Race Report - Team JNP Style

Last week Go! Dog! Go! and Redline Dogsports put on agility & flyball demonstrations at Whoop Up Days, Neena and I participated two evenings. I knew it would be pretty intense for her, with the noises, the people, the lights...everything. But I also knew it could be a good time to make some scary things a good experience, so I armed myself with an arsenal of treats and a positive attitude.

The first day we had a minor melt down over the monster truck ride, thankfully this time I had tools to help her work through it. We walked away for a bit, we played, we hung out and she got some yummy treats. Gyp & Wicca beat her up. Sarah & Amanda showered her with attention and affection. And by the end of the first night my brave little border collie was feeling ok, if not comfortable.

The improvement between the first and second day was noticeable, she was still uncertain, especially when the monster truck was running, but she stayed with me and she stayed upbeat. I was, I am still, so proud of her!

Participating in the demo was great preparation for the Go! Dog! Go! agility trial on the weekend. My #1 goal, my hope, my dream, was that Neena and I would just have fun the entire weekend. I truly didn't care if she went and visited every pole setter and the judge, if she took every obstacle backwards, if we even finished a course. I justed wanted to see her little wiggle bum wiggling.

Our first run of the weekend was our first ever standard...I had Sarah & Amanda help me pump Neena up, and away we went. She was happy, upbeat and with me the entire time, we missed our weave pole entry once, but the second time we nailed it...and we Q'd!

I was shocked...not that I thought we 'couldn't'...it just wasn't my goal. We raced by my goal like it was standing still...I was so happy and overwhelmed and excited, it left me shaky for a good half an hour lol. I was thrilled...but I truly didn't let it change my goals, or my Plan A for the weekend. I headed into gamble & jumper runs with the same attitude I had for the first run...and each run she seemed to be just a
little more confident and comfortable. We had fun. And we Q'd in every run that day.

Wendy from Paws on the Run Photography was the trial photographer...these are a few photographs from Saturday, I think she did a great job...and I love how happy Neena looks.

I couldn't resist this picture...her little toes are spread, she is totally concentrating on making her contact and she is still so happy. I love it.

By Sunday morning Neena had really hit her groove. She was the real deal, the crazy girl I get every Tuesday at class...the silly gal that not just everyone gets to see. It was awesome to watch...and a feeling that I can't describe.

As far as our runs Sunday, I am super happy with them all...I don't mean any of this to come across as as 'we were so close, darn it'. Instead, think of this as my 'race report'. We had a great gamble, not sure if she got rain in her eyes or if I stopped moving but we missed the final jump. Snooker...well I got lost and Neena so totally knew it, she'd stop and look at me as if to say 'now what?' I have to admit, I gave up, but my dog never did...she did her best to 'lead me', the judge even commented about it lol. Our last run of the trial was another jumpers, they are smooth courses and we get to do lots of running...Neena likes jumpers courses lol. And so we make our video debut, thanks Amanda!!!

On a final note, a long time ago I promised Neena that I'd get her agility leash embroidered when she was officially weaving. I haven't kept my end of the deal, after the weekend I couldn't let it slide any longer. And I didn't beat her to get this picture either...she's being 'sad'. I think its freaking cute.

Amateur Photographers

 Michelle bought a camera like mine this spring and she's having a blast using it.  Last week we made some plans to get together to practise our 'photography' moves and do some trail riding.

These were a few of my 'best' shots...I finally downloaded some photo-editing software, its been fun to play with!

I have a hard time sometimes with creativity (science brain!), Michelle does not lol.  She has a good eye for different angles and idea's...

Bill is one of the pen riders at the feedlot where Michelle works, he let us tag along and check some steers in 'the bush'.  I've NEVER been on a trail ride like that...it was beautiful, challenging and fun!  I'm sore lol!

Jess...oh my gosh, she was so happy and spunky!  Neena and Mack stayed home, I debated bringing Neena, but once we got going I was really glad I hadn't.  I don't trust that I could call Neena off cattle, and I was having a hard enough time just staying on...without worrying about my dog too lol!

I've met a few very nice heelers lately...Neena would love a little sister....sigh.  LOL!

Sneaky Photographers...

Sasha Stewart & co. are the new photographers for Speedy Creek Raceway, I think they are doing a great job and made a point of tracking Sasha down at Wolff Pack for a quick chat.  Turns out this 'racing thing' is all new for her! 

