UPDATE: Pua Mata

2012 Team ShoAir….

After hours and hours and hours (literally) of reading, contemplating, fidgeting, indecision and not wanting to be in my position, the decision was finally made and I am going to introduce you to our Team ShoAir 5-person girl team for next weekends 12 Hours of Temecula race.

For those of you who are not in the loop, to quickly bring you up to speed, I put together a contest for all high school girls out there who ride a mountain bike.  By simply answering the questions of:

. Why you should be chosen to be on the 12 Hours of Temecula Team ShoAir 5-person girls team?

. What got you into mountain biking?

. What does mountain biking mean to you?

. What is your racing goal for 2012?

. What is one word that best describes you?

They had the chance of joining me and 4 other high school girls to race. 

To my surprise I began receiving entries from across the country and as each day passed, not only did I realize that I was doing the right thing, I realized the predicament that I was putting myself into.  Every entry and every girl was amazing in their own unique way.  They each had a story and they each wanted it more or just as much as the other and I had no idea how I was going to decide.  

But, someone had to do it and although I wished that I could just close my eyes and draw the names from my hat (I promise that I didn’t do that!), the team was chosen.  

And before I introduce them, if you have nothing to do next weekend and want to witness this amazingness, come out and join us next weekend at Vail Lake Resort from 9am-9pm.  Swing by the pit, cheer us on and maybe even hand us a water bottle!

First, I will introduce to you our youngest, Ksenia Lepikhina.

Ksenia will be flying in and joining us from Fairview High School in Boulder, Colorado.  Don’t let that sweet innocent look fool you because although I have not yet ridden with her, her results say it all and I know is that this is one to definitely be watching out for!  

You would think that the reason I chose Ksenia was because of her talent and the fact that she would be a very strong addition to the team with her speed and talent, but let me enlighten you.  Yes, her very first sentence of why I should choose her to be a part of our team immediately grabbed my attention and it would have grabbed yours because it read:  ”Because I have been a racing bikes for 4 years. I have been the national champion twice, and got 2nd this year. This season I will be racing Cat. 1. I have also been doing cyclocross for 2 years. In cyclocross I race in the Open Women category. This year was the first year that I raced in High School mountain bike races. I placed 1st in JV in the first race, and then began racing Varsity. I received 1st in the 2 races I participated in.”

Impressive was my first thought after reading that, but it was her last word that grabbed me and knew that Ksenia would be our little freshman.  

My final question was “What is one word that best describes you?” There were a few words that I was expecting to read as her answer, but I was completely caught off guard and there was a big smile on my face when I read her word: Happy

A few fun facts about Ksenia:

Her favorite trail is Amasa Back in Moab, UT (definitely one of my favorites).

Her favorite smell is the smell of rain.

Her favorite song is Promises (Skrillex & Nero remix).

And her favorite color is Purple.

Can’t wait to meet this little speed racer! Watch out for her on the course as she rips through on her Trek Elite 9.7!

Next, we have our Sophomore Ellen Noble who will also be flying in to join us and she will be making quite the trek as she joins us from Kennebunk High School in Kennebunkport, Maine.

When you take a look at this girls picture, the last thing you would be expecting is for her to be ripping down the trails on the dirt, but again, don’t be fooled because she is another shredder.

Along with Ellen’s entry there was a very professional race resume attached and to be honest, I may have skimmed over it once, but my intention of this contest wasn’t to create a killer team that would be rippin’ up the course and taking everyone down.  The intention was and is  to bring awareness to all girls out there from every walk of life and level and show them how awesome we are and what we can do if we just try.  I felt that by calling on all high school girls and giving them an opportunity to join another force of girls who love to get out, have fun, get dirty and ride bikes it would encourage them to get out and try or at the least…begin to think about it.  

But now, back to Ellen.  One thing outside of all of her accomplishments in cycling that caught my attention was not only her enthusiasm and passion that exploded through her words but her answer to the question of what mountain biking means to her.  

Her answer was: “For me, mountain biking not only makes me happy, but something that has opened so many doors for me. It’s taught me to be independent, and given me a ton of motivation. It’s taught me to take care of my health and not care what others think about me. In my school I am literally the only person that has ever raced a bike before, and it’s been hard sometimes for people to accept me because of it. I used to care that people thought what I did was so weird, but what it taught me in the end is that I need to embrace that what I do is different and grow from it. Cycling has made me someone special.”

