Mountain Bike Monday - Inch by Inch

We set out yesterday with the plan of riding a road training ride to get ready for the Martin's Tour of Richmond in two weeks. We decided to head over to Jamestown and start at mile 1 of the Virginia Capital Trail. The plan was to ride out at least 20 miles, if the trail was complete enough, and then turn around.



We were quite surprised to find that even though not fully complete, the Sherwood Forest Phase (13 miles) of the trail was totally rideable.



So, the Colonial Parkway, Greensprings, Chickahominy Riverfront, Sherwood Forest, and Charles City Courthouse Phases are all linked now!



There were lots of bridges along the Sherwood Forest phase, which are almost completed. The ribbon cutting for this phase is set for Oct. 15 officially!



It is such an amazing site to see...all of the effort to make such a massive project happen. An over 50 mile multi-use trail running from Richmond to Williamsburg, all free of vehicle traffic.



So many people, so much time, and so much money! It truly is worth it! Thank you!



There were lots of people out enjoying the trail. Runners and bikers galore!



We rode and rode...







We rode out 23 miles and then turned around. The trail continued on for a little farther past that. At that point we were closer to our house than the car back in Jamestown.





There were some opportunities along the way to re-fuel.



We saw big green bullfrogs, turtles, fish, and one snake...



What an amazing ride. We did 46 miles completely free of traffic!! Such a beautiful, often shady, ride! We can't wait until we can ride the entire length from Richmond to Williamsburg, and back! We are so grateful to have such a fantastic trail right near us! We encourage you to go and experience it! We are so blessed to have one another to experience these things together. It was a glorious day together. Life is so good!

Mountain Bike Monday - Our Anniversary Ride

For our Anniversary (Sunday) we decided to take a little day trip over to bike at York River.



The Marl Ravine Trail is an awesome trail. Very much like a rollercoaster, especially early on in the ride.

This sign kinda gives you an idea...



It's definitely achievable, but for me there were some tight switchbacks that I just couldn't get. Maybe one day!



The trail is a tight singletrack with lots of curves, roots, and quick uphills!



There were several bridges to cross. The scenery was lovely. Definitely worth a trip if you've not ridden York.



What makes this trail challenging and fun is all of the ups and downs and twists. I thought this tree was fun, so I asked Dynamo to snap a picture!



At times the trail felt really closed in, but I adjusted...



There were only a couple of logs...



It was definitely a cardio workout! For me that is!

Towards the end you think it's opening up, but only for a short while! It's like you're heading through a pine forest.



It's really a neat trail!



After you go through the pine forest, then it's back to tight quarters until the end!



We came to this awesome bridge. It was a quick tight turn to enter the bridge.



Here I go...



Here's evidence of me having to walk up one section...



Near the finish was a little rock garden. We came upon it quickly...



Ta Da!



Then there were more.



A really long, narrow bridge led up a hill...



Go Dynamo!



Of course we had to stop for a fun pic!



Or two...



After we finished biking we headed over to shop briefly at the Outlets. Then, we had a lovely dinner at The Baker's Crust. It was a lovely day to be outside doing what we love to do together. It was our 6 and 9 anniversaries! 6 years married and 9 years together. I'm so blessed to have married my soulmate and best friend! God had a plan for us to be together!

Mountain Bike Monday - Recapping the Cap2Cap

On Saturday, Dynamo and I ventured to the Chickahominy Riverfront Park near Williamsburg to participate in the Cap2Cap Ride. When we pulled up the field was full of riders looking to have a fun ride!



This was our 2nd year participating in the 50 mile ride.



Last year we chose our starting point from Richmond.



This year we decided to change the scenery and start from the Williamsburg side.You start and end in the same location, which is pretty cool. So, we took a chance and it worked out great! We met these two ladies that were parked next to us with a cool green Mazda! They asked us what our pace was going to be and asked if they could join us. They indicated we could ride in a pace line, which would make the ride a little easier.



We agreed, but told them we were not roadies and didn't know much about road riding, so they would have to excuse our lack of knowledge.



It was great to have them riding with us because we took turns "pulling." This means that every so often we switched leaders. The line just rotated up and that way everyone got the chance to do a little drafting. Just like Nascar! Tracy and Elizabeth were fantastic company. They were so friendly and helpful. We enjoyed riding with them, chatting, and enjoying the scenery! We happened upon a sod farm somewhere in Charles City County!



I was trying to snap pics behind me and ride at the same time (without falling off)!



We had stops, which were called "feed zones," every so often. We got to make a potty stop, relax a bit, snack some, and refuel!



It was great to have a "team" of riders! It made the day that much more fun!



Also, it's better to have more riders on the road for safety!



We got to ride a part of some of the already completed Charles City portion of the Capitol Trail, which was super nice!



We saw lots of cropland!



The ladies taught us lots of terminology and hand signals, which truly do help when you're riding on the road.





It was a great day for riding. These events are so much fun. It's not a race, but a chance to enjoy being out with other riders supporting a good cause, and getting some fresh air!



Eventually, when the Capital Trail is complete you will be able to ride from Richmond to Williamsburg! That's amazing! Think of the tourists that will come!



We kept a constant pace and enjoyed our day. As we neared the end of our ride we caught up with the ladies' husbands, who were finishing the 100 mile ride.



We all rode in together over the big bridge!







Then, we grabbed some lunch that was waiting for us. Buzz and Ned's BBQ! YUM! Dynamo gave me a smooch and thanked me for the ride! It was a "Good ride, hun!" kind of day! I was proud of myself! My second 50 miler ever! I've come a long ways in 2.5 years of riding. Maybe we can complete some more fun rides this summer together!