house. Then the process of going to Colorado for a little while begins.
Thank you to everyone who has helped helped me through the season.

Matt

Changes

2009-09-28T11:45:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, Donna and I went to the mountains just outside of Charlottesville, Va. Where we stayed at the Acorn Inn (bed and breakfast). This was a really nice trip since it was the last weekend in Richmond with Donna for a while. I say for a while because I do not know what I will be doing for racing next season. There has been alot of thought into my direction for the future and still undecided, since I do not know what my different options are.
With Donna in Richmond finishing up school, there will definitely be trips planned for my return.
At the end of the week, I will be flying to Colorado Springs to visit. My big sis and her kids and husband along with my little sister who lives in Boulder. Donna will be coming out on the 14th for a few days to visit and get a chance to meet some of the family. From there I do not know where I will go. I would like one more winter of focused training back in Texas, but we will see how this may workout.
There should be more frequent updates here soon.

Matt "traveler" Seagrave

byrd park CX

2009-09-18T19:19:00.000-07:00

I am not in any of the photos below, they are of some riders here in Richmond, VA. Practicing there CX skills

My lil' Bro

2009-09-08T07:56:00.000-07:00

Check out this recording of him playing in his room.
Man of Men

Matt

more pics

2009-09-07T08:12:00.001-07:00

Sherando Mountain Bike/Camping Trip

2009-09-07T07:18:00.000-07:00

These pictures are from Donnas and my trip to Sherando. We went mountain biking and camping.

Contenplation

2009-08-31T19:48:00.000-07:00

So, I have been putting more thought into what direction I want to go into in the the next year or two. Today I was given the advice to take everthing that surrounds me (family, friends, faith etc.) and take them and put them aside and just focus on myself and not worry about everything else. Which sounds fine and good, but I want those people to be in my life after I decide what path I shall take so I feel that it is important that they are a part of the thought process.
Whithout my family close friends and FAITH I would not be where I am today!!!

Matt

Me and Jeff

2009-08-31T19:31:00.000-07:00

Now I know that the title is not gramatically correct, but that is not what this blog is about. The focus is about my stories and experiences. When I was little my Mom would refer to me and one of my close friends as "Mut and Jeff", so I changed it a little and made it Me and Jeff, since this past weekend Jeff Buckles and I did some traveling together. These pictures are from the trail and resevior near his parents house in Connecticut.

Matt

More photos

2009-08-26T19:13:00.001-07:00

These photos are from today after Donna and I went for a short mtb ride. I say short because I broke my chain and got a flat. The water seems to be a relaxing agent for me since more than half my life so far was surrouned by water.

Matt

Travels possible

2009-08-24T19:41:00.000-07:00

There is a possibility that I may get a chance visit, Jill, Todd the kids, Emily and my Dad all in one trip to Denver in the second half of September.

Matt

evening walk

2009-08-22T09:01:00.000-07:00

These are pictures from a walk Donna and I went on the other evening.

M-

photos

2009-08-17T20:32:00.001-07:00

Here are some photos from the mtb ride Donna and I went on. Enjoy!!

Gift of Andy

2009-08-14T19:40:00.000-07:00

I told my brother that I have wanted to learn to play the ukelele for a while, and since my birthday was just a little while ago. Check out what arrived just the other day.

Thoughts

2009-08-02T21:10:00.000-07:00

So, there are many times, mostly random. That I think of things that I would like to achieve or do in my lifetime. Some small, some big, but all very important to me, and possibly to others that may be affected directly or indirectly.
With that said I have given a list of things I would like to do some time in my life.

- record music with my brother.
- have a strongly positive influence on my nieces and nephew
- Be able to give back to my parents the many gifts that they have given me
- Be in a surf flick (film).
- Have a chance to take a "journey" with Emily.
- Give back for all the help and opportunities that I have been given in my life that have taken me down the path that I walk,
- Have the strength to live the life that I have been asked to lead.

This list is not complete but, as life goes on there are more "things" to check off.

Cheers,

Matt

projects

2009-07-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

Below are some pictures of me building a work bench for Donna to be used at her house when using all the new Park Tools.
Donna was the table saw master on this project!!

Coffee Drinkers!!

2009-07-21T19:28:00.000-07:00

Whats up. I have an update, for those who enjoy a good cup of coffee. You should visit www.richmondprocycling.com (team website) and order yourself some team coffee. This stuff is really good and you have a choice between espresso and drip. The RPC coffee is roasted right here in Richmond Virginia and shipped to your door.

Cheers,

Matt

Photos!!

2009-06-30T17:20:00.000-07:00

Below are some photos from the Working Mans Stage Race,
Hope you enjoy.

