Mountain Bike Monday - On being the "stoker"

We headed out over the weekend to take Dreamwork (the tandem) on its first serious ride at the Battlefield. This was the true first test. Things started out great when the bike actually fit on the rack on the jeep! Hooray! First obstacle complete!



When we arrived we decided to start out on some of the smooth gravel paths just practicing terminology with one another and getting the initial feel for riding together and the bike itself! We eventually popped out onto the main park tour road and decided to try some road riding.



Keep in mind that pictures will be from a new perspective with this bike! And, speaking of perspective I think it's a great time to talk about being the stoker. In last week's post I talked about my job as simply providing the pedal power. That's the truth. My job as stoker is to pedal. If my captain is pedaling then I'm pedaling. There's no free ride here. We have to work together on the right gearing at the right time, when to stand on a climb, when to stop, how to start, and every other aspect of riding that you usually only think of subconsciously when you ride your own bike alone. After riding your own bike you don't have to give as much thought to the gear shifting, standing, stopping, etc. You just know how and when to do it. Your brain just remembers it I guess. Now, we have to re-train our brains and muscles to ride a little differently. We have to work in sync. As a team.



And, I think we did pretty good! The key was to be patient with one another. We each have to communicate with the other about our needs and concerns. Every movement I make in the back affects the balance of the bike and Dynamo's steering.



All I see is what's to my left and right. I had to lean around to snap the above pic. Riding a tandem is all about trust. I have to have complete trust in Dynamo. And, I do. We have ridden together over the years and he has patiently waited for me and supported me. He never left my side always encouraging me and wanting to help me do my best. So, we are pretty comfortable being together on the ride except now we will be on the same bike.



The way I see things is that two are better than one. In any aspect of life. Wouldn't you agree? I'm a better biker with Dynamo by my side. He makes me better every single day. We are two peas in a pod.



We had a great ride! A little over 20 miles. We were feeling great! We aren't breaking any speed records, but it was a nice steady ride. We got to stop and watch the water ripple and observe the squiggly line in the sand...



And, we stopped and smelled the daffodils...



And, looked at the beautiful trees...



Spring is on its way!!



I'm looking forward to many more adventures on Dreamwork! We make a great team!

Dreamwork's Maiden Voyage

On March 10, we celebrated our 8 year wedding anniversary and 11 year together anniversary. We were in Florida visiting Dynamo's parents for the week, but we are now back in town and picked up our anniversary present. It's a Cannondale Tandem 29er.



For years I've been asking Dynamo for a tandem bike so we can do some rides truly together, and finally he surprised me with one. I was so surprised that I started to cry. At first I just couldn't fathom how I deserved such goodness. I just couldn't believe it. What a huge blessing God gave me and us. Dynamo continues to shower me with so much love and kindness truly exemplifying God's love. Once I stopped crying I remembered what Joel Osteen says about learning to accept God's blessings and favor and how we deserve goodness. That is part of our journey here. We have to accept goodness. And, we have to have grace for ourselves.



Not only has God given me the most wonderful man in the world, but He also continually blesses us with all that we need and more. As I reflect on our years together and us taking our first ride yesterday, I am reminded of just how similar riding a tandem is to trusting God. When we ride the tandem, Dynamo is the captain, which means he rides in the front. He is stronger and makes all of the decisions. When to stop. When to start. When to stand. When to shift. Where to steer. EVERYTHING. My job is to be the stoker in the back. I just sit down and pedal. That's it. All I can see is what's on either side of me and his cute backside and I have no idea where we are going. I have to have complete trust. Trust in my captain and partner. Do you find that sometimes you struggle to have complete trust in your captain? I think most of us do. It's about learning to grown in our faith and ourselves. And, it ain't always easy!



Marriage, too, is much like riding a tandem. You just have to trust one another. Sometimes one of you will need to be the captain using all of your strength to pedal forward, make the decisions, and pull the other along...and sometimes you'll be the stoker. Either way, it's about teamwork. It's okay that sometimes one person is going to need the other more. That's just life. I've learned that most of the time things aren't 50/50. That's just not how life is. No relationship is 50/50. Love doesn't keep score. Whether it's your husband, your friend, your parents, etc. just let it go. Don't always keep track of who called who and who did or didn't do what. Just pick up and always focus on giving more. Give of yourself completely and with your whole heart. For your whole life. Our favorite pastor said years ago that a good and successful marriage has two givers. So, I'm going to give my heart out and just enjoy the ride. We are only given this very moment, nothing more, nothing less. I'm learning to live in the present and see where this journey takes us.



