Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Memorial Day Ride

On Memorial Day we ventured out to Poco for a holiday ride!

Poco Ride May 28, 2012

The weather was slightly overcast when we started, but it got hot and muggy!

Poco Ride May 28, 2012 (1)

The trails were quiet. Not much was stirring except the 3 snakes we saw on the trail. Yikes!

Poco Ride May 28, 2012 (4)

The first snake was perched on a log just sunbathing. I didn't see it, but Dynamo, who was riding behind me hollared to stop!

Poco Ride May 28, 2012 (7)

I really don't know how I missed it! It was as plain as day! But, because of the shock I didn't get myself together in time to take a pic!

Poco Ride May 28, 2012 (9)

We encountered two others. The next was in the leaves and scared of us as we rode by. The last was slithering across the trail. Again, Dynamo hollared to stop. My heart jumped and I had chills in 90 degree weather! Argh!!

They were all such surprises that we didn't get pics.

Poco Ride May 28, 2012 (11)

Even though it was hot, we did have a good ride. I was pleased with my time and pace. I think the road riding has helped to strengthen my legs.

Poco Ride May 28, 2012 (13)

Hills that normally gave me lots of trouble, weren't so bad. I think I'm really getting stronger on the bike!

Poco Ride May 28, 2012 (16)

It was a very fun ride together even with the snakes!

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We finished up about 14.5 miles. Not bad!

Poco Ride May 28, 2012 (21)

This week we will try to get in a short road ride and more off road! Charlie will get to join us for another spin at the Battlefield!

Poco Ride May 28, 2012 (22)

Pulling Charlie is certainly good strength training for Dynamo.

Poco Ride May 28, 2012 (25)

Hopefully it will be a little cooler!

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But, if not, it will be wonderful just to be together!

Poco Ride May 28, 2012 (28)



Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Mountain Bike Monday - Ridin' the High Bridge

High Bridge State Park Ride May 25, 2012

On Friday, Dynamo and I took off from work and ventured to the Farmville area to try out High Bridge State Park. We had heard that the bridge was finally complete on this new rails to trails route, so we decided to make a day of it and set out to bike.

We started about 6 miles into the trail at Rice's Depot, which is a small quiet little town off of Route 460.

High Bridge State Park Ride May 25, 2012 (1)

There was a nice parking area with bathrooms. So, we hopped on the trail and headed for the main attraction - the bridge!

High Bridge State Park Ride May 25, 2012 (7)

Of course we had to take our self photo before taking off!

High Bridge State Park Ride May 25, 2012 (8)

Shortly after the start, we crossed over 460.

High Bridge State Park Ride May 25, 2012 (9)

The packed limestone trail was straight as can be. It went out as far as the eye could see.

High Bridge State Park Ride May 25, 2012 (10)

There wasn't a lot to see, but the main attraction was worth the trip. We aproached the High Bridge about 3 miles into the ride.

High Bridge State Park Ride May 25, 2012 (14)

Amazing! Standing 125 feet above the Appomattox River, this bridge formerly held trains and the structure had boards from 1914 that were replaced by custom made wood.

High Bridge State Park Ride May 25, 2012 (15)

We stopped to take some pictures and marvel at the view from atop the world!

High Bridge State Park Ride May 25, 2012 (19)

The river below is currently unreachable from the bridge; however, we were told that there is an effort to acquire 16 acres for a kayak/canoe put in.

High Bridge State Park Ride May 25, 2012 (20)

Does this make your tummy dance?

High Bridge State Park Ride May 25, 2012 (21)

High Bridge State Park Ride May 25, 2012 (28)

It was so neat to be up high with only our bikes!

High Bridge State Park Ride May 25, 2012 (27)

I tried to snap our picture with a little background, but I managed yet again to cut some of Dynamo's head off!

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The bridge was so new you could still see the pencil markings on the wood. There was a nice place to sit and relax!

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High Bridge State Park Ride May 25, 2012 (33)

When you look at the bridge it's like a bridge to nowhere. You can't even see the end in these pics can you?

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What an engineering marvel!

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High Bridge State Park Ride May 25, 2012 (37)

We continued on for another 5 miles until we came upon a bridge that lead us to the Town of Farmville!

High Bridge State Park Ride May 25, 2012 (47)

Running right through the middle of Town was the route!

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This is the major entrance for visitors to the Park.

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Isn't this great?

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Town was a busy place!

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High Bridge State Park Ride May 25, 2012 (54)

Most people come to see the bridge. We planned to ride from Rice to the end of the trail and back. From the Town of Farmville we rode out 12 miles through the Towns of Prospect and Tuggle.

Leaving Town were old buildings...

High Bridge State Park Ride May 25, 2012 (58)

Farmville has really changed since I last visited. It seems to be a bustling little place!