I think this is something that girls struggle with and Ellen has learned to use it as her special power and embrace it.  We are all special, we just need to be confident in our passions, embrace it and be confident with that.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to talk with Ellen and her dad Tim.  I instantly knew that I had made the right decision with her and when I spoke with her dad it was again confirmed when he told me, ‘Yes, Ellen is just a little bit excited.  You have no idea what you are in for!’  Hearing this made me smile and I was so glad that I decided to do this.

A few fun facts about Ellen:

Her favorite word is sikk wahtt (I can’t wait to hear this one…what does that exactly mean Ellen?!)

Her favorite smell is the smell of fresh laundry.

Her favorite place that she has been to is DisneyLand.

And her favorite color…no surprise here, it’s yellow.

Look out for this little firecracker as she flies by on her Trek Superfly Elite!

Now we are onto our Junior.

Let me introduce to you Camilla Fernandez Arredondo who is a local California girl joining us from Eastlake High School in Chula Vista. 

There were a few things that really got my attention when reading this young ladies entry.  First of all, the excitement was just jumping out of her words and I couldn’t help but feel a little anxious and excited when reading her words even from the very first sentence.  

To give you a taste of what I mean, her answer of why I should choose her to be on the team was:  ”I’m a passionate cyclist. When I stood up on the starting line last year (my first time racing ever!) I felt a feeling I’ve never felt before with any other sport. The emotion was pure, and I for the first time I felt that I was racing for MYSELF. Once I hear the “GO!” from Matt Gunnell (the League director) all my anxiety went away, I was racing for me. The race started and I never looked back, there was no need to, I just had a smile on my face; I was going as hard as I could, I was extremely happy of being out there, riding my bike in such a beautiful place like Vail Lake. I was going for it, attacking, without thinking, just letting my instinct guide me for the first time; the terrifying fear from the prior day during the pre-ride was gone! I was in peace, God was with me. I finished the race, I gave it all I had, nothing left. Surprisingly I finished in first place, my first race I finished in first place! I was thrilled! By the time the season finished I conserved my leader jersey. After the season, my real training started and my quality as a racer is growing fast.”

Camilla is one that may not be providing this team with her experience and knowledge of racing, but she is going to bring something we can all benefit from and that is her pure passion and heart for our sport and what she does.  Right now Camilla is this sponge that is ready and wanting to absorb anything that she possibly can.  Not only is she going to absorb it, but she is going to use it and practice it.  

I am a big believer in dreaming big and setting goals and it is very apparent that Camilla feels the same.  After one of racing under her belt, her first goal that she listed for this year is to win the Varsity title for SoCal.  

A few fun facts about Camilla:

Her favorite time of the day to ride is 7am (looks like we may have found who is going to be doing our first lap!)

Her favorite word is sustainable.

Her favorite song is King without a Crown by Matisyahu.

And her favorite trail is Cuyamaca.

Looks like I am going to have my hands full with little fire cracker #2!  Watch out for this little girl as she flies by on her new Cannondale Scalpel!

And last but not least, I want to introduce to you our Senior Elizabeth Duchetta who is another local California girl who will be joining us from Glendora High School.  

I have not yet met any of these girls, but I knew this one was definitely my senior and full of brains when I opened up her entry.  The grammar, punctuation and the lay out was nothing but perfect and precise.  

Immediately I was informed from this young lady that she is not the fastest, but her determination and toughness was beyond evident.  One of her reasons of why I should choose her read: “I’m dedicated to riding and refuse to ever quit, be it a race or the local hell ride.  Last October, I competed in the Mt. Sac Fat tire race. It had been pouring days before the race and as a result the trail was unrideable. In order to complete the race I had to sling my bike (it weighed 47 pounds, 7 from the mud and 40 from the bike itself) over my back and walk in ankle deep mud for twelve miles. Half the boys I was racing with , all faster than me, quit after their first lap.”

If you ask me, this is the definition of determined.