And, our beautiful new tandem has a name. It's called "Dreamwork." Dynamo named it. If you want to know why, check out this church sermon from the church we've recently been attending. Whether you're married or not, it's all about how it takes teamwork to make the dream work! The dream should always bigger than the team! Enjoy! Be blessed!


Dynamo, I thank you for loving me when I needed it the most. I thank you for being my rock. I thank you for being my soulmate. You make me a better person every. single. day! I can't wait to ride off into the sunset with you on Dreamwork! I love you forever and always.

Hiking Beaver Lake

Yesterday was such a great day that we decided to head over to Pocahontas State Park. Dynamo went for a ride on his bike while Charlie and I hiked around Beaver Lake.



Charlie was so excited to get out on the trails to celebrate his 3rd birthday! There were lots of dogs and people out enjoying the beautiful day!!



It was all I could do to keep Charlie from jumping in the water! I knew it was way too cold for that!!



But, I did let him get his paws damp!



The sun shining down from above was so bright and the air was so crisp! We just felt so rejuvenated being outside with all the goodness around! I just loved the bright green moss amidst all of the brown leaves!



Charlie did not like having to stop for pictures, but I just wanted to enjoy the warmth of the sun!



The hill at the lake had such beautiful moss! I made him pose for a few pics there!



We stopped at the top of the dam on Beaver Lake! The water was rushing over. I didn't want Charlie getting too close!



Next, we went over to the boat ramp area to wait on Dynamo.





Eventually Dynamo came riding in like a knight in shining armor!!



We had a wonderful time enjoying the park! Charlie got an over 4 mile hike in!!

Hope your weekend was fantastic!

New Year, New Adventures - Appomattox River Heritage Trail

Sunday's 60+ degree weather was serious motivation to get out and enjoy the day! Even though it was a bit overcast and very windy, it still was a beautiful day to get out and get some exercise and fresh air! We began by parking at the Petersburg National Battlefield and biked into Old Towne.



You don't get many of these warm days in the middle of winter. Even though it was cloudy we still enjoyed riding around looking at homes, churches, buildings, etc.

We headed over near the VSU campus and biked along the river a short while on the Appomattox Heritage Trail.





Next, we continued on the trail after riding over what locals call the Petersburg/Colonial Heights Bridge (MLK Jr. Bridge).



This is a brand new trail running from the river over to the Southpark Mall area of Colonial Heights.



It's a nice paved pathway following along the river with a few places to stop and learn along the way...







A little uphill climb to overlook a former railroad crossing/bridge...





History is amazing! You see remnants of times before, but often don't know the history behind it!





Once you get to the mall area you arrive at a parking area and small put in/pier area, and it's there we stopped to snap a selfie!



And, Dynamo got a smooch!



What a lovely trail for anyone in the area looking for a scenic ride, walk, or run!

On our return trip, we biked more through the streets of Petersburg before heading back to the Battlefield. We finished up with around 19 miles. What a great feeling to be back on the bike again...TOGETHER!

Mountain Bike Monday - Touring Richmond

On Saturday Dynamo and I participated in the Martin's Tour of Richmond 58 mile ride! And, what a gorgeous day it was for a ride!!



The route was nice and rolling. At times I thought maybe too much rolling! I know...hills are good training!



It can be a strange feeling to not know where exactly you are at any point. Sometimes that's how it is on these rides. The routes are often on back roads that are unfamiliar to non-locals, but it is still an excellent chance to see lots of roads and places we wouldn't normally run across! I saw a cool quilt shop, but have no idea where it was!



The aid stations were well stocked with lots of goodies. There were three along the 58 mile route. We hit #2 and #3!! The people were super friendly!!

The weather was just right. We were so comfortable, except for the wind. Seemed like we had a little to fight at times, but it wasn't too big of a deal!! I'll take a little wind over 90 degree weather!

We knew we were nearing the end when we saw the track in the distance!



And, they save the best for last! Everyone gets to take a lap around the Richmond International Raceway track!!





What a cool opportunity to get to be on the track!











We felt like little ants surrounded by everything!



Then, we exited the track and headed to the official finish!



Ta da!!



We did it! Together! Another ride! My 4th official 50+ mile ride! I can't believe how far I've come in just 5 years of riding! And, I wouldn't have been able to do it without the love, support, and encouragement of my Dynamo! He keeps me focused and moving (literally)! I'm so grateful that we have our health to be able to do these special events together! We are the best team! And, he always patiently rides my speed to get me through! He is such a gift!



And, we had to snap some pics at the "LOVE" sign at the entrance of the track! Super cool!



Thank you, Dynamo, for always being there for me! I'm a better me because of you!! I LOVE YOU!!