When I finally had a chance to browse through the Wolff Pack photo's, I found this.  She's sneaky!  Georg Wowk is the creator and a major sponsor of the Wolff Pack Run, he's also an artist...in many ways I hope to follow in his footprints...so this photograph makes me smile.  Thanks Sasha!

Trial Prep

August is a busy agility month for Neena and I, in addition to demonstrations during Whoop Up Days, we will be trialing here in Lethbridge at the end of the month.  We haven't trialed since January, I'm struggling with a few nerves, but I'm determined to do whatever it takes to make sure Neena and I have fun playing agility that weekend.  So I've been re-working my Plan A, it was pretty good (when I stuck to it!), but I have a few idea's to make it better. 

With all this in mind, we attended a Trial Prep Seminar this morning...lots of it was review, but it was really good for me to hear it again.  Its clicking now that we've been in, and I've volunteered for, a handful of trials.  Another 8 months of training together also helps, and this summer I've been reminded that Neena thrives on routine.  So part of my Plan A will be working on a super duper fun warm-up routine that is consistent, whether its at class or at trial...I think (I hope!) it will help her focus more on me, and less on the surroundings.

After the 'seminar' portion, we ran a couple courses 'fun-match' style.  We seldom run full courses during class, so its sometimes hard to see what the 'big picture' looks like.  The first run was a jumpers course, I lost her attention at the beginning, but with a small (but firm!) correction she came back and we carried on.  Funny how something like that thrills me, I couldn't help remembering the first few nights we trained at the field where we threatened to beat her with jumps so she'd leave the gophurs alone lol.  And then she NAILED the serp...I can't even describe how good that moment felt!  She's such a good girl!!! 

The second course was a standard, again, we had a great run...my favorite moment...was when she nailed the weaves with both speed and accuracy!  It was a big confidence boost for me, and proof that she knows what her job is at the weaves.  She's such a good girl!!!

I am so proud of her...and I'm going to use memories like these to squash any nerves that might appear in the coming weeks. 

How to Be Alone

If I could be so strong...

Family Camping & Quadding Trip 2010

In July my family headed up to the Crowsnest Pass for some camping and quadding. I thought I’d be in Denver when they went…so I was very excited to make it! It was an awesome opportunity to be outside and away from the ‘world’, being with my family made it even better.

After I 4x4’d my little sunflower to the campsite, I found a new way to crush cans…just wish I’d been able to finish my drink first!

I decided to see if I could get Neena on a quad, I honestly doubted she would, so I was thrilled when she proved me wrong.

I wanted to make it a good experience for her when I started riding (not driving lol)…so I made sure it looked/sounded like I was having the best time of my life…my family thought I was nuts. But it worked…she chased beside me in her crazy Neena way, and when I stopped she even got back on again…brave puppy!

Friday morning Glen, Dustin and I went on a firewood finding expedition, quad and chainsaw in tow. It was decided that even though I haven’t watched “Ax Man”, I was ‘teachable’ and was allowed to use the chainsaw to cut down and de-branch a couple tree’s with only minor critique.

And this might seem lame…but it was a moment for me!!! I was sawing away, mildly freaking that I’d cut my foot off, somewhat giggling because I had ‘the power’ and the thought popped into my mind that for 8 years I was ok with letting someone ELSE do this for me, instead of experiencing it for myself. Sometimes I’d like to go back and kick my own butt. All because I played with a chainsaw. I’m a head-case for sure;).

When we got back to camp the wood had to be sectioned and halved, I wasn’t going to sit that out either. Sadly, I am MUCH better with a chainsaw than an axe.

So my brother’s can do ANYTHING with a cigarette in their mouth… shoot guns, brand calves, fix vehicles, light birthday cakes, you name it. I have the pictures to prove it. I’ve started to feel a little left out…so I decided this weekend I wanted to join the family tradition.

No worries, I couldn’t smoke a cigarette if my life depended on it. Dustin’s comment when I gave it back was something like “Eww…it’s like someone french-kissed it”.

That afternoon we went for a quad ride, of course this gal can’t afford her own toys…but between family and friends we usually have enough quads for everyone. I’m spoiled and I know it! I do have my own helmet & goggles; I think it might be a good idea to get a pair of riding gear after my adventure!

Of course Dustin has his own quad...I think it looks mean…it’s awesome...