Another interesting experience that made me stop and think for a moment, was her mentioning a conversation she had with her coach while on a ride.  Elizabeth said that the other day while she was riding with her coach, he looked at her and asked if she had ever had a bad day on the bike.  After some thought, she realized that all the times that she has been on her mountain bike, she has never had one.

A few fun facts about Elizabeth are:

Her favorite movie is Fiddler on the Roof.

Her favorite smell is the smell of Lavender.

Her favorite trail is Brokeback Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains.

And her favorite place she has been to is Three Rivers, CA

When you see Elizabeth out there passing you on the trail, don’t worry she will no longer be on her 40lb hardtail, but she will be on her 2000 Klein Altitude Comp!

 

As you can see, this team is going to be awesome and most importantly we are going to have a blast out there rippin’ up the trails! 

A few things that these girls will be going home with along with their experience is:

Team ShoAir Jersey

Team ShoAir Hat

Team ShoAir Podium Jersey

Team ShoAir swag

Oakley Radar Edge eyewear (my custom color)

Fizik Saddle

3-month supply of EP-NO from ProLine Sports Nutrition

And lastly.  As any racer knows, our support crew is key to have success and this team is not falling short in that category.  

Giving back to the sport is always important and this young man has learned this from a young age.  These girls will be getting the undivided attention of Senior Cody Phillips who is currently the 2011 SoCal High School MTB Champion.  Thank you Cody, you are awesome!

In addition these lucky girls will be getting the support of my coach Adam Pulford who is a Senior Level Coach at Carmichael Training Systems.  He was part of my amazing support crew that helped me earn my 2011 24 Hour Solo National Championship Title and he definitely knows what is needed, but just don’t ask him for pasta!  

Thank you to ShoAir, Jason Ranoa of SoCal Endurance and 12 Hours of Temecula, Oakley, Fizik and ProLine Sports Nutrition for your support and making this possible.  This is going to be fun!

Stay tuned!

aloha,

pua

2011 SoCal High School MTB Champions featuring Cody Phillips

SoCal High School MTB Champions of 2011 from ChannelMTB on Vimeo.

PEDAL WITH PUA!

Calling all girls in High School that ride mountain bikes! (sorry boys!)

Looking for a way to bring in the new year on the dirt?

Well, this is your lucky day because I (Pua) am joining forces with my peeps of Team ShoAir and SoCal Endurance and will be picking 4 girls (1 freshman, 1 sophomore, 1 junior and 1 senior) to join me on a 5-person team at the 12 Hours of Temecula on January 21, 2012 that will be held at Vail Lake Resort Temecula, California.

The lucky 4 will be receiving:

- A spot on a 5-person ShoAir girls team with me (Pua)
- A ShoAir team kit
- The experience of a pro pit area
- Team ShoAir swag

Still interested?

It’s simple.

As long as you are a girl who is in high school and races mountain bikes, you will need to send out an email with the answers to the following questions to pua@shoair.com.

But, first and foremost….a few rules. (I know, I don’t like rules either, but I guess there is always a time and place for them.)

1. Please get your parents permission before submitting an entry! When an entry is received, it will be assumed that your parents or legal
guardian has agreed and given
their consent to your participation. The 4 winners will be required to submit a signed waiver from their parent or legal guardian prior to race day.
2. Make sure that you are available for that weekend and have transportation to and from the race.
3. This is a bike race and make sure that you have a functioning bicycle!
4. Again, this is a race, please be prepare for doing a couple of laps.
5. By accepting the spot on the team, we will have the right to use your beautiful image in blogs, race reports, etc.
6. Of course and most importantly…you MUST have fun!

Still interested?

Awesome!

Answer the questions below and email them to pua@shoair.com and within a day, you will receive a confirmation that the entry was received. On January 14, 2012 the winner will be announced and you will receive a second email with the announcement and hopefully one of the chosen will be you!

Now, here are your questions!

And whether you are chosen or not, I really hope to get to ride with you sometime! Keep up the pedaling and of course, the hard work at school…school is very important!

1. First and last name
2. Date of Birth
3. Grade level
4. Name of High School
5. What bike do you ride?
6. Why you should be chosen to be on the 12 Hours of Temecula Team ShoAir 5-person girl team?
7. What got you into mountain biking?
8. What does mountain biking mean to you?
9. What is your racing goal for 2012?
10. What is one word that best describes you?

