Rick Grantham asked:


While standing on top of the world is an amazing feat, getting back there can be challenging. For instance, since the Portland Trailblazers won the 1977 NBA Finals, they have not succeeded at winning their second basketball championship. Since 1977, the Trailblazers have returned to the playoffs 25 times, have played in five Conference Finals, and have advanced to two NBA Finals.

When did the Trailblazers begin their journey to the NBA Finals? They were one of three expansion teams that the NBA added during the 1970-1971 season. The franchise chose the name in a “name the team” contest, in which people submitted about 10,000 entries. “Trailblazers” pays tribute to the explorers who traveled across the Oregon Trail during the 1800s. Here are some interesting facts about the state of Oregon:

• Oregon’s official state colors are blue and gold

• Oregon (and New Jersey) are the only two U.S. states with no “self-serve” gas stations

• Oregon is the only U.S. state with an official state nut (hazelnut)

• Oregon has the United States’ deepest lake (Crater Lake)

• Oregon’s state birthday is also Valentine’s Day (February 14).

During their premiere season in the NBA, the Trailblazers earned a 29-53 record.

By the 1976-1977 season, the Trailblazers had added key ingredients to its team, including Center Bill Walton. They had hot and cold streaks during the regular season, ending with a 49-33 record. In the playoffs, Portland would trample the Chicago Bulls (3-0), crack the Denver Nuggets (4-2), and then drown the Los Angeles Lakers (4-0). The Trailblazers faced the potent Philadelphia 76ers and “Dr. J.” in the NBA Finals. After falling behind in the series (0-2), the Trailblazers won four straight games and the series. (4-2)

The Trailblazers’ first chance to win a second NBA title, took place in 1990. Clyde Drexler led Portland to a solid 59-23 regular season record. They blanked the Dallas Mavericks (3-0), edged the San Antonio Spurs (4-3), and then outlasted the Phoenix Suns (4-3). However, the Trailblazers lost the NBA Finals to the Detroit Pistons, the defending champions (4-1).

Just two years later, the Trailblazers had another shot at an NBA title. This time, they earned another solid regular season record: 57-25. In the playoffs, the Trailblazers dominated the Los Angeles Lakers (3-1), trampled the Phoenix Suns (4-1), and eliminated the Utah Jazz (4-2). However, Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls would overpower the Trailblazers in the finals (4-2).

Throughout their history, the Portland Trailblazers have retired the jersey numbers of seven players:

Clyde Drexler – #22 (Guard): 1983-1995

Maurice Lucas – #20 (Forward): 1976-1980, 1987-1988

Lloyd Neal – #36 (Forward): 1972-1979

Geoff Petrie – #45 (Forward): 1970-1976

Larry Steele – #15 (Guard): 1971-1980

Dave Twardzik – #13 (Guard): 1976-1980

Bill Walton – #32 (Center): 1974-1979

Repeating a success can be as difficult as achieving it the first time. For instance, the Portland Trailblazers are striving to earn their second NBA Finals victory. Use Portland Trailblazers merchandise to support them along the road to another NBA Championship!

Bercle George asked:


Going out for vacations most especially during summer is one important thing that every family dreams to experience. This gives an opportunity for them to develop their bond stronger. However, one thing that you would think when you go outing with your family is to where would you spend your vacation be and what activities you would do to enjoy. Probably, you would think of going places which are good venues for sports or swimming- these are common outdoor activities which you can do.

Experiencing mountain biking travel adventure with your family is one thing that you can do during summer. When you do this, you can enjoy exploring the beauty of nature and at the same time to experience a great form of exercise for a healthy lifestyle. You can go beautiful places that are seldom visited.

Mountain biking trip adventure is worth to do when you are in vacation. Doing that can make you determine your own endurance in reaching places that you might thought impossible for you to go- especially on the higher places. You can reach top of mountainous area by mountain biking travel adventure.

Mountain biking trip adventure is also one way to develop your physical fitness as well as your mental wellness. Precisely because, mountain biking travel adventure requires you to have strategies with you that will make you to get into your destination in the most ideal and efficient way. In other words, mountain biking or simply biking can sharpen your mind and physical capability.

Adventure travel and biking are now integrated and more and more people are getting involved in it. Most of them enjoy visiting places- beautiful places by biking. Some even are reaching tops of mountains by just biking. Taking your vacation time for mountain biking van really bring you to an adventure of fun and excitement.

There are important things that you need to remember when doing this activity like bringing appropriate stuffs needed of adventure travel and biking. These includes first aid kit- needed for unexpected circumstances; a map- this is especially needed when you are not accompanied by tourist guide; and other basics for mountain biking trip adventure.

It is indeed, mountain biking provides great opportunity for you and your family to have fun. It is an effective way to develop a stronger bond among members of your family. This also allows you to practice a healthy lifestyle because this is a very good exercise that develops the whole body system.