We had a great trip…I’ve usually rode heavier 4x4 quad, think Yamaha Grizzly, so the Scrambler was a fun change. It’s really amazing what you can go over and through with a quad, and it’s a pretty neat feeling when you get to the top of the mountain and can see for miles.

Coming back DOWN the mountain is what got me. So I can be a hot head…I’ll admit it. I really hate being left behind, although I try not to be a total idiot especially when I’m on borrowed equipment. Anyways, I was following Dustin back down the trail; at a steep spot I slowed to give him enough room. As I followed I must have hit a root wrong, and before I knew it I was thrown over the front left tire with the quad following. I remember landing on my shoulders and thinking “the quad is going to squish me”, and then I remember seeing my pant leg get caught and thinking “OH MY GOSH…it’s going to take me WITH it!” Freakay!!!!

I was pretty lucky, besides a scrape on my lower back and some bruises on my legs I came out pretty unharmed. But adrenaline…let me tell you!

Of course when we got back to camp I wanted a photo to memorialize my near death experience!

Other highlights of the trip…got to spend some time with Brady’s girlfriend…it’s a very sweet feeling watching my little brother with a gal.  And scary lol!

And SEE!!! I wasn’t lying about the cigarette’s lol!!!

And I also got to hang with my nephew. We had a blast going for little quad rides…although there were a few comments about whether I was qualified after rolling a quad *eye roll*.

I love his dirty little finger in this picture...I think its a sign of a kid who's had a good weekend!

It’s going to be fun in a couple years when he’s big enough to ride his own!

We try to make this a yearly trip, sometimes it doesn't work, but I am really hoping it works out that we can go again next year.  I've really missed the mountains, and quadding.  I'm getting more and more determined to do some snowmobiling this winter...its been too long!

Wolff Pack 2010

*I stand corrected on a few things...I'll take it...I'm not above admitting when I make mistakes.

There is a handful of racing weekends I especially look forward to every summer; the Wolff Pack Run is one. It’s hard to explain to ‘non-racers’ what an amazing event this is, the purse of $40,000 is absolutely unheard of for a modified race. This year the feature winner took home $5000…to help put that in perspective, the prize for the Duel in the Desert I went to in Las Vegas was ~$7800. The Duel was attended by ~240 cars, the Wolff Pack draws about 35-40. The sponsor support alone sets this race aside from anything else remotely like it…my favourite part…its my best chance to watch some of the best Canadian modified racers compete against each other.

BCR has hosted this race for the past two years, however, this year Speedy Creek Raceway in Swift Current had the honour…so last weekend a few of us BCR die-hards packed up and headed to Saskatchewan for our long weekend.

The trip started out with a bang…literally! We barely got on the road and took the transmission out of the truck; fortunately we had access to a back-up truck, but it wasn’t the start to the weekend we were looking forward too, as you can tell by Kathy’s face lol!

I am always torn when I don’t have a ‘job’ at a race track…on one hand it is SUPER nice to actually watch some racing. On the other hand, I get fidgety any time I’m waiting for racing to start. By Saturday afternoon I was ready to climb walls, so my camera and I took a little stroll around the exhibition grounds. They have this little heritage village type deal called Doc’s Town, lots of neat museum type buildings.

And then of course I found this…and had to check it out…figured Grandpa would be proud of me:).

This made me smile to myself…I can’t think of better music for during a ‘you may kiss the bride’ moment than the sound of a modified engine in the background.

It was finally time for the ‘Big Event'...

I found myself a quiet place on Frenchie’s car hauler to watch the race.

Sometimes its just really nice not to worry who’s looking when you watch a race through your fingertips…or when you scream at the flagman for a call (I was so mad I wanted to spit when the starter threw the green with a tail car IN FRONT…*I'd like to apologize to the flagman for the 'stupid' comment, it was poor class on my part to cut down someone who volunteers their personal time to fuel my racing addiction.  Thanks for the reminder Jay.  That being said, in my personal opinion it was still a bad call.*  He gave a B car/driver a starting position in the A-main and a $1000). I got to do both that night without fear lol! Rain threatened most of Saturday (not Friday)…but it held off long enough to get through the first heats and the first B-main.

I had to laugh bitterly when I went through my photos on Monday. I caught a couple ESTEVAN cars going through TECH.