2009-06-23T10:04:00.000-07:00

this past weekend, I jumped on the train for a ride from Richmond to NY, for a race in Harlem and a chance to hangout with Andy, Candice, Emily and my Folks.
I arrived around 10ish to the train station where I met everyone and then took the subway to 200th street where my brother and his wife live(Andy and Candice).
Everyone hung out and watched SNL.
The next morning we had breakfast down the street and then walked to church and through the park.
Eventually making it to the race in Harlem.
This past weekend was really fun for me to get to see my family and visit NY for the fist time.

Matt

Little Things

2009-06-07T16:40:00.000-07:00

I have not really posted a blog entry that tells a story in a while.
There is an experience that keeps fondly re-surfacing in my mind over these past couple months.
Probably about a week before I moved up to Richmond, Va., my DAD and I made a short trip up to Leakey, TX. This is just down the road from Lost Maples State park. To get some fishing and riding in. The trip in and of itself was not long but was really cool, in that me and my DAD had an chance to hangout in the hillcountry, without everyday distraction and could spend the first half of the day riding (me) and fishing (dad) and then the second half go for a hike in the afternoon then go into town for dinner or grill out, just spending quality that we usually dont get to do even when I am in TX.

Out training

2009-05-27T15:22:00.001-07:00

Summer Fun!!!

2009-05-13T14:46:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of my Lil' Sis, having some summer fun.

Evergreen school

2009-05-12T13:03:00.000-07:00

This morning Craig, Jeff and Brendan and I rode to Evergreen Elementary School to do a talk/presentation on bicycle safety. When the presentation was over we were about to ride out of the gym and the kids were going to go to class all I remember is answering a question from one or two kids then all of a sudden I look and see that I am surrounded by kids asking questions. Pretty cool feeling, to have a lot of kids interested in bikes asking questions.

Photos

2009-05-10T16:51:00.000-07:00

Craig talking to the kids at the Beaufort Elementary School where the team rode and spoke to the kids about bicycle safety
The team sitting outside the coffee shop in Beaufort
My rig hanging out by the water just down the way from one of the bridges in Beaufort

Photos

2009-05-10T16:48:00.000-07:00

Another way to follow the team

2009-05-09T11:40:00.000-07:00

you can also follow what the team is doing by going to
www.twitter.com/richmondpro

matt

Photo essay

2009-04-28T06:39:00.000-07:00

These are the pictures from the travels, will try to put captions in soon.

Observations

2009-04-08T14:15:00.000-07:00

The gym down the street is promoting with someone exercising on the stair climber next to the road.

I Never thought someones mouth would need moisturizing.

New Photos

2009-04-07T12:11:00.000-07:00

Ok, so there are some new photos of the team, on the website

Click for photos

Matt

James River Park

2009-03-30T14:41:00.000-07:00

These photos were taken just down the road from me at The James River Park.

2009-03-27T15:52:00.000-07:00

This is a Manset Track bike build by Jim Mitchell, whom we are staying with.

This is Sarah Carvellas frame for this season, as you can see the puzzle pieces on her frame to help bring awareness to Autism. She is racing for Alan Bikes this season.

Does your garage workshop look like this? this is only a little bit of what is there, all that can be said is Awsome!! Every tool you could need to build and service your bike.

Pics

2009-03-27T15:25:00.001-07:00

The backyard of the house, here in Richmond, VA.

Craig explaining race tactics to a local club.

Virginia

2009-03-24T18:59:00.000-07:00

Time to get the Motor Pacing going.

Update

2009-02-05T06:46:00.000-08:00

I have been starting on some new projects lately.
1. Starting to get some details worked out to be a rep. for www.racewheelrental.com a good friend of mine Gabe Lloyd who race on the same team as myself in Belgium.
2. I have begun to put some of my many stories/experiences from traveling/racing/life down on paper. So, to eventually have enough very detailed and entertaining stories to make a book of short stories.
3. For the past few years I have been helping out athletes prepare for racing events (triathlons, cycling etc.) and have started to process to become certified by USA Cycling.

I will keep you updated on these projects as they materialize, Also look for updates on what else I may be doing the year.

Matt

Today Ride

2009-01-20T18:13:00.000-08:00

Todays ride was good, but the actual ride was not what I wanted to report on. The friendship that was very apparent because of the ride is what this blog update is all about.
The friend that I am talking about is John Bratton. So how did his friendship shine to bright today.

To have an impact!!

2009-01-19T08:20:00.000-08:00

Something new for me and friends. We will be working in conjunction with the Faison School for Autism, in Richmond Virginia. Our role will be to work with the kids and their Teaching Assistants in a Physical Education setting.
This will be an awesome opportunity for Richmond Pro Cycling to use our athletic talents to have a hugely positive affect on the lives of kids and young adults in the community.
I will be posting more information on our work with the students as things progress. First let me give you a little information on Autism, so you have a better grasp on the work we will be doing.

