Shotgun Rider

With Monday being a holiday, we decided to get out and enjoy the fresh air! There were lots of others at the park enjoying the day as well!



Each day we have to remember to be grateful for the time we have together to be outside enjoying God's creation.



I am thankful for the warmth of the sun on our chilly rides, and the sparkle that it gives to the water it shines over!



I am thankful for a husband who WANTS to ride with me at my pace. He is always patient, kind, and supportive of me. He lifts me up!



When we get to the dam we always stop and stare in awe of its beauty. Dynamo mentioned the sunlight in the background just over the top! It still amazes me everytime we ride up and see the rushing waters!



We enjoy being with one another. We enjoy the time away from the rest of the world, away from the phones and the internet. It's a time to ride and reflect and just be together. And, there's always time to stop and just look at the world around you and admire it's beauty. Every single leaf, acorn, mossy tree trunk and creature is God's work.



And, silly me just had to make Dynamo give me a mooch! But, the park is a special place for us. It's just full of peace and beauty. There's no noise of the world around, just the two of us together!



Sure, the trails can be tough. It's just like life. But, we can make it. Together, with those we love we can make it. Without Dynamo's love, support, and encouragement I wouldn't be where I am today on the bike (and in life). He takes the time to help me and love me. He patiently waits for me at each of the peaks and turns during our ride, knowing just when to push me along. He encourages me out of the tough valleys and together we have both grown as people and bikers. We have to support one another and encourage each other to be the best we can be. There's a Tim McGraw song called "Shotgun Rider." I always want to be Dynamo's shotgun rider! I want to always be with him and by his side through the good times and the bad. He is a blessing and a gift from God.



I pray that each of you will stop and take a moment to think about all you have to be thankful for and show those you love how much you love them. Protect them and love them with all you have. But, mostly, be thankful to God for each and every blessing you have.

Chilly Willy

Saturday was a day to be together and take a stab at the mini Monster Cross route at Pocahontas State Park! Dynamo and I bundled up for the 21 mile ride and it was a good thing we did! The temperature was a chilly 34 at the start and registered in at around 28 degrees by the finish. Let's just say it was so cold that we didn't stop much to take our hands out to snap pics! So, we only got this one from the start!

This new year we are grateful for our health and for one another! Even though the temperatures were quite cold, it was still refreshing and good for our bodies and minds to get out and smell the air! It was a great ride and we just barely made it back to the Jeep in time before dark!

Mini Monster Cross 2014

This was the crowd on Sunday at the Start of the Monster Cross Race at Pocahontas State Park...



In years past I was on the sidelines cheering Dynamo on! Well, this year I decided to participate! Dynamo and I both did the 21 mile option - the mini monster!



This race takes place on the fireroads at the park. For those of you that think Poco is flat, think again. The course is quite challenging with lots of ups and downs, and even some very muddy spots on Sunday!



The start of the race is always so jam packed, which is what I was afraid the entire course would be like with over 600 riders. Let me remind you that this was my first official bike race ever! I don't like the thought of being surrounded by lots of people, so I was always intimidated to try. The 50 milers went off first leaving the 21 milers at the back. Well, I went to the WAY back at the start! There's a beast of a hill at the start and I didn't want to get involved in the chaos at the start, so I gave myself plenty of room. Plus, I'm not a speed demon! ha!



Yes, the unicycle guy was rockin' the hill next to me!



Our friends Jim and Melissa were at the start and on the course to capture moments. Of course in the beginning I'm still smiling! And, look...after 13 miles I'm still smiling!



Also, our friends Marioooochee and Elise came out too! They brought their new baby boy, Breck, and the dogs out to cheer! I can't believe our friends stuck it out yet another year there cheering us on. Dynamo was near the front of the pack, so after he flew by them they had to wait about 40 minutes or more for me! Talk about dedication! And, it meant a lot! I was really looking forward to seeing our friends. It really gave me a boost of encouragement each time! Most of the time I have always been the cheering squad and not the rider/racer. It's so awesome to see people there clapping and whistling and smiling at you as you come through! Just when you need a little extra umph it was there!



The pic above is me just after the finish line! I couldn't believe that I had completed my first Mini Monster Cross! And, it was my best time ever for riding the course! I finished in 2 hours 8 minutes and 11 seconds! 35th out of 44 in the Women's category! I'll take it!! And Dynamo finished 19 out of 74 in his category! He rocked it!!!! In 1 hour 31 minutes and 46 seconds!



My parents made it to the finish with Charlie! And our friends were there too!



It was an amazing experience to be a part of such a fun event. Everyone was so encouraging and helpful! Mostly my Dynamo! He was my biggest fan! Always is. He rode with me for weeks, correction years! He pushed me. He kept me pumped up. He always put me first! He has ridden time and time again at my speed just to be with me and support me! Without him I wouldn't have pushed myself. I wanted to make him proud of me! I love you, Dynamo, with all my heart! Thank you!!

I would also like to mention one thing my mom brought up to me. She noticed that at the finish everyone was so happy and friendly. There wasn't one single person talking on a cell phone. Everyone was visiting with each other and making friends. Talk about a great environment! Good times!!

There are more pics of the event floating around on my mom's camera! Once I get those I'll share them here! I realized that we didn't have one pic yet of Dynamo and I together at the finish!