Racing is always full of drama, its part of the attraction for me in all honestly.  Sunday the 10A and 21 took 2nd and 3rd (not 1st and 2nd) at the checkered flag…#21 then proceeded to throw a temper tantrum that makes Paris Hilton look like an angel. In front of the entire crowd. What angers me the most…we sat beside these little people…and they picked these cars to win…they were CHEERING THEM ON!!!!! These drivers are someone’s hero…heck, I STILL get hero worship for drivers. And I’ll admit…a few laps into the race I picked the #21 to win the event.  If I'M disappointed, how do those kids feel?

The 21 was disqualified for his unsportsmanlike behavior, then to add to the disgust, the 10A (who is coincidentally the 21's father) refused to let his car be teched.  HE GAVE UP SECOND (not first) PLACE!!!!  These actions lead me to believe they are FREAKING CHEATERS! 

I STILL am confused about this...(non-race fan readers can skip over this next little rant!!!)...I think it was a well known fact any Estevan cars that showed would likely be top contenders.  Surely they knew that as well...and therefore would have known they had a good chance of being teched at the end of the night.  So that says to me they weren't racing for a 'title'.  10A said later in the pits they weren't racing for prize money either...however during the 21's tantrum he accused the flagman of costing him several thousand dollars...so I call BS on that.  I will further go on to say they had to KNOW if they were caught they would disappoint their fans.  So I just don't understand why.   WHY????

Finally, I'm annoyed because I came to watch some racing.  It would have been awesome to see the finish if all parties were running on a level playing field.  Taking that from me is the icing on the cake...and it tastes like crap.

So Team Turnbull...I hope you read this...and I hope you either have the man parts to explain yourself in a way that will be even remotely logical (which I highly doubt is possible), or I hope somehow you learn that winning really doesn't make you a champion.  Shame on you.  

Ok.  I think I'm done now.

Nope...wait...one more thing.  If you think no one caught you smirking as George Wowk left your car hauler...your wrong.  I thought that was really respectful...considering he's the person who made the
entire event possible in the first place.

So that's the people who acted like scum...now let me tell you about a racer who absolutely made me smile from the inside out this weekend. See the #22 leading in this photo?

That car belongs to/is driven by one Wild Wild Wes.  I've been on the fence about this fella for some time now...I can almost never tell if he's actually annoyed, or if he's just pulling my leg.  But I had it on good authority he has a heart of gold...so I've been watching.  This weekend...around a campfire...he started talking about his best friend...who just happens to be his wife.  And then there is his laugh...oh my gosh...but that's another story.

Sometimes I forget why I love this sport so much, and talking to Wes on the weekend triggered one of my 'ponderings'.  Of course I truly do enjoy the actual racing.  And I like helping put on a good show for the fans.  But a huge part is because of the people, usually drivers, I meet.  These guys are living their dream, and its NOT an easy dream to make come true.  I've seen men fund their racing out of an envelope...literally!  (sponsor money + payouts = repairs + entry fee's).  I've seen men juggle swim meets, weddings, and family reunions.  I've seen helmets passed to help a fellow racer in a time of need...sometimes for racing reasons, more often for personal.  I've seen drivers donate their winnings to charity.  I've seen enemies help change each other's tires.  And I've heard drivers talk about their wives in a way that tugs at my silly girl feelings.  Seeing the humanity...that's why I keep coming back for more.

Of course...I can't talk about this sport without mentioning my racing family!!!!  I had a great time with them on the weekend...I'm learning more all the time...its very interesting to hear the stories that make racing what it is in Southern Alberta today.  Ironically, my first racing family memory 13 years ago was of James yelling at me lol.  I had a stupid teenager moment and so totally deserved it.  Little did I know at the time where this racing deal would lead.  Sometimes life is crazy...and I kinda like it.

Was a great weekend!  Fantastic actually!  Only 361 days until Wolff Pack 2011, I can't wait!

Where Alberta Girls Play Hard - Part 2

July 13, 2010
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY GIRLFRIEND!

Dragged our sorry butt’s out of bed this morning to attend my modeling debut, aka Kim’s presentation on some of the E.coli work we’ve done. Afterwards, we tried…we really did…to take in more of the conference, but we were exhausted. We went back to the hotel and crashed.

For her birthday Michelle wanted to take some photographs downtown, and she wanted Italian. So later that afternoon we headed out, camera’s in tow.