We saw some farmland...

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Including some cows...

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The railroad markers are what the Park guide uses to mark points on the map.

High Bridge State Park Ride May 25, 2012 (69)

We saw a snake slither across the road. It was too fast for the camera. We also saw a groundhog! I tried to whistle to make him come back for a photo opp!

After we rode to the 20 mile mark we decided to turn around. We were getting low on water. They said there wasn't any water available on the route, but I guess I figured we could get some as we went through the towns. I was wrong. There was nothing.

On the way back we stopped and ate at the little Bakery in Town. Lunch was sure yummy! Before heading back to finish our last 8 miles, we stopped at a convenience store in town to refuel on water.

High Bridge State Park Ride May 25, 2012 (77)

Back at the bridge we stopped and rested.

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By now it was really hot!

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The water rushed below!

High Bridge State Park Ride May 25, 2012 (83)

We stopped and chatted with another couple. They told us about several rails to trails that they had ventured to. We learned so much just chatting.

High Bridge State Park Ride May 25, 2012 (92)

When we got back to the car we had traveled 40 miles! Not bad! We had a great time and encountered only one dog, who was friendly after he checked us out.

It was an enjoyable day for us together. I think it would be a great route for training to get some long miles in. The entire trail is 31 miles long. So, out and back could get you 62 miles. The packed limestone is a good surface. It's not as easy as road riding, but the grade of the trail makes it so all types of riders can ride even if it's only small portions. Check it out if you have the chance.







Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Bagel Lovin' Pup

Charlie and bagel treat May 20, 2012

I had a really big week last week! I went to see Dr. Kinney for my last round of puppy shots. When Mom and Dad said we were going to the doctor's I was ready to load up and ride!

Charlie's 4 month vet appointment May 14, 2012 (1)

They always make a big deal over me at the vet. They tell me I'm beautiful and they give me lots of hugs. Ms. Kim loves me most I think! She's always the first to grab me and love on me!

Charlie's 4 month vet appointment May 14, 2012 (3)

She tells me she has a Boston at home named "Buck," but I haven't met him yet! Kelly, the boxer, is getting more used to me now!

Charlie's 4 month vet appointment May 14, 2012 (5)

She and I played some behind the counter! Of course I acted like I owned the place. I immediately took over Kelly's big soft bed!

Charlie's 4 month vet appointment May 14, 2012 (7)

Kelly wasn't sure what to do with me.

Charlie's 4 month vet appointment May 14, 2012 (9)

I tried to be respectful of their area. After all, I was an outsider. How cool is it that they get to go to work with their parents!? Too bad I can't!

Charlie's 4 month vet appointment May 14, 2012 (11)

The one little white doggie with the long eyelashes was a little grumpy.

Charlie's 4 month vet appointment May 14, 2012 (12)

When they took me to the back, they put me on the scale and said I weighed 12 pounds or more. Really...now almost 13.

Charlie's 4 month vet appointment May 14, 2012 (13)

Then, came my least favorite part...checking my temperature! Dr. Webb is gentle though, but it's still no picnic!

Charlie's 4 month vet appointment May 14, 2012 (14)

Then, in came Dr. Kinney! My favorite! She loved on me and told me I was growing just fine! She was proud of my progress listening to my parents and not biting my mom anymore! I was a star!

Charlie's 4 month vet appointment May 14, 2012 (17)

Even Dr. Kinney's doggie came in to check on things!

Charlie's 4 month vet appointment May 14, 2012 (18)

There are dogs wandering everywhere! It's so cool to meet all these new friends! Before I left they put me behind the counter and I played some more with Kelly...

Charlie's 4 month vet appointment May 14, 2012 (20)

Charlie's 4 month vet appointment May 14, 2012 (23)

Dr. Kinney said I was ready for prime time now that all my shots were done. So, she okayed me to visit the Farmers' Market with Mom and B.B. So, on Saturday I loaded up with Mom and went to the Market. I slept quietly in my crate behind the table.

Farmers Market May 19, 2012 (6)

Mom took me out for a few walks where I got to socialize with others. I was so good and quiet that most of the customers didn't even know I was back there! Mom says that in time I'll be out of my crate and able to sleep in my bed behind the tables. I can't wait! It's so fun meeting new people!

Saturday afternoon Mom and Dad took me to Stony Point mall in Richmond. That mall allows dogs in all of the stores. It was so cool! There were dogs everywhere! We went in the barkery where I got two new toys and these delicious bagels.

Charlie and bagel treat May 20, 2012 (3)

After the mall we went to the Dominion Riverrock Festival downtown. There were thousands of people and lots of dogs. I was so well behaved. Mom and Dad were so pleased with my behavior. They said I'm well on my way to being a therapy dog! This is all good socialization and exposure for me!

It was a very busy weekend! I had a blast!