Mountain Bike Monday

Last Thursday we loaded up the little man and headed over to the Battlefield for an evening ride!



It was a lovely evening, especially for a ride in the Charlie Chariot! It's like taking a baby around. Charlie has lots of "gear" for his ride. We have the chariot, the favorite bed, a towel, his fishy, his baby, his bone, and his hoof (yes, the last two are for chewing), leash, wet wipes, bags, treats, and water). Let's just say that he has so much stuff that the chariot is loaded down.



He enjoys riding inside (we think). He just sleeps most of the time!



With him getting bigger now we may have to elimate a couple of items from the collection.



He's ready to go once he's loaded up, so we get moving fast. The breeze is so nice on the road. I think it just puts him to sleep!



I ride behind them to let Charlie know I'm there and it's ok. He doesn't get restless, but on some of the downhills it can get a little swervy! At one point Charlie was awakened by fast speeds and the trailer weaving a little side to side. His eyes got really big and he started licking his baby!



The Battlefield is a great place to ride. There are always runners, bikers, and walkers. Very few cars make for a peaceful ride.



The wildlife is plentiful! The turkeys were all puffed up and the deer nibbling on the side of the road. Neither acted concerned of us passing by.



Most of the animals look at you and then go back to eating! We completed 21.5 miles! Charlie was so content to just ride! When we pulled up at the car we unzipped him and he just sat there holding his baby.



Dynamo got a really good workout! I finally saw him sweat a little! It's pretty heavy to pull the Chariot and Charlie. Plus, there are lots of hills out there!



I drug him out of his Chariot and got some love from my baby!



We put him inside the truck and he found his way to the back. He always wants to watch us!



He's just such a brave dog. He's not afraid of anything.

We were pleased with our ride! It was a good day with hardly anyone out.



And...on Saturday afternoon we headed over to Poco. I broke out my singlespeed Spot and we hit the Green and Blue trails! On the way to the trailhead there he was!



The trails were in good shape.



We rolled pretty quickly through. I was very pleased with Spot and I must say that I felt pretty strong.



No matter what, my original Spot is still my favorite bike. It just fits me well!



After we finished up the trails we headed down to the damn to see if the snake family was back yet for the season!



I know...we must be crazy! But, it is really neat to watch them!



There were no snakes. Nothing but a few fish at the damn.



So, we headed back to the car having completed about 8.5 miles. A short ride, but a good fast one on the trusty SS.



I hope your weekend was a good one! Have a great week!

Memorial Day Ride

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



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



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



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!



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!



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.



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.



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



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



We finished up about 14.5 miles. Not bad!



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!



Pulling Charlie is certainly good strength training for Dynamo.



Hopefully it will be a little cooler!



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

Mountain Bike Monday - Ride like the wind

Ever have one of those rides? Or, one of those days where you just felt good?



Well, yesterday's ride was just that way for me. I felt like I was flying through the trails faster than ever before.



For once I felt like I knew what I was doing out there!



It turns out I was faster than ever. I felt stronger and more comfortable on the bike yesterday than I have ever felt.



I pedaled through the turns and used my downhills properly. I felt so strong. My legs weren't tired and I didn't complain much.



I was proud of myself.



Dynamo was proud of me too! That made me feel great!



We are good ridin' buddies! I really enjoy our time together on the bike.



We chat sometimes (when I'm not panting too badly)!



We came upon a rim hanging on the tree. Then, we noticed another one up above. So...of course we took a pic! Someone was overly ambitious to get that second rim up high.



We completed the Lakeview Trails and headed up to the car a different way.



It was quite hilly as compared to our normal route back to the car.



Dynamo says this is good hill work. Yes, he's sure right about that!





Dynamo snapped lots of good pics on this ride. I had no idea he was taking so many! I hope you can see how beautiful it was in the woods. The weather was perfect. We actually thought we'd get rained on, but we made it through just in time.



Great ride for me! Fun ride overall. We got in a great 14.4 miles!