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 - 2 great rides

Wow!! Yesterday completed our 4th great ride since returning from vacation! On Saturday, Dynamo, MBM, and I set out for a quick spin on the Lakeview Trails. I had to roll quickly as I had to attend a baby shower in the early afternoon.

It was a lovely day. The weather was warmer than average. It was a great day for riding. We weren't the only ones who set out for the trails. There were bikers everywhere in the park. I had a record breaking ride on Saturday! Fastest time ever!

And, yesterday was a cooler day for riding, but still comfortable and sunny.


We met up with MBM for a ride. Before we got started we discussed our respective church sermons and what we had learned that morning. Yesterday was Epiphany. The Pastor talked about making resolutions and the one thing we could change in 2012...of course that is ourselves. He suggested that there are many opportunities to make changes in the world. We can help to stop racism, to feed those who are without, to give to those less fortunate, and simply be a better person in 2012. We also discussed how Christmas should be about the birth of Christ and not about presents. We agreed that when it's impossible to figure out what to buy someone then maybe we should be spending that money giving to those who are without instead of buying something just to have a gift to give.



We enjoyed the chance to talk with MBM about church because we can all learn from one another. Our rides are more than just pedaling...they are a chance to learn about friends and talk about things we have in common.



Dynamo wanted to go exploring and check out some of the side roads we've seen many times, but never had the time to check out.





We pedaled and explored starting on a portion of the Fendley Station Loop at the front of the park, venturing down a side path and ultimately making our way on a section of the Lakeview Trail, and then popped back out onto Fendley Station. Back on track we ventured down towards the campground and cut through and across and new path over to the pool and boat launch area.



We did the Forest Exploration Trail backwards. Well, it was backwards to us because it was opposite from the normal route we travel. We were really changing things up! It felt weird, but good to experience the trails from a new perspective.



As we stopped to wait for Dynamo to put his chain back on we noticed this tree carved with love!



We finished up on Forest Exploration which links into Fendley Station at points (Loop A & B) and headed back towards the front of the park where we had parked the car.



On the way back we wanted to check out a new gravel path that lead to a different section of the campground. Wow! It was a little hilly!



Dynamo sure did push me on the hills! It was tough, but I felt good. We completed 22 miles by the time we reached the car. Great ride and great day!

mountain bike monday - Spot comes out of the doghouse!

He's back!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Well, it's been a long while since Spot was out on the trails! We were trying to think back to when we got MUTT. I think it was in the early Spring sometime! Actually, this is when the blog comes in handy! It was in April. So, it's been a while since Spot was out!



Back when I got MUTT, Dynamo had to strip most of Spot's parts off to build him up. So, Spot sat in the garage in pieces. Building bikes up takes time and money! And, remember...the lighter the components, the more expensive! So, my Stan's Crest wheels went on MUTT and the wheels that came with Spot orginally went back on him. And, let's just say...they are a little heavy! I can definitely tell the weight difference between Spot and MUTT.



So, out on the trail Spot and I had a little talk before starting. We agreed to be patient with one another. If you'll remember...my Spot is a belt drive single speed. So, that means one gear! And, after riding with 9 gears since April it was a little difficult at first.



Some of the hills that originally gave me trouble, but hadn't for a while, did. But, I am a better rider now, so I did notice that I attacked the hills differently...I knew when to stand, and I felt more powerful than when I first took Spot out a long time ago.



I did a lot of talking to myself and Spot. Amazingly...I rode faster than on my geared bike. That always happens. So, I've confirmed my conclusion that I always knew. GEARS MAKE ME LAZY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



I knew that I had gotten a little slack on the flats...not pushing as hard as I could. I knew that I was loafing a little. Yes, because I didn't have that "I feel like I'm gonna throw up" feeling inside often. But, yesterday I remembered what that feeling felt like and I knew I had to shape up.



But, my ride was still pleasant and fun! My legs aren't too sore today, but I know that in order to continue growing as a rider and getting stronger and faster, I am going to have to get out there and ride Spot more often. I think I need to alternate between him and MUTT.



If you'll remember...last winter I was riding 30 miles on Spot. Yes, one gear...30 miles! Off road! Gears have ruined me. And, imagine if I had 30 gears like some people. I only have 9 on MUTT, which is too many for me! I think I'm going to change out my back sprocket on MUTT to make the gearing a little tougher. Correction...I'm going to ask Dynamo to change it out!

The simplicity of yesterday's ride was awesome. I caught myself several times moving my thumb to shift, but then realizing quickly instead of shifting I had to pedal pedal or stand! There's no resting on a SS! It's just easier to keep pedaling and keep the momentum going. Otherwise, the big 29 inch tires will feel like a ton of bricks to get moving again!



Many thanks to my Dynamo for getting Spot back out there! He's quite the bike builder! We did build Spot up piece by piece. As it always goes in the swapping of parts...I ended up with a sweet component for my MUTT....I got Dynamo's fork from his MCR!! He says I always make out good in these exchanges. It used to be that he would be able to sell things as he swapped, but now that we are both riding, I'm always willing to take the "hand-me-downs"! So, finally, we have all 6 bikes ready to roll! Remember...there's a bike for every purpose. And, the MCR frame will be going up for sale soon too...so we'll be all set...FINALLY!! Rome wasn't built in a day!

mountain bike monday - old trails new routes

I have this habit of cutting off Dynamo's head when we take our own pic! Oops!!

