Author Archives: Craig
AdventureDad’s 15 End of Summer Adventures »
Posted on October 30, 2011Check out Mile High Mamas for my 15 suggested summer activities. Writing the piece for them brought back a lot of great memories!
Al and His Adult Sons’ Adventures »
Posted on October 30, 2011On our recent trip to the Northwest, Alex and I met Al and his son Jeremy while backpacking on the Pacific coast. It’s a great conversation between a dad and his adult son who discovered adventures together when Al’s sons were in their teens. I especially loved Al’s discussion about being flexible around his sons’ interests and Jeremy talking about all that he’s learned from his dad. Enjoy.
Zip Lining Along the Colorado River! »
Posted on October 30, 2011We always thought of zip lining as something you did at a team building camp or above the canopies of some rainforest (the later one being one we’ve yet to try). Needless to say, we were excited when we heard about Zipline Adventure Tours located just outside Salida, Colorado. CaptainZipline.com offers a variety of packages including nature and history tours of the surrounding area. We chose the Zip and Sip. A two-hour late afternoon zip line experience with coupons for beverages at one of several Salida establishments. We chose the local brew pub for a root beer and fresh brewed IPA. The instructors were very helpful and fun and were particularly patient with those whom were a little more anxious with sailing over the canyons below. Mounting the Go Pro video camera on my helmet made for some fun shots!
Dogs and Young Families at 14,000 ft! »
Posted on October 30, 2011This July, Alex, Utah and I set out to climb Mt. Shavano located in south central Colorado in the Collegiate Range. When pulling into the campsite late Friday night, we were surprised to see how many hikers were there for this long and steep peak.
Along the way, we ran into lots of young adult hikers, as well as, numerous families with young children. As you can see on their post (http://adventuredad.org/667/adventures/a-sons-first-attempt/ ), Bryson was one of the youngest kids hiking the trail at 8 years of age as he and his dad ventured from the flatlands of Kansas. When reaching the summit, we were amazed to see a young couple that had taken up their 15-month-old daughter. As we talked, we found out that this was her 12th fourteen’r since starting at the age of 3 months. As you’ll see on our tips post (http://adventuredad.org/665/tips-and-gadgets/outdoor-parents-outdoor-kids/ ), you don’t have to give up your favorite couple’s adventures when children arrive.
You’ll also see Utah hiking along with lots of other hikers and dogs. She loves to take the lead and is often referenced by the hikers coming down before us.
Rain, Rain Come Out and Play! »
Posted on October 30, 2011June in Denver is known for beautiful sunny mornings followed by late afternoon thunderstorms. When Alex was younger, we would go out on the sidewalk and float down a variety of sticks and plastic boats toward the canal by our house. He would run along with excitement and splash along as the rain came down.
As a teenager with a truck, a whole new idea came to his mind as I was filming one of the biggest storms I’ve seen in 25 years of living here. As you’ll see on the clip, a very impromptu adventure came to life as the rain came down. I now see a boat in our future!
Squirrel Traps and a Dad’s Reflections »
Posted on October 9, 2011While coming over with his so for BB guns, our friend John talks about his Father’s letters. It’s amazing to have such a treasure.
Machine Guns! »
Posted on September 20, 2011Alex and I have had a tradition of going to the range on Father’s Day. We start by shooting trap with our shotguns and then head over to the rifle/pistol range where we try out a different rental gun. Over the years, we’ve shot numerous handguns, rifles and an M-16. All were great fun.
This year, we were treated to a whole new experience as Larry, from the Family Shooting Center at Cherry Creek State Park, had four machine guns set up on a special range. Needless to say, we were pretty pumped up with excitement and anticipation. As you’ll see on the video, the experience lived up to our expectations. Larry was great with explaining how to operate them as well as gave us the history on each weapon. While not inexpensive, the $75 gave us a taste of what it’s like to fire one. Pure power!
Our Youngest Adventure Son! »
Posted on September 15, 2011Adventure Dad Summer Contest:
It’s Never Too Early to Hit the Trails and Explore Europe!
As a professional mountain biker and adventure racer, I look forward to the days when I can spend time engaging in serious athletic activities with my son, Wyatt. I realized this summer, however, that it’s never too early to begin the adventure!
Wyatt, who was born January 2nd of this year, Amy, and I had an incredible summer together. We spent three weeks in Europe, and Wyatt served on the support crew for a nine hour mountain bike race in France and an eleven hour mountain bike race in Austria. While I raced, Wyatt and Amy drove from point to point to hand me water bottles and food. He’s a real trooper, and seeing him along the way definitely gave me an extra boost! Here, Wyatt grabs a crucial mid-race snack at one of the mountain biking events:
Wyatt has stamps from five countries (Germany, France, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland) in his passport, and it was a joy to be able to share our love of traveling with him. He also has two “grandmothers” in France and one in Italy, who have all sung him songs, played games with him, and provided some extra love along the way.