For more Info please contact:
pua@shoair.com
or
info@12hrsoftemecula.com

UPDATE: Brendon Davids – Homeward Bound

Hey guys n gals

By the time you’re reading this I’ll be back home in SA. So here’s a short story of my CRAZY trip home…

OK, so… the gnarly trip home started off with a super late fight out of LAX on Tuesday night. $400 later in over sized luggage, and some rather sneaky maneuvers to get my brothers Christmas present on board as hand luggage, my trip soon began to commence. The 5-hour flight to JFK International was pretty lame. Mainly due to the fact that there was a 5-year-old kid throwing a tantrum for around 4hrs of the entire 5hr flight to New York.

Upon touch down in New York city, I found myself lumbering around the confusing airport, only to be told by a intensely rude and obnoxious women that I had to catch a train, out side of the airport, in order to get to the right terminal. So I meandered my way in the general direction of where I was told to go, found a train and hopped onto it. Well, from the lack of sleep, partnered up with the bad mood that I was now in, I ended up hopping onto a train that lead in the complete opposite direction. Eventually, after an hour or so of jumping from one train to another, I ventured into the right terminal. I then got checked in with South African Airways (SAA), which went off without a hitch.

It had to be smooth sailing from there, right? Oh, How wrong I was! I thought that the direct flight back home to SA would be straight forward, and that I’d sleep the majority of the flight. hmmm, another small child saw the end of my beloved sleep after only an hour in the sky. The little person whaled and squawked continuously for a couple of hours, resulting in me losing more and more sleep. After the entire 16hour flight from JFK to OR Tambo International in Johannesburg, I had only managed to get 5 hours of sleep. But, I was home, so that kinda lifted my spirits. All I had to do was catch the next flight to Durban, which was in 2hrs time. Sounds easy enough. Right?

In between waiting at passport control, the airport losing my bike and me having to wait for them to find it, those two-hour simply flew by. As I got to the check in, with two ridiculously big bike bags, a massive luggage bag and my two carry on bags, Philemon, of SAA Domestic Flights simply said, “you have missed your flight, go buy a new one.” I stormed off to get another ticket but refused to pay, after a further two more hours, I was eventually reimbursed with a ticket to Durban.

At least I’m home now. I’m super jet lagged, but its good to be back home with the family. I’m here until mid February, so I’ll be home to get in some good training before jetting back over the states to tackle the 2012 Pro XCT series in the States. I’m also hoping to meet up with Burry for a couple rides while I’m back here to get some advice and pointers going forward!

Its been really awesome to catch up with my family and friends. Its been a long time since I was able to sit down and actually speak to them. I’ve got to make the most of the short period that I’m going to be in the country!!

I’ll keep you all updated

Until next time

B

Team Sho-Air to ride 2012 Catalina Gran Fondo

Team Sho-Air is pleased to be part of the 2012 Catalina Gran Fondo, visit www.uscup.net for more details

UPDATE: Pua Mata

Okay, this time I am back to talking about bikes…
Last week, I put my mountain bike on the roof of my car and headed out to Yucaipa to ride with the Yucaipa High School MTB Team.  This team will always hold a special place in my heart because I can almost say that I was there during the delivery of this team almost four years ago.

When I moved into the Yucaipa area and was introduced to the High School MTB League (which is now NICA – National Interscholastic Cycling Association), I was talking with the league director Matt Gunnell about teams in my area that I could ride with.  Being that Yucaipa is considered to be out in the sticks for many Californians, I was ecstatic when Matt gave me the news that Yucaipa would definitely be taking part in the league with teacher, Mike Bagg leading the way, and the rest is history.

Before I knew it, I was rolling into the parking lot of the high school and I was greeted with kids who were holding their prized possession of two wheels next to them along with a permanent grin that they could not wipe from their faces.

There were bikes that were probably double not only the age of some, but double the weight of most.  There were skater helmets, helmets that were tilted to the side, school backpacks that could probably have supplied them for a week (to this day I still wonder what was in some of those bags), t-shirts, blue jeans and jean shorts, skater shoes and sandals that looked uncomfortable even for just walking in.  You name it, I saw it.  But, it was a sight that I will never forget and a sight that put a huge smile on my face.

