Bikers buzz by

 We were watching out son in a bike race in Houston last week (he's not in these pictures) -- it was exciting stuff, including a couple of breath-holding spills.  These guys whiz around that track in the upper 20's mph for a half hour up to one hour (depending on the skill category.   I couldn't decide what was the best picture so I picked these two,  and reserve the right to post more in the future.

Spinning his wheels

I didn't get a chance to post this photo a couple weeks back.  In the center is our son, Charlie (Chuck), racing a Ironman event (I think it was a quarter Ironman) in a race in Baytown, TX. That's the I-10 behind them as they race into the transition zone to dismount and go into the foot race part of the event.   The service road turned out to be a pretty descent route, despite the roar of the I-10 in the background.
Oh, by the way, he placed second in his division.
--steve buser

Ironman, Texas

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Cuter farther away

He just came wondering up a few feet from where I was sitting. Granted, I was sitting very still and away from the passing crowds and near a little nature figure. Still, his presence shocked me. More so, the lady he came up behind.

I guess the only time I ever saw a possum before was when they were scurrying not to be seen. That's precisely what this guy did -- he didn't like the notoriety. The whole thing took place at Moody Gardens on Galveston Island while we were watching out son, Chuck, race.
--steve buser

Opossum, Galveston, Moody Gardens, Texas, animals, nature.

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Looking back, running forward

Look straight ahead an run. Push it.

This is our son, Chuck, running in the triathlon in Galveston this weekend. THe shot is about 200 feet from the finish line. He is looking back around to see if a fellow runner is planning on passing him at the end.

This triathlon, last year, was the his first. This year he bettered last year time by more than 20 minutes.

--steve buser

triathlon, Galveston, Texas, running, race

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Want to race? You have to beat the sun

We wereata diathlon in west Houston a while back supporting our son, Charles. This was the scene as the racers prepared their bikes before sun-up for the grueling ride and run.

--steve buser

Diathlon, Houston, rate, sunrise

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Hold on, this is going down to the wire.

Hold on tiger. This is going to be a wild ride.

This was our recent trip to the Aquarium in Houston. From the left is grandson Sullivan, me, granddaughter Sophie, and our son, "Uncle" Shawn.

Guess who won the race? I'll give you a hint. I was in last place.

--steve buser

Houston, Texas, Aquarium, Carousel

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Get your flip on

You get no time to soak in the applause when you are40 feet in the air trying to do a flip to thrill the crowd. In less that 2 seconds you are going to hit dirt and it better be with your wheels. It's time to get you flip on.

It has been fun posting these picture from the Monster Truck Rally at Ford Park this weekend in Beaumont,TX.   I have to admit this wasn't on my bucket list, but I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the tricks and antics with all that machinery and power.

--steve buser

Monster trucks, motorcycle, flip, tricks, Beaumont, Texas, Ford Park

Bigfoot Nation 2008 World Monster Truck Tour

You know your day isn't going too well when your tail catches on fire.  

This driver at the Bigfoot Nation 2008 World Monster Truck Tour at Ford Park this weekend had to scramble out of his truck for safety.   Fortunately, the fire was put out fast. 

The show went on without the Barbarian.  It was a tough day at the monster truck races for the drivers, but exciting for the crowd.

--steve buser

Monster Trucks, fire, flame-out, Ford Park, Beaumont, Texas

Here comes the run

This was the scene at the recent Houston Marathon as runners were arriving before dawn to get ready.  Our son Charles was running in the 26.2 mile race.  The shot is outside of the George R. Brown Convention Center which is the headquarters for the day of the event.

--steve buser

marathon, Houston marathon, Houston, Texas, George R Brown, Convention Center

Sweet sixteen

Our son, Charlie, competed in the Houston Marathon this past weekend. This is Charlie raising his arms as he gallops toward the finishing line. At this point he was about 300 yards from the finished. Last year, the Houston Marathon was the first marathon he had ever done.

Since that time he has competed in 16 races including marathons, half marathons, 1/4 triathlons and 1/2 triathlons. Quite year and we are very proud of him.

--steve buser

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