Laraway Family

Russ found a passion in Mountain Biking. In it, he found exercise. He found the thrill of being a kid on his bike again- with more gadgets, tricks and trails this time around. He also found friendship. All of this took him to Downieville the weekend of July 21st-22nd with two friends, Eric and Shane. This is in the Sierra Mountains, and a shuttle took them to the top of the mountain to descend 4500 feet- almost paradise for mountain bikers! The first day was awesome, surprisingly tiring after only one run down, and ended with good food, a fire, friends, and Jamison Whiskey. Sunday morning, they geared up and got ready to go again. However, Russ hit some soft dirt shortly after starting and has a wonderful stump impression on his back from the spill. This forced an early ending for Russ and Shane, but after Eric unselfishly made a FAST, steep ascent 1000 feet to catch the shuttle and get them to pick Russ up, he rewardingly got to go down again. So, when Russ arrived home barely walking, we called Amy to sit in the house with the sleeping kids and headed to the ER. Thankfully, there were no broken ribs, just ones that were severely bruised and with muscles in spasm. This was a relief, but the pain was incredible for Russ. (which made for some good laughs, unfortunately, as he tried to move) Another thanks was the Vicodin! Anyway, after a week at home doped up on painkillers and sitting/resting solely on the couch, Russ is walking and can chuckle without wanting to scream. No belly laughing yet, but he's out of that Butthead sounding laugh! Anyway, he gave in and got upper body armor this week, and he hopes to be back on the trails in a couple of weeks. We are thrilled that he found an exercise he loves, that he now is almost covered head to toe in armor, and that we will soon get to wrestle with him! (and that he will soon be able to change dirty diapers again) :) What a stud!