What is Autism?
Autism is a developmental neurological disability, the third leading childhood disorder. It currently affects one out of 150 children. This includes one in 98 boys, and occurs more frequently than childhood cancer, cystic fibrosis, or multiple sclerosis combined. Austin affects language development, intuitive thought, social interaction and the ability to communicate - both verbally and non-verbally. Symptoms generally appear by age 2 and may include the exhibition of repetitive behavior or a marked adherence to specific routines.

Mission Statement of Faison School:
The mission of the Faison School for Autism is to give each child the best chance he or she to improve his or her life's journey. The school employs a three-pronged approach of empirically-driven treatment. Research, and training to best serve our students. Our philosophy is a holistic one, focusing on the child, their family, and all those who touch and enrich their lives.

I hope you return to read more about the program I am involved in with friends and teammates.

Till Next Time

Matt

Closer and Closer

2009-01-15T17:17:00.000-08:00

I don't know. As I sit typing away hoping a cool story from today will come to me that I can share with you.
OK, so the truth has come out. Today was not very eventful, but. Yes, there is a but in there. The trip to Richmond will begin tomorrow around midday. First the travels will take me to San Antonio, where I fly out and head to Atlanta and then the final destination of Richmond, Va. Now, this will be the first time I meet most of the guys. Should be fun and eventful. So, hopefully there will be some stories to tell and pictures to go along with the stories.
So, now off to finish the laundry and get organized for the trip. I had not done regular clothes in quite a while so there was a lot of that and towels to wash today.

Till Next Time (when the post should be more interesting)

Matt

Good day on the bike

2009-01-13T11:34:00.000-08:00

So the title of this post would make you think the conditions of the ride were good. Well not so much. There was a steady wind of 30mph, which turned out to be a headwind for most of the ride. Which was a good thing since for the 3.5hr ride there were 2hrs worth of intervals. With the head wind I was able to get the HR up where needed. The last interval I put the effort in to see if I could make make myself go crossedy eyed or tunnel vision, you know the feeling trying to ride hard enough to where the blood starts only going to the legs and not so much to the head.
The best part of the day was that it was cool and the sky was clear, but mostly the fact that I am able to ride my bike every day this I am greatful for.

Its on!!

2009-01-06T06:15:00.000-08:00

I am out of base and about to start getting a little more specific towards getting race ready. For me this is good since my head is beginning to have a desire to start racing.
January 16th I head to Richmond for camp and start the process of getting things organized for the season. Then back to TX for a couple more months before I start racing in March.

Matt

Interesting

2008-12-31T06:19:00.000-08:00

Wow, I go fishing with a good friend and all of a suddenly he is off the dock in his underwear paddling a kayak!! trying to get his line un-stuck from the fishing light which he has pulled out of place by about 20 feet. It was an interesting night and fun. I wish the camera was charged then I could have posted pictures. Maybe next time.

Matt

why????

2008-12-22T21:51:00.001-08:00

Why cant people just leave stuff well enough alone???

New Post

2008-12-19T19:11:00.000-08:00

Sorry guys for not updating this thing lately, I have been horrible about it and I know it is unacceptable as I was told by Ashley Anderson. So, I promise to have a much more in depth update here in the next day or so.

Cheers.

Matt

Sontag!!

2008-10-24T09:29:00.000-07:00

One of my teammates this year just won the Collegiate XC MTB National Championship Title.

2008-10-22T07:08:00.000-07:00

So, usually this blog is about things that are going on in my daily life, or by weekly life depending on the frequency of my posts. Well, this time I thought I would sprinkle in some of the really good friends that I have made over this past year. Now, they will not be in any particular order, and there might be some posts in between the ones about my friends.
First I would like to tell about a good friend named Adrian. I am doing these stories because the friends that I spent most the season with on the road and in hotels and or host housing have had a strong affect on my experiences. The reason why I start with Adrian is because every time I see an airplane I think of him. For a combination of reasons. First every time he and I would go for an ez ride while in Santa Monica heading south we would ride past the flight path of LAX. This is important because he has a strong desire to be a pilot. Which now he is taking classes/lessons to acquire his private pilots license.
Adrian was a beast on a bike and had some stellar performances this season, but that is not why he has become a good friend. He has become a good friend of mine because he is super laid back on most things and does not take too much too seriously and pretty much gets along with everyone for the most part and was always looking out for the rest of us.
Look for stories about Anthony "the ninja" Aker, Tommy "tommy gun" Githens also Molly "the greatest feeder/pancake maker/keep your spirits up, awsome girl" Githens, Markus "the german" weinberge, just to mention a few.

Interesting

2008-10-09T18:09:00.000-07:00

Today when I was riding home from The Pedal almost in front of the house, there was a kid riding down the street on his bike with a compound bow (powerful hunting bow) slung over his shoulder. As Candice would say "only in Texas".

Matt