Sunday, September 27, 2009

Weber Review

The Weber Review is a show for exhibition only. The judges are there to give you tips and pointers to make your show better before you have your first competition. We got to see 3 other schools who are in the same division as American Fork, the competition is tough. We will definitely have to be on our best to win. We looked good - and better is still coming!


To watch the video of the Color Guard and Marching Band at the Weber Review to to

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnrx2eO9WaM

I'll keep trying to get it to load here.

HOMECOMING 2009

Neither Richard nor I graduated from American Fork High School. But all 6 kids of our kids have attended American Fork High School, so when homecoming rolled around we decided to go see the football game. We found us a good seat up high in the stands (better for pictures) and enjoyed the people watching as they came in for the game.

In came the Homecoming Queen - Kelsey

Next the game ball came by way of a Hot Air Balloon.





Let the game begin, our opponent was Pleasant Grove. At half-time neither team had scored.

Half-time arrived and it is the real reason that we came to watch the show. The Color Guard and Marching Band were the half-time show. It was the debut of the backdrops and the "Rosy the Riveter" costumes for the Color Guard.












WOW! The performance is better than it was on Tuesday!

Interbike, Cross Vegas, and USA Crits Championship

Holly got asked to officiate two races in Las Vegas - Cross Vegas and the USA Crits Championship. They take place during Interbike, the biking industry trade show. She put out the word that she wanted to get a ticket to the show, and Ramon Gonzales came thru. I was able to spend a few minutes at Interbike on Wednesday and then a long time on Thursday. I saw Gary Fisher there.
That is quite the suit that he has on.


This bike and legs was the funniest thing. As we walked up to it, the legs were pedaling the bike, their is no front wheel, no body on the legs, but they were just a going. Of course as soon as I got the camera out, they turned it off.

The cross race was fun, the first race is people involved in the cycling industry - Wheelers and Dealers. Then the UCI Women's event and last the UCI Men's event. It was a fun evening. I was amazed at all the officials who came by to say Hello, as I officiated.

Thursday night, the USA Crit Championship

was held in a parking lot at the Mandalay Bay. It was HOT out there on the parking lot. The first race of the night was a 2/3 race, next up was the Masters, our friend Louis Amelburu. I got to officiate both nights with Lynn Taylor.


Again, lots of friends came by to say Hello. Mike and July Meldrum, with Shawn Farrell in the background.


Dave Ilits taking pictures of Dave Harward who was out in front for a while.

It was a quick trip and a fun couple of days. I can't wait to go again, Richard would love Interbike.

Family and Friends Show

The last Monday in September is reserved for the American Fork High School Color Guard and Marching Band family and friends show. Grandpa and Grandma Anderson came down to see the show. We supported the band and had dinner at the school, pizza, nachos, pretzels, and chocolate. We had a nice visit with Grandpa and Grandma while we ate and waited for the show to start.

The show started with the Color Guard and Marching Band taking the field and playing the Star Spangled Banner and the National Guard presenting the flags.





During the parade season the band plays a collection of songs that represent each of the different arms of service. they started their program playing their parade piece and asking those who served our country to stand as their song was played.

Grandpa Anderson served in the Navy.


Our neighbors J R and Shirley Price came to see Rachael and the show. J R also served in the Navy.
Then the show began.











The band played thru their Field Show and then were presented with a set of Dog Tags from the local National Guard unit. Each member of the Color Guard and Marching Band got two dog tags, one with their name on it, the other with someone from American Fork who has served in the "Greatest Generation" Which is also the name of their show. They then perform the show a second time.

Last they invite a member of their family to come join them on the field and try to follow them as they do a portion of the program. I tried to stick like glue to Rachael, but she moves too fast.



It was a great night. We can hardly wait until the uniforms come in for the Color Guard and their backdrops are finished. The show will just get better and better! We are so proud of you Rachael and the American Fork High School Color Guard and Marching Band.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Can I watch TV?

We had Chloe in the house the other day, and when it was time to put her back into the dog run, we called her and called her, but she didn't come. We found her in the TV room, watching the Disney channel, just like any 7 year old ( that's about how old she would be in dog years.

TOUR OF MISSOURI - continued

More pictures from Missouri





















I had a great time. Officiating a bike race and seeing Missouri! Hope I am invited back.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

TOUR OF MISSOURI



One of my National Officiating Assignments was to be on the crew of Tour of Missouri. I flew out to St. Louis late on Saturday afternoon, by the time I arrived it was dark and I had to take the Metro to my hotel. I got my luggage and walked to the far end of the airport and waited for the Metro. I wasn't so sure about being on some strange train/bus system in a strange city and in the dark. I managed to get off at the right stop and found the stadium for the St. Louis Cardinals as I came up the stairs from the bus stop. It was about a three block walk to the Hotel, I was really glad that I could put the backpack on, and that the suitcase was on wheels. I got checked in and went in search of food.

Sunday - September 6th
I found the Tour of Missouri offices at the Hotel and picked up my Tour of Missouri clothing, two blue shirts, two long sleeve T-shirts, a light weight jacket and a hat. Got my Tech Guide, Housing Guide, and my race radio. I am ready to go. I joined a group of the other officials for breakfast at a little place about 7 blocks from the hotel. The morning started out pretty foggy. (if you look close you can see the St Louis arch in the background.)





I had my first meeting of the day at 11:00 - preparing for the Time Trial. At 11:30 - meeting #2 - scoring and results. Then had lunch. Team registration was next. My job was to collect the rider waivers and issue the rider numbers. Then it was the team managers meeting, followed by an Officials Meeting and dinner. (Again look close for the St. Louis arch in the background.)



For the week I am rooming with Paula Grill, a legend in the Judging position. I learned lots from her.

Monday, September 7th
They were holding a bike race called the Gateway Cup over the weekend. It ended with Crits using part of the same course we wold be using later in the day, so this is what I woke up to outside my window.

I headed outside and wandered the expo at the race. Watched the Women's race and found my friend Sean.





Then it was time for the big event - Stage 1 Tour of Missouri. A circuit race. My assignment was to score the King of the Mountain with Steve Brady. the race began and off we went, found the spot and got ready. We scored the KOM on two of the laps and then headed back to the finish. Dot, the Chief Judge, had me stand on the opposite side of the road that she was on. There were lots of VIP's on the platform, that I stood on the podum, to get up above the crowds. It worked great. The finish was fabulous, Mark Cavendish coming out on top.