I did it again!



It's actually funny because sometimes we have to take several pics to get it right!



Well, yesterday we rode the Lakeview Trails at Poco. All 3 trails! This was the first time since Hurricane Irene that I have been on LV 3. Wow! There were quite a few changes!



I can't begin to describe how beautiful yesterday was at the park!



The light shining through the trees and reflecting off of the leaves was magical!

When we began Dynamo asked me if I saw the split tree last week. Of course I didn't. When I ride I tend to miss lots because I'm always looking straight ahead! Maybe one day I'll be comfortable enough to look around! Don't get me wrong...I do look around, but I have to be careful!



That split tree was awesome!



Just like magic it was split right in half! I bet that made a noise! I guess only the animals heard it!



And, we came upon this GIANT mushroom! No lie - It was bigger than my head. Here it is with the tire to show you size.



And, there was this one section on LV 2 where a tree created an underpass for riders...



All I could think about was when this thing would eventually fall. But, it was really neat to ride under it. I kinda wanted to ride by and grab the limb and swing off my bike like in the movies! Silly, I know!



When we came up the hill to our resting spot I snapped some pics of Dynamo with the leaves falling. I'm not sure how I did getting the leaves in the pics!

There's one right over his eye in this one...



And, one by his arm!



And, when we got to the peak at the lake on LV 3 I snapped a couple of pics. The lighting was so beautiful on the lake...



It was so bright behind Dynamo...



On LV 3 there was a huge re-route of the trail! It was really cool!



Yes, you go under the tree, but over the logs underneath! AWESOME!!!!



Did I mention how awesome this was?



Can we do it again? :)



Yes, we finished up and I snapped this pic of Dynamo crossing the creek! This part is still my nemesis on many days! There are so many times that I almost just make it!



He's like lightening through the trails! See the blur?



It was a great ride together! I've missed our rides together on the trails. It was so much fun to take our time and take pics and check out the newly re-routed trails. To be honest it's nice that there were some changes to the same old routes! It keeps you on your toes.

And, speaking of re-routes...We stopped to talk to a friendly gentleman on LV 3. He told us that he was down from Pennsylvania to help out his brother and sister-in-law whose daughter, Katie, was suffering from a severe brain injury and is in a facility in Petersburg. He told us that he sits with Katie everyday so her parents can go to work. He said that he wheels her outside to take in the sunshine. He has committed to helping his family out because he can...he is retired. He said there's always time for trips to Colorado, but now he's needed here.

Katie Ralcewicz is only 28 years old. You can read about her story here.Please take time to say a prayer for Katie today. Even though we don't know her and you may not either, she needs your prayers.

Often, we never know what people are going through. We see people pass us by and never know what's going on in their world. We never would have known about Katie unless we had stopped to say hello. For some reason that was in God's plan yesterday for us to meet Katie's uncle.

Enjoy the sunshine today! Be thankful for your families, friends, and the chance to enjoy the beauty around us that God has created. Dynamo, I LOVE YOU!

mountain bike monday - the poco chicks

Everyone...meet Rachel! Yes, another Rachel! I know I've mentioned her and her husband Clay on here before, but I wanted to re-introduce you to her! She and I have decided to start a girls riding group. Even if it's only just her and I, we have decided to ride when we can...just us girls. So, yesterday afternoon we met at the park and hit the Lakeview Trails. It was her first time venturing to that side of the park. She did fantastic! We had so much fun just chatting and laughing the whole time. I don't think there was silence for 2 hours! We stopped at times and talked about the obstacles and how to tackle them. We were in no hurry...just enjoyed being together as the Poco Chicks!

It truly was a beautiful day! This time of year at the park is glorious!The leaves have already started changing color and falling. In places you couldn't even find the path.

Rachel's husband, Clay, came and so did MBM! The guys ventured off to Lakeview as well, but were quite a ways ahead of us! After the start we didn't see them until back at the car hours later. They said they thought they heard chatter at one point, but weren't sure what. Of course it was probably us!

It was Dynamo's first ride on his new bike! Yes, I know what you're thinking...another bike? Well, he did his research and decided that the Salsa El Mariachi would be a better fit for him. It's titanium too! So, he ordered the frame and our dining room was the "bike shop" for a couple of weeks while he put it together. So, Kermit was stripped of all of his parts and he is now naked and will likely be ready for sale soon!

Meet El Mariachi...



He/she (undecided) is quite sharp. Don't you love the orange grips and cable guides?



I am trying to come up with a name for this bike. I really like Sylvia, but it would be cool to come up with a Spanish name since the brand is Salsa!



Dynamo said that the Salsa rode well. He said it was a great fit for him. So, I think it will stay! I'm just glad that Dynamo knows how to work on his own bike and mine too! It certainly makes life easier!



So, I guess we're back to our riding. And, I'm super excited to have a girlfriend to ride with from time-to-time! If anyone out there wants to ride with us just let me know!

Hope your Monday is fantastic!