The Quabbin Tower Hill Climb

Inspired by his recent San Souci hill climb PR, and watching the pros ride up HC climbs in The Tour this week, Grafton had asked me if we could try his hand (or rather, his legs) at a "real" climb himself. So I gave it some thought as to where a challenging, but rewarding climb might be that we could attempt together. It had to be sufficiently long and steep enough that making it to the top was not a sure thing. And it had to be safe enough for Grafton with traffic and on the return descent. And the view at the summit had to be impressive, so as to provide that influential positive feedback that would encourage him to seek out future uphill challenges. Well, The Quabbin Tower Hill Climb seemed like the perfect fit. The climb is 1.8 mi long, rising 500ft, at a 5% grade, which classifies it as a Cat 4 climb.

After deciding on this venue earlier in the week, I told him we could do it on Saturday, and I don't think a day went by where he didn't mention it. So this morning (after watching the day's Tour stage, of course) we packed up and headed to the Quabbin. As we drove there, Grafton's determination never wavered (as sometimes it has). Upon arriving, he pulled his own bike out of the back of the car and was ready to go instantly. I will let the video coverage provide the rest of the story...




More photos from the day. And Google's version of video coverage.

Star Spangled Banner

What's for dinner?

Dad: "We could make spaghetti tonight. We haven't had that in a while."
Grafton : "What's spaghetti?"

Table Tennis Rivalry Tides Shift as the Basement Tournament Enters its Second Month

After a numerous string of emotional defeats over the previous weeks at the hands of his father, Grafton's ever-improving table tennis skills finally lifted him to his first decisive triumph on Saturday evening. The following morning, with his confidence still buoyed by his initial win only hours earlier, Grafton proceeded to hand down three more defeats over a four game series on mid-Sunday morning.

His father, during his post-tournament press conference, shared his mixed emotions, which spanned the spectrum of bruised ego to brimming pride.

Future matches can be attended most evenings through the winter and early spring. Tickets are still available.

Financial reality

"$30 doesn't go that far at Dick's Sporting Goods", said Grafton, after trying to spend a birthday gift certificate there today.

Eight year old can put in his own batteries

Mom was trying to help Grafton install batteries into his bedtime reading light on his birthday when he declared that, "Mom, I'm 8 years old! I can put in my own batteries!"

Another Tooth Gone

Grafton's second front tooth feel it today. Not unexpected after Grafton showed us a bloody sink after brushing his teeth last night.

All 4 front teeth are now out.