all smiles at the finish line

all smiles at the finish line

Jake kept the Baker dynasty intact, after 15 years, 4 children, 4 STP’s (Ryan did 3 of them, Natalie the 4th), 2 RSVP’s (Jillian & Jake), and over 1,000 miles of cycling.  Jake & I did the 185-mile ride from Seattle to Vancouver B.C. this past weekend.  He was awesome, full of willpower and leg power to spare, and ready to party at the end.  We celebrated with burgers, fajitas, and a huge root beer float (with refills!).  “Hey, Jake, you can have unlimited root beer floats anytime you want after riding 185 miles!”  Linda provided exquisite road support, did all the driving, and even gave back rubs.  At age 10, Jake was by far the youngest rider, provoking endless admiration and exclamations from the huffing & puffing adults out there.  Of course, it was the same for his siblings, as each of them also did their big rides when they were 10.  They each set the bar high, and Jake came through to keep their string intact.   I am so proud of my children.  Ryan, Natalie, Jillian & Jake, you are the best and most priceless gift I have.  It’s an honor to be your dad.

all the root beer floats you can drink!

all the root beer floats you can drink!at the border

 

passport, please!

passport, please!

 

start line on a gray rainy day

 

start line on a gray rainy day

rsvp-breakaway

and previous years of glory…

Natalie's STP 1998

Natalie's STP 1998

Jillian's RSVP 2000

Jillian's RSVP 2000


 

Ryan STP 1995

Ryan STP 1995

Ryan STP 1996

Ryan STP 1996

Ryan STP 1997

Ryan STP 1997

hey, kids, i’m counting on you to keep supporting me in my old age!