This is the Day!

This past weekend could easily be described by the song "This is the Day (that the Lord hath made)". It really was glorious to be outside in the fresh air!



Charlie could barely stand the wait from the time we mentioned the word, "park," at the house!



There was no holding him back once we got there! First, we hiked the Beaver Lake Trail at Poco. This goes around the lake and is about the distance of a 5k.



The trees were starting to lose their leaves and change color!



And, Charlie wanted to just get going! No time to stop and take pictures, mom!

There are quite a few pretty bridges/walkways around the lake! The sun just glistens on the leaves.



And, there are always others walking with their fur-children!! This was Paxton!



This is Charlie's favorite spot in the park because he can get wet! And, you know how much that little man loves water!



We even let him off-leash here to fully enjoy the experience!



There's so much splashing and running to do at this spot!



It comes almost in the middle of the hike, so it's the perfect spot to cool down!



He says to us, "Do we have to move on now?"



It really was glorious at the Park. People were all around hiking, biking, and enjoying the VA Hops and Harvest Festival.



We finished up the Beaver Lake Trail and Charlie still wanted to venture around some more!



We looked for the snake family at the bridge by the dam!





Then, we headed over to hike Forest Exploration Trail to see 'split rock.'



There were kayakers enjoying the water!



Then, we finally made it there!



What a blessing to have our health to be able to enjoy these wonderful places on earth! We wrapped up with about 8 miles and Charlie was still ready to go more! Not me! Time for a break!

Celebrating Columbus Day with some off-roading!

We were finally able to get the trio back together for a little off-road riding at Poco this past Monday, which was a holiday for some of us!



The day was just right for riding! We headed over to the Forest Exploration/Fendley Station Loop in hopes of checking out the new trails they are putting in for the IMBA Richmond Regional Ride Center!



There was actually a guy working and we chatted with him about the plans! They have made lots of progress on the trail building for the hand cycling/beginner trails!



There are wide trails and berms along with that awesome "skinny" log so far!



Poco will truly be a destination once all of these new trails are completed! We are so proud of this project and the progress being made!



We encountered two turtles on the side of the fire road and I think we interrupted them. Never seen that before in person!



We examined the many flags marking the new trails! So exciting!

The leaves are beginning to fall, and that is one of the prettiest times of the year at the park!





After our loop over on Forest Exploration we decided to try out the Blue trail before quitting!



It felt so great to finally hit the single track again!



And, even better to have our friend, Mountain Bike Mike (MBM), back too!



We even rode in our usual order...me, MBM, and Dynamo!



I'm the turtle of the group so they follow me!



We finished up with around 14 miles! We really loved being back!

Mid-Week Poco Ride

I was so excited to be able to meet up with Dynamo after work on Wednesday at Poco for an evening ride!



We took off heading over to Forest Exploration planning to do about 12 miles of mostly fireroad! Along the way Dynamo spotted a small patch of blackberries!



Of course we stopped to inspect! I was hoping there would be lots more, but we didn't see many as we were whizzing by!



After all the rain and storms there were a few branches along the way. Dynamo tried to clear the path somewhat!



We decided to ride down to the dam and see how high the water was! It sure was rushing!



It was mostly overcast so that really helped with the heat! Honestly, it really wasn't too bad! We generated some cool breezes here and there!



On hot days you definitely look forward to the downhills!

Before heading back to the car, we decided to check on the snakes at the bridge. The water was higher than we've ever seen it!



Overflowing the bridge!



Sure enough there was a snake on the other side of the bridge "playing" in the water flowing over the bridge! I didn't press my luck so we just watched from the other side while he slithered into the water!



The ride was so nice! We enjoyed the chance to be together in the quiet park! There usually aren't many people on the trails when it's really hot. They tend to hang out at the pool, which sure was a popular place!



It was a nice mid-week spin! Hopefully we can get out there again soon! Have a lovely weekend!

Mountain Bike Monday - Falling leaves

Sunday was a beautiful fall day! Dynamo and I enjoyed our ride together.



We decided to ride the Monster Cross loop! We started out down by the boat ramp and did the entire loop. After about 6 miles we headed over to what we call the "horse side" of the park!



We crossed the water together. I with a little help from Dynamo.





The water was a little too deep to ride across! The horses probably don't have much trouble crossing though!



We continued on down to the dam and back to the front of the park. Then, we headed down to the pool via fireroads. The last bit was over on Forest Exploration. We finished up at 26 miles having completed the Monster Cross Route! I guess I'm thinking about signing up for that ride (right now only the 1/2...don't get too excited). Dynamo is already signed up for the 50 miler!



It was a lovely day. Leaves were everywhere! Many different colors...such beauty.