Bonus Miles

We pretty much stuck to our plan and had a good ride this morning.  There was one unexpected gravel road in Holmes County but we were not on it for long and it took us through a scenic little valley.  Lots of friendly waves and people out doing yard work today.  Quite a change from rides over the winter where there seemed to be nobody else outdoors, except in their vehicles.

After making it back to Messner Rd, Ryan turned right and I turned left to head home.  I thought to myself "about five miles to get home... or maybe I'll take a detour, it is really nice out."  As it turns out, I thought this to myself several times and ended up tacking on another 10 to 15 miles.  Sunshine and slightly warmer weather sure can be motivating. Working around the house the rest of the day my legs were feeling pretty heavy.  Must have done something useful out on that bike ride.

 I always like this old barn back off Kister Road, near the Mill.

Tomorrow Ryan and I plan to work on a rack for the back of the truck that will be used for our trip to Boone in mid April.  This was part of the truck cap purchase last fall.  I'll have to take some pictures once the rack setup is completed and installed.

PRP - pre ride post

Here's a new idea, I'll post pre-ride as I eat breakfast and stare at the bike sitting in the kitchen.  In about five minutes my coffee cup will be empty and I will roll out the driveway to ride east on Messner Rd. until I meet Ryan.  From there, the plan is to ride south into Fredericksburg and do a clockwise loop, dipping into Holmes County.  The weather looks terrific.  It's about 50 degrees already and is supposed to warm a little bit more beneath sunny skies.  I'll type again after the ride!

Receding Snow

Wow, I guess it's been a while since I updated the ol' blog.  Probably because there have not been many outdoor rides with pictures to share.

Since the new year I've been riding the rollers and trainer in the basement about four days per week.  To pass the time I bought the season one box set of Alias.  Agent Bristow kept me reasonably entertained while doing intervals below ground.

Prior to the record big snow of February, I had been able to get out for several rides including a couple commutes to work.  Now the snow is beginning to recede as we are treated to some warmer temperatures.  Ryan and I headed out for a couple hour ride on clean roads today.

Heading west, towards the Overton Valley.

The third week of April Ryan and I are heading to Boone, NC for about a week of riding and camping.  We missed doing a spring cycling trip last year, so this one is highly anticipated.  Instead of renting a cargo van for the trip we are going to pack up my truck.  With my new truck cap, new to me anyhow, I have a plan that will allow us to transport the bikes inside the bed of the truck in addition to all our camping and cycling gear.

I've been scouring the Road Cycling in the Blueridge High Country guidebook for routes in the Boone area.  Looks like there are many climbs to be had in the Boone area.  If the weather is good, we should have a great week of riding.