Over time I got to know each rider.  I got to hear their stories, understand their fears on the bikes and eventually help them and watch them overcome them, learn their goals and see them get accomplished and simply witness their growth not only as a rider, but as an individual.

I could sit here and share with you so many amazing stories of each rider, but one of the many amazing things was watching this team transform as a whole.  Within months, the bikes were becoming lighter and newer, the skater helmets were being replaced with fancy mountain bike helmets, the silly lycra that we wear began making its introduction and bicycle jerseys and shorts began replacing the cotton t-shirts and jeans (even on those that swore they would never be seen in lycra), clipless pedals were discovered, weight of equipment was becoming a concern (I would even hear talk of pulling out the scale) and let me just say that these kids were getting fast….quickly.

So, fast-forwarding a few years and bringing you back to last week, when I found myself rolling into their practice, it was almost like going back in time.  We had our veterans, but the team was overflowing with rookies who, I know, will soon be transformed and showing up in all their fancy, fast gear.

At race number one four years ago, Yucaipa rolled up to the line representing the league with the biggest team and I am not sure how the other schools are comparing, but I would not be surprised if Yucaipa rolls up to race number one in 2012 with the biggest team again.  I don’t know the exact number, but the team this year is huge and not only will they probably be the biggest team, they may be the team with the most girls, at this point we have seven.

NICA is really the future for our sport and the effects of this league are already trickling down.  What started as just a Nor Cal and So Cal league are now being represented across the country in the states of California, Colorado, Texas, Washington and Minnesota.  The junior categories at races are larger in number, more girls are toeing the lines and of course the competition is getting fiercer at such a young age.

This past weekend, ShoAir went out to support the Ride for Hunger that was hosted by Rock N Road and Second Harvest Food Bank.  It was a road ride that toured 30 miles of southern Orange County and each participant brought in a few canned goods that would be donated to the homeless of Orange County.  The turnout was huge, a few hundred, and there were people of all ages and walks of life, but there was one rider who caught my attention.

We were riding along, maybe 30 minutes into the ride and when I looked up, I saw this bike that seemed half the size of my bike and the little boy sitting on the saddle made it look even smaller.  I was in awe and had to go talk to him.  When I rolled up next to him, he seemed a little tired, but so proud to be out there.  I wish I could remember his name, but he was only 13 years old and was out on this ride with a friend who was obviously not too worried about him because he was no where to be found.  This route was not the most difficult route, but if I was 13 with little legs, I’m pretty sure it would have felt like climbing Mt. Evans.

But seeing these youngens out there on bikes are becoming more and more frequent and as many of us older peeps would say, “I wish they had that when I was that age!”
Yes, it would have been awesome to be out there riding fancy road bikes or mountain bikes at that age, but my past has led me here and I am just so blessed and happy to be able to say that I was a part of this growth.  I was there when it began and have had the opportunity to witness it’s growth.

If you have never heard of NICA, check out their website, nationalmtb.org.  It is truly an amazing thing.

Pua Mata featured in XXC

UPDATE: Manuel Prado announces retirement

Press Release December 8, 2011

Manuel Prado retires from Pro Mountain biking to focus on other endeavors.

Sho-Air/Specialized rider Manuel “Manny” Prado recently announced at the team Velosport banquet that he would be retiring from full time competitive cycling to focus on other projects and endeavors.

“The time has come for me to focus on other stuff, including school and my family back in Costa Rica,” said the 2009 La Ruta and Costa Rican Cross Country National champion.

Prado was the original member of team sho-air that formed back in 2004, and he has been on the squad ever since.

“Manny was the first person who really gave me his time when I first was introduced to mountain biking commented Sho-Air president and CEO R. Scott Tedro. “He was instrumental in me getting my health back through cycling and Manuel will always have a special place in my heart. As far as I’m concerned he’s got a lifetime ride with us and the team.”

Prado has enjoyed much success over his racing career with wins at La Ruta and his country’s National cross country in 2009, plus a podium at Leadville behind none other than Lance Armstrong!