Mountain Bike Monday - Am I a half monster?

Three-and-a-half years ago I would have never understood this scene above. Over the years there have been many a bike in our dining room in the process of being built, repaired, or otherwise. I always said it was Dynamo's thing! I have helped him set up a few bikes at midnight in the garage...trying to get the shifting just right. I've held wrenches and provided assistance whenever needed. I know most of the parts of the bike and can for the most part converse with anyone on a pretty basic level.



Years ago I questioned why one person needed more than one bike and now I'm eating my words. Funny how that happens huh?



Today, I'm excited to know more about biking than I did those many years ago and I enjoy it so much. I have learned so much just by listening.



I'm grateful to Dynamo for taking the time to teach me about bikes and riding. Not every spouse would be as patient as he was, especially in the beginning. Day after day I would cry and whine about the difficulty of learning to ride. Dynamo stuck by me and guided me to the point I am at today.



Dynamo is one of the most positive people I know, especially when it comes to exercising. Yesterday as I was complaining about the parts of the Monster Cross route that were not my favorite he told me that thinking negatively would only bring down my performance.



He most certainly was correct, and I really started to think about that. There are certain parts of the park that are not my favorite for one reason or the other. I particularly dislike the side we call "the horse side" because the hooves make lots of indentations and it's very rough.



Instead of dreading that section, I need to look at it differently. You really have to keep on your toes some days due to the land mines in the middle of the trails if you know what I mean!



I admire his ability to look at things in a positive light. I need to be more grateful that I can accomplish what I do and seek to improve it each time. I need to block out negative thoughts. It's a mind thing!



We tried to get our heads in the pic above...a sort of in action shot, but we just couldn't quite get it!



Life is much more fun when you have someone like Dynamo to share it with. He's such an encourager and a fan! He never complains if I move too slow or how long it takes us. He says just being on the bike is training for him. Not many husbands are so patient and just enjoy being together like that. I'm so blessed.



And, we couldn't have asked for a better day to ride the half monster cross route! I made it...all 22 miles! Not bad after so much time goofing off!



It was lovely outside. Such a nice surprise for January!



And, remember while on vacation we bought a turtle horn for my bike? Well, I named him Roberto and he went for his first ride yesterday! Doesn't he look like a Roberto?



I enjoyed honking at the people as we went by! The kids on the trails loved it! You really can't take yourself too seriously now can you? It made people smile! Hey - that's enough for me!

Mountain Bike Monday - A lovely December day!

The day couldn't have been more beautiful on Sunday as we set out for our ride at the Park.



The weather was in the 60s and gorgeous! I exposed my white legs to the world in the beginning of December!! Yikes! I can't believe how warm it was!



We started out with the plan to do 22 miles of the Monster Cross Route!



The guys didn't have to do as much waiting for me as usual. I really think I'm getting faster and stronger.



We rolled pretty quickly together. It had been a long time since the trio had been together!



We wrapped up the day with a great ride! We all felt really good! Next week we add 5 miles onto the route!

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.

mountain bike monday - the gravel grinder

On Saturday we set out with MBM to take a practice ride on the Monster Cross route. The Monster Cross is a 50 mile race at Poco on February 26. Dynamo is riding in the mountain bike singlespeed category.



First, I'd like to note that the 15 year old hand-me-down bike shoes finally busted. Yes, they were Dynamo's shoes that I've been wearing for 2.5 years. They were Dynamo's first bike shoes. They are a little big, but work perfectly in the winter with two pairs of socks.

The pic is not that great, but you can see the slight crack beneath the clip...Well, it's a BIG crack when the shoes bends...



But...they are now done. They can go no farther. R.I.P. Nikes! They were great shoes!



So, for now I'm wearing Dynamo's Shimanos that are now his warm weather shoes. Again, they are too big, but I make do. I guess this spring I'll have to go out and get myself some bikes shoes because Dynamo will need them back. I guess I'm now on the hunt. If you have any recommendations, I'd like to hear them!

And...I'd also like to note that I have discovered two must haves for the ride. My Profile Design pouch for snacks, maps, and camera...



...and my Six Six One gloves. They rock!



They are super lite, have great gripping power, and even have a little terry cloth section for wiping sweat!



Me, being the navigator for our rides, I had the responsibility of overlaying the Garmin map with the Poco map to make sure we had the route correct.

So, we got going...



Yes, this is a hill...



There were lots of them on this course! look..another one...



And, it was only the beginning of the ride!

Our adventure began at the nature center. We headed up to the front of the park and over to what we call the horse side of the park.



We encountered a few riders of a different type....



Then we came back over to the main park and headed down Fendley Station to the dam where we stopped to photo a father son duo. Notice anything unique about this picture?



Yes, it's a mountain unicycle. WOW! is all I have to say.



We traveled up the park road for a short ways...yes, more hills..





The last 5 or so miles was on Forest Exploration...





There are some big climbs at the start of Forest Exploration...







There was a lot of pedaling...







Then, we passed through the boat ramp and up the hill back to the car.

It was a fantastic ride. I felt pretty good. I was pleased with my ride time and speed. Each time I'm getting stronger and faster. I think I was spot on with the route! The first lap is supposed to be 27.5 miles. We finished the first lap with 27.7 miles on the cyclometer. Pretty close I would say.