When we returned home, Wyatt attended his first Leadville 100 event, once again as a member of the support crew while I rode in the race. I began crewing at the Leadville 100 run when my dad raced it for the first time when I was six, and we have been treating these races a family get-togethers since then. This was our first three-generation Leadville event, and I hope it is the first of many!
Wyatt, Grandpa, and Dad hung out after the Leadville 100 MTB race. Wyatt was still fresh, but dad was a bit dusty!
The following snapshots describe the summer highlights of my summer with Wyatt.
- Day one of our European adventure, walking around Frankfurt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2FxIghuKHg
- Attending two stages, the infamous l’Alpe d’Huez and the Time Trial, of Le Tour de France with Wyatt was absolutely amazing. Most people wait a lifetime and never get to meet El Diablo (you know, the famous Devil guy who’s always on TV), and Wyatt got to shake his hand before he even knew what he was doing. Here, we cheer for Colorado rider Tom Danielson, who finished 9th at the Tour: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTmjflWtJaQ
- Watching the top pro road bikers in the world tackle the same roads Wyatt (in his trailer) and I ride for training was pretty neat. Here we are at the USA Pro Cycling Challenge on Lookout Mountain:
- While Wyatt and Amy followed along online, I competed in a four day adventure race in Wulong, China. My teammates and I ran, biked, climbed, canyoneered, rafted, carried fruit, and trudged through mud in an incredible area. Here’s a video I took of the Opening Ceremony that I look forward to sharing with Wyatt when he’s older: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MaWXe8NrzI
- Wyatt got his first podium appearance at the Teva Mountain Games:
Wyatt and I look forward to a lifetime of adventurous memories together. He’s definitely got the spirit, the attitude, and the flexibility, and I think we’re in for some good times!
Thanks for reading,
Travis and Wyatt Macy
Beginning Family Adventures – Part 2 »
Posted on September 8, 2011Are you looking to take your kids on their first camping experience? Just an hour from Denver is Al’s Pits at Geneva Creek Park just at the start of Guanella Pass. They have a stocked trout pond where the fish bite on everything and you pay by the inch (all the equipment is available to rent), as well as, created camp sites right on the stream. They have a large community shelter with tables and a fire ring as well as nice bathrooms. Best of all, they have Al’s pit b-b-q on site where they will even cook your freshly caught trout! The owners are an older couple, Al and Liz, who explained to us their dream of creating this unique, all inclusive space. Just bring your tent and warm jackets for those cool mountain evenings.
Honoring Our Heros »
Posted on September 11, 2011I’D WANT SOMEONE TO COME IN AFTER MY KIDS…THAT’S WHY I DO IT.
New York Fire Department Museum
On this 10th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy, it’s poignant to reflect upon how honoring our firefighters, police officers and military service personnel goes hand in hand with value based fathering and enjoying adventures together. Over the years, I’ve tried to instill respect and appreciation for our heroes in my son’s heart and soul.
My first memory of doing so occurred when Alex was about 5. Like most young boys, Alex was obsessed with firefighters. Many a toy truck and fire fighting uniforms and equipment were part of play time. His 5th birthday party in fact, included a trip to the local firehouse where we got to see the men in action taking off for a call. It was thrilling for the boys and myself to see them spring into action.
Later that year, a young fireman lost his life while on a rescue. The streets of Denver were lined with people as a long procession of fire fighting vehicles moved down the street close to our house. Dressed in all his equipment, I’ll never forget him standing at attention and saluting as they passed by.
Over the years, we honored a fallen police officer and on one occasion, had the privilege of meeting and then paying for the meals of two young graduates from the Air Force Academy who were getting ready to be deployed. We also had many opportunities to talk about the important role that these men and women play in our lives.
Following 9/11, I helped him and a friend bake and decorate a cake with blueberries and strawberries in the pattern of an American flag. It was hard to hold back the tears as we took the cake and a thank you card over to that same firehouse and present it to our heroes.
On a professional level, I’ve had the unpleasant task of having to explain a variety of traumas to young, school children. I’ll never forget 10 years ago this day, when a young first grade girl said: “Why would anyone want to kill firemen and policemen Mr. Knippenberg? They are heroes”. How profoundly meaningful and touching was this comment from a sensitive 10 year old.
May this day of remembrance, give you the opportunity to reflect upon duty and honor with your children. These are the fathers and mothers who would put their lives on the line for your children.
Post Script
Alex and I had planned on being at the summit of Longs Peak for sunrise this morning in honor of 9/11. Unfortunately, a stomach bug forced us off the mountain at 3 am. While driving back to Denver, I was treated to the comforting image of my sleeping son next to me. May we all be thankful for those who allow our children to sleep in peace.