Prado confirmed he will still be doing select races in his native Costa Rica, but with an emphasis more on fun than performance.

“I still love to ride my bike and my competitive spirit will never die. I still plan to be active and do some racing here and there, but my focus will be to have fun and enjoy the moment, whereas it used to be all about the winning and preparation for me.”

UPDATE: Kits available in January

The 2012 Team Sho-Air kit will be made available from purchase through Jakroo Cycling Apparel this January. You can visit their website at jakroo.com, where more details will be made available.

UPDATE: Pua Mata

the Girls…

There was a certain somebody that suggested this blog would be not necessarily inappropriate, but rather, not of the right subject matter.  Well, I along with HB, completely disagree and here it is….

But first, if you are one of those who only wants to read about riding bikes, looking at bikes, talking about bikes, the different colors of bikes, the next greatest gadget for your bike (although I would have no idea what that would be) or just anything that relates to a bike, let me kindly suggest that you immediately stop right here and go to mbaction.com or cyclingnews.com.

For those of you who are open-minded and are still reading this, let me introduce to you, our girls…

It was July 28, when I was in Colorado racing, that I received a typical text message from the FFOP.  This days message was different pictures of our garden and all the fruits, vegetables, apple pies, apricot jam and blackberry jam that I was missing out on.  Jealous was my first feeling and while I was enjoying the photos and wishing that I could whip out a transporter and get myself back home, I received another text that said “we are officially going to be hillbilly’s, I am taking the house atop the swing set and putting it into the garden to use as a chicken coop.  AWESOME.”

The definition of a “hillbilly”:  an unsophisticated country person, associated originally with the remote regions of the Appalachians.

Well, I think that FFOP should note that 1. we do not live in the Appalachians and 2. I am pretty sure that in order to be defined as a “country person,” it probably takes a little more than living on a 1.5-acre piece of property with two dogs, six chickens, a few fruit trees, a vegetable garden and a rose garden.  And the fact that the property is in the middle of a community where a Lamborghini or Maserati sighting is just as common as a star in the sky or a palm tree in Hawaii…hillbilly is a little more than out of our reach.

My first reaction to this news was making sure that the chickens were going to be raised strictly for eggs and nothing else.  After receiving that confirmation, I was thrilled.  It would be the closest I have ever been to living on a farm and I would be able to walk down to the chicken coop in the morning and get fresh eggs.  If you were thinking that we would be raising ordinary chickens that would lay ordinary eggs, you are absolutely insane.  Nothing in this household, including our chickens, is ordinary.  In one month, our eggs are going to be unique and beautiful with the colors of blue, green, espresso brown, blonde and medium brown.

The next text message that I received was from FMOP giving me the first formal introduction to the girls.  They were freshly hatched and living in a little hamster cage that resided in the family room.  Not that we could call ourselves professionals in the chicken raising department (although the FFOP is coming pretty close), but in Orange County, our little girls resided inside of the main house for the first 6 months of their little lives so that they stayed warm, were protected from any danger and could become socialized just like a little puppy.  Yes, I said just like a little puppy.

They were so new to the world at this point, but they each had their own personalities shining through and  naming them did not take much effort.  Through text and talk, I was eventually introduced.

The first of the girls was Adele.  The story behind Adele who is a beautiful Rhode Island Red is that when she was a little chic, she had blondish red hair and the FFOP claimed that while he was driving her home in the backseat of the car, she would not stop serenading him with her beautiful voice.  I personally would not have called it serenading (she was probably scared out of her little-bitty mind), but it was music to his ears and instantly he knew she was destined to be Adele.

Next there was Pearl, who is a Delaware.  As you can see, Pearl is white and she is and always truly has been the sweetest of the chattering of chicks.  Well, when it came to a name, the whiteness of her feathers and the sweetness of her demeanor reminded him of his grandma, and as you probably guessed, her name became Pearl.

I apologize for not having a better story, but the one in charge of naming this little chick was my sister Cassie, and the only explanation she had was that she liked the name Lavender and the rest is history.  A fun fact though is that Lavender is a Cuckoo Maran.

