I’ve always dreamed of doing a 100-mile MTB “race”–not to compete, but simply to finish the ride. Approaching 50, I felt like it’s now or never to check this off the bucket list. I hired a 6-time world champion endurance racer as my coach–not to replicate his success, but to see how professionals ...

My great-grandfather was one of seven siblings, and the only child who emigrated from Ireland to the United States circa 1896 (following his girlfriend, who he eventually married). After 49 years, I had an opportunity to visit my extended family in Ireland for the first time and see where this incredible journey began. Pictured ...

We jumped on a LivingSocial coupon offering a 50% discount on accommodations at The Greenbrier. Hiking, running, swimming, and a round of golf at the private Snead course. Thankfully, we discovered Lewisburg (named “Americas Coolest Small Town”), 9 miles down the road. We trekked to Lewisburg each night for dinner and had ...

After returning home from Kiawah the day after a devastating storm, Pepco informed us we could be without power for up to a week. We spent one night at home, took Cali for a hike the next day, and decided to bolt for Chicago before unpacking our bags. Yvonne always enjoys ...

Our Summer began with a trip back down to Kiawah Island at the end of June. We rented a house with the Svec family and a terrific vacation was had by all. Playing the Ocean Course from the tips was a great experience (or a good kick in the teeth), especially since the ...

Danielle, my sister’s oldest child was the first of the cousins to graduate from college, and attending the ceremony at U of Delaware was a happy moment for the entire family. Seeing Danielle graduate makes you fully grasp how fast the years go by, and the importance of making every day count. She ...

Spring had sprung and the FJR needed a little love. The weather forecast up and down the Northeast called for sunny skies and warmer temperatures. Ingo and I hit the road on our motorcycles and travelled on a 3-day journey to Quebec City and back…touring Ile d’Orleans and Mont Ste-Anne…and enjoying a pub ...

RIP Jimmy Reed, locker room attendant at Manor Country Club for many decades–and one of the most remarkable human beings to walk this earth. Unbeknownst to me, Jimmy died on my birthday a couple weeks ago. I’ll miss Jimmy’s vibrant personality, infectious smile, and tireless work ethic. He touched many lives…and my entire family is ...

Our trip to Sedona and Scottsdale had a strikingly similar start to last year’s Spring Break vacation. After waking up at 3:15 a.m., we were within 15 minutes of BWI Airport when Yvonne realized her license was still at the house. We turned around at the 175 interchange (Columbia, MD) and drove somewhat ...

After spending extended time in Bend, OR this Summer and taking my mountain biking to another level, my buddy Ingo and I registered for the MOCO Epic on October 16th. I’ve always dreamed of riding in one of the 100-mile ultra endurance MTB races, but been too much of a weenie to pull the ...