Independence Day

This 4th of July Wednesday the Gagon family had their annual bike ride down Veil Pass. It's about a 13 mile stretch that starts at the top of Veil and we ride down the mountain into Frisco and have a picnic lunch at a park. I haven't rode a bike for about 9 years. The last time was this same trip which included a crash and a bit of road rash. I was a little nervous, but I'm happy to report that all 17 bikers completed the trip without any mishaps (including me!). The picture above is Audrey, Marcella with her favorite toy bunny, Olivia and Austin. Olivia was watching Austin while we were packing up the cars and Audrey and Marcella wanted to jump in the back of the van too.

Happy Birthday Dylan! What a fun way to celebrate a birthday. Dylan turned 8 this fourth of July. He and Todd had a ton of fun riding together. Dylan is just like Olivia and just talked and talked the whole ride down.

JT took Marcella down the mountain.

She had lots of fun biking. She loved it when Emily and Audrey would ride beside her. It would make her squeal and bounce up and down in her seat. Marcella ended up falling asleep about half way though. She just swayed around in the back, nice and comfy.
Laura's boyfriend Mike, took Emily and Audrey down in the bike buggy.
They loved it when Mike would take them off-roading and they would put their hands up in the air, like a roller coaster, when they would go down a steep switchback.
Olivia was pretty nervous for the morning trip, so stayed behind to help Grandma and Austin set up for lunch. But when she saw how much fun everyone had and that no one got hurt, she was ready for the afternoon ride. Grandma, Ian and Todd and Olivia braved the second ride.
This is Todd and Olivia coming down one of the mild switchbacks. Olivia had a wonderful time! She just chatted away with Todd and loved all of the beautiful mountain scenery. Her goal is that next year she can do the ride all by herself. Thanks goes to Grandpa for all the time he spent getting all the bikes ready for the trip! We can't wait for next year!!