Then there was Henrietta, the Americauna number one.  The FMOP takes credit for this one.  I am not sure if the story is interesting, but it made me chuckle.  Kim said that even as a chick, she looked like a hen and Henrietta was a perfect name for a chicken and now we have a rather large Henrietta.  If you ask me, she has always been an awkward looking giant of a bird.

Usually we save the best for last, but a story always ends better with a twist, right?  So, up next is Americauna number two.  The reason I said that I would have saved this little girl (the best) for last, is because I was given the responsibility of this one.  She was the last to make her way into this family (lucky her), a trooper and I am not sure what happened, but she was the cutest (just kidding, she still is cute).  She arrived to the house almost a week before I returned home and I did not want to give her a name without meeting her first.  I wanted to see her, hold her and wait for the name to jump out at me.  The first thing I thought of when I did this was a little tiger.  She was determined as could be, independent and cute.  Of course I wanted the name to be hawaiian and in hawaiian Kika means tiger.  And now we have little Kika.

Last, but not least, there was Ellie Mae who is a Barred Rock.  Notice that I said ‘there was’ and not ‘there is.‘  When this little chick came home, my brother Chase claimed her and thought of the name Ellie Mae.  Even though he is way too young to have watched the show (he is over 10 years younger than me and even I only watched maybe one episode), for some reason, Ellie Mae from the Beverly Hillbillies was thought of.  Last night I asked for the explanation and all I got was that Ellie Mae from the show was “hot” and that is how the name evolved.   But, here comes the twist.  As this beautiful Barred Rock Ellie Mae slowly grew, she was not only getting rather large, but she was getting rather fierce and developing a very demanding crow and it was quickly concluded that “she” (Ellie Mae) was actually “he” (Elmer).  Less than a week later, Elmer was transported to a family friend where he could be a boy and crow like a lion.

As fun as this whole chicken raising process sounds, I do have to say that it has been quite an interesting journey and I have witnessed the ton of work that has been put into it.

Earlier I mentioned that the girls resided in the “main house” for the first six months of their lives.  This was an interesting and in the end, a process that ended with a strong stench.

As they grew daily, right before our eyes, they became the entertainment of the household.  Not only for us, but also for the dogs.  I would find FMOP and FFOP occasionally having conversations with the girls and we would frequently take them out of the cage to hold them.  When it came to tricks, the girls lacked the intelligence for anything too complex, but when it came to knocking their food over, they were experts.

While they were in the house doing their jobs of eating, sleeping, making noise, making a mess and growing, their chicken coop or what I would call, their mansion was being built.  The old tree house was taken down, transferred to the garden area and transformed into quite the residence for a bunch of two legged, chirping girls.  So much so, that I wouldn’t be surprised that a pilot of The Real Chickens of Orange County is immediately produced.

Although I have no idea of the exact square footage of these little princesses home, I will say “huge.”  On the exterior we have a spanish style tiled roof, distressed barn wood type siding, a roomy porch with a front latching door and an automatic chicken door that opens and closes automatically with the rising and setting of the sun with an easy access ramp, a porch light, two sets of stairs that leads to the yard, a water door, a easy access egg nest door and to finish it off, a rocker on the porch for when the girls need to get off their feet after a long hard day.

The interior doesn’t sound as exciting, but we do have a couple of perching ledges, a beautiful bird nesting box, water access completed with cozy wood chip flooring.

The coop is surrounded by a beautiful white picket fence where the girls can roam freely and spaciously within the walls as they tease any unwanted predators looking in (the two dogs, Oz and Betty).

This little blog is becoming quite the novel and apologize if I am boring you, but that is the story of our girls.  They are coming up on 5 months old now and hopefully we will be seeing some eggs in the next month or two.  When I was down there the other day while we were feeding them our scraps of spaghetti squash, brussels sprouts, water melon and lemons, I was telling them that they better start producing soon to earn there keep.  None of them responded, but Pearl did come up to me and give me a few pecks at my leg.

I have been trying to talk the FFOP into bringing a couple of miniature goats into the family, but I have not had any luck yet.  While talking about the goats, I figured that I try a horse and although the FMOP immediately through out the fact that we were zoned for horses, the idea was derailed, without hesitation.

So for now, the girls are the extent of our hillbilly Orange County lifestyle.  Now it’s off for a bike ride…