Prepping for the Bike Trip

June 14, 2013 by LB

My annual solo trip is just 2 months away and the new bike has been in the shop getting ready for the road! It was due for it’s first check up at 1400 miles, but I also had the guys add highway pegs and a heat deflector.

Since I couldn’t be on the bike, I pulled out the camera (ha! when don’t I pull out the camera?)

I loved the shadows of the leaves on the bark of this weeping cherry tree (is that the playboy bunny I see?)

This one is with flash …

and this one without. Which do you prefer?

Not a bad way to spend the evening!

The Middle of the Road

June 12, 2013 by LB

I was supposed to hit the lake with friends this evening, but threatening rain early in the day led to a reschedule. The sun was shining brightly as I headed toward home after work, and it was still shining during a brief but beautiful rain shower.

I only had moments to get the camera out and push the shutter . The rain was slowing down and I was – after all – stopped in the middle of the road.

Pretty cool moment, for sure!

What’s in a Year?

June 9, 2013 by LB

Or at least … what’s in a blogging year?

I’m contemplating that very question as I sit out on my finally clean screened in porch. The rain and too many weekends of travel have kept me from enjoying it and I have missed spring and summer mornings out here. Breakfast is done and I sit here now in comfortably cool temps, hot coffee at hand and a multitude of birds singing in the background.

How lucky I am to live where I do! The house is far too big for one, what with the child moved on years ago, and 2 dogs and 1 cat also passed on. It’s now just me and Abby, and every so often I consider moving to a smaller place. Then I sit here on my porch, surrounded by nature (in the middle of my little city), basil growing in posts, rabbits (and deer) eating all my hostas (damnit), and I drop all thoughts of moving … for now.

But I digress.

One year ago, almost to the day, I started this blog as a way to communicate with family and friends while riding. Each year, I take a solo bike trip and I’m loved enough to have people worry about my safety. The first two years I typed a travel update via email from my Blackberry. I’d find a fun little pub or restaurant, order the house special and a good imported beer and write the days news. In searching for a better venue, I came to WordPress.

One thing led to another and I’ve now been posting for a year. I started Life on the Bike and Other Fab Things as a travel journal and method of communication and it has morphed into something much, much more.

Story Telling. Travel Journal. Photography Portfolio.

But after 12 months and 158 posts (now 159), it has become a passion, almost an addiction and has taken valuable time away from reading!

The two things that I did not anticipate?

1. Growth as a photographer – because of many of you! I have learned so much about the technique and artistry of photography and I have grown better (and more critical) of my efforts. I can not wait to find a weekend photography retreat to attend so I can continue to improve. Thanks to all of you out there for inspiring and teaching me.

2. Connections – I had no idea that I would find such an amazing community of bloggers. When I first signed on with WordPress and started trying to find my way around, I would read about the blogging community and was mystified. How would I ever connect with people? How would they ever find me? Then suddenly that first Like came … and then the first Follow (I still remember the thrill) and all of a sudden I was hooked! I love telling my local friends about the connections I have made in Australia, London, Norway, Canada, and in many other countries and various parts of the US. You all inspire me, uplift me, make me cry, and laugh out loud.

I have sighed, exclaimed and been envious over your photos.

I have been moved by your words and laughed at your jokes.

I’ve followed along on your adventures, been proud of your accomplishments, and wondered about you when you haven’t posted lately.

I’ve also lost hours of sleep and time spent with a books … ah well, it’s not all perfection.

To my family and friends: thanks for your patience with my requests to look at just a few more photos. My annual solo bike trip is planned for August (details pending) and I look forward to having you all along for the ride as always.

To my fellow bloggers: Thanks for coming sharing this amazing thing called blogging with me. You have made my life richer for embracing me into your community.

Seeking Shelter

June 6, 2013 by LB

It’s been steadily raining for hours here in Southwest Virginia, and it’s anticipated to do so for a few more days. During a quick break in the clinical day, I went outside and huddled under an umbrella in order to take photos of raindrops on leaves.

I found this little guy seeking shelter from the storm.

Evening Grass

June 5, 2013 by LB

Building Confidence for Dexter

June 4, 2013 by LB

As I walked out of the office at the end of the day, my mind was focused on the pending photography shoot of a friend’s elderly dog. I was feeling a bit apprehensive, not having had much experience with animal photography. Dexter is much loved and will soon not be with us. Adding to that apprehension was the fact that I wasn’t very happy with the photos I’d taken the day before.

When climbing into the truck, I saw the sun shining through these leaves. The colors were so like fall … in the beginning of June. As soon as I pressed the shutter, I knew I’d be happy with the result. In fact, I really couldn’t decide which one I liked best, so I posted all three!

And that was just the boost of confidence that I needed to go visit Dexter.

I’m not sure I captured the personality of this sweet old boy. What is it about a dog? No matter how much in pain or how hard it is to get around, a dog will still wag that tail and try to make the people around him happy.

What a guy! I’m so glad I met him.

First Kayak Float of the Year

June 2, 2013 by LB

The extensive rain and unusually cold temps have made this such a strange spring. I’m way behind on gardening and some of the weeds in my yard are as tall as I am! I’ve put fewer miles on the motorcycle than is typical for this time of year and I haven’t even had to turn on the A/C yet!

Despite all that, the temps are finally starting to rise and today, Karen and I were able to get on the river. I’ve got the truck; she’s got the kayaks. We knew that rain was coming but enjoyed the peace that floating the river brings and reached the take out spot right before the storm set in.

Simply lovely!

Peony and Friend

May 30, 2013 by LB

Hmmm … shouldn’t this little guy be an ant?

Dusk

May 27, 2013 by LB

The Final Myrtle Beach Post: The Beach!!!

May 25, 2013 by LB

This is the fourth and final post about Myrtle Beach Bike Week and my experience as a first timer.

One of the things that was a bit of a surprise to me about my trip to Myrtle Beach is that actually going to the beach did not seem like much of a priority. Me? At the first sign of the ocean, I pulled the bike over, breathed in the ocean air and relaxed into the view. I’m an Outer Banks, NC kind of woman … the Outer Banks is “beautifully natural, formed by centuries of wind, water and sand blown from the Atlantic Ocean, and home to a rich history; a place that inspires a true sense of adventure” (http://www.outerbanks.org/)

Even though Myrtle Beach is vastly different than a less developed beach community, it was during the very early morning hours that I found the ocean experience that I love.