We toured around and stopped at Coyote Ugly to buy a couple of souvenir T-shirts ;). Then we tracked down this amazing little restaurant that makes its own pasta and cheese. I had ravioli and Michelle had another pasta dish…it was to die for.

Even with our afternoon nap, these Alberta girls were still played out; I’m STILL a little ashamed to admit we called it an early night.

July 14, 2010

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHERRY!

Feeling a little rested we headed to the conference this morning to meet with Michelle’s master’s supervisor, Karen. For breakfast we had crepes…yummo! It was good to chat with Karen, she is ‘the’ animal welfare scientist here in Lethbridge…its all work I’m very interested in, and its future is so big!

Temple Grandin was scheduled to speak that afternoon and I was determined to catch it, so while I listened to her, Michelle went to a Livestock Transport session. It’s a well known fact that Temple has autism and I was super curious to see how she presented herself…I found her quite funny! Its mind-boggling the amount of reading that woman does, and how much she retains.

I was able to catch Karen’s presentation on cattle transport. Although I helped collect some of the data, and am fairly familiar with the work she was talking about, it was really neat to see it compiled and presented.

I also got to attend Cheryl Morris-Dikeman speech about enriching our pet’s lives. Little did I know she trains agility dogs and actually competes at a national level. Was a very interesting seminar…I am glad I caught it, and wish I’d had time to talk to her after.

That night was the awards banquet for the Canadian Society for Animal Science. We got to chat with some familiar faces and a few new people as well. And the food was fantastic! Later we headed out with a couple co-workers to find a place to ‘celebrate’. We played some pool and some beer pong, fine tuned our line-dancing skills and in the end we shut the playground down…it was a fabulously fun time.

July 15, 2010
I woke up to find Michelle had put her contacts in with mine. Awwww.

It was time to start heading back to Canada...I was sad. On our way out of Denver we found this...

I’m not trying to make a political statement here…but it kinda hurt my feelings!

Left Turn navigated us the Coors factory which we ‘toured’ M&J style. Unfortunately I was driving, and I’ve turned into somewhat of a light-weight…so I didn’t get to enjoy my samples.

Would LOVE to work in this lab;).

Next stop was a western store where Michelle found a to-die for pair of cowboy boots (watch for them later!!!).

So we are driving along, minding our own business, when out of no-where a Budweiser factory pops up…my girlfriend very kindly let me stop. Left Turn, on the other hand, was not so pleased with this turn of events.

A co-worker/friend of mine is in the process of moving to the ranch her husband now manages in Lander, and she had offered us accommodations for the night, so after the factory we raced across Wyoming so as not to be bad company.

The Red Canyon Ranch is absolutely beautiful. I believe it’s actually a state-owned nature conservancy of ~60,000 unfenced acres. It hurts my brain to think about how big that is. The farm house is historic, and although it has had some updating, plenty of charm remains. I had a great visit with Emily & Bob; it was neat to talk to them about the ranch, about school, agriculture, etc. And of course there was some girl chat too lol!

July 16, 2010
Big day today...Yellowstone National Park in a day! We called it our quick & dirty visit. Drove in from the south and stopped to photograph some water falls.

Next stop was Old Faithful…which we timed it perfectly. We walked up, she did her thing, took a few pictures, and walked back to our car.

My navigator (not Left Turn!) decided we should check out this Canyon Village area…so we did. And I am so glad. It was beautiful. One stop was called Inspiration Point…and it really was inspiring.

By this time we were sort of in a rush…the plan was little red dress night in Bozeman, Montana! We arrived with just enough time to check ourselves into a seedy little motel, primp and prep ourselves into our dresses, and do a quick photo-shoot in the remaining light. Only a few people stared at a couple gals in red dresses lying in a weed field in Bozeman, Montana.

I absolutely hate to write this…but it just wasn’t my night. And I think that’s enough of that.

July 17, 2010
My girlfriend…she just blows me away. I woke up to a latte and breakfast. I heart her more than I can write.

We had scoped out a few stores during our walk the night before…so that morning we did the last of our shopping at pet and western stores. When we’d finally blown the bank we raced across Montana in an effort to make it back to Canada for a modified race and a Miranda Lambert concert.

I can honestly say I’ve never had a trip like that.  I'm not sure I ever will again...some things just seem to be once in a lifetime experiences.  I've been fortunate enough to have several of those this summer...hopefully I have many more to look forward too;).