Around Radford

May 2, 2016 by LB

Saturday dawned with a list of errands that needed running, and despite the expectation of rain, I decided to ride the bike. It should surprise no one that I also made sure to find time to shoot some of the local scene.

I wish I could give you a little back story about this courtyard and the wall that surrounds it, but I have no history. The plan is to go to Facebook and see if some of the Radford locals can help me out. Many is the time that I have tried to capture a photo to reflect the wall’s uniqueness, and many times I have deleted those images. Not today!

It was quite overcast, but clouds always make for intriguing images.

The post processing here reflects the historic trestle over the New River, and a monochrome image will be posted on Monochromia sometime in the next few weeks.

In order to get these images, I had to stop the bike and walk over the bridge. Thankfully, this fencing only briefly obscures the view.

Some friends have purchased, and while still running the business, are renovating this 50 yr old Pizza House.

A quick stop at a friend’s home yielded these Rhododendron images. Such a gorgeous bud and bloom!

Every item on the To Do List was checked off, and I enjoyed a cool, slightly drizzly ride.

Satisfaction indeed!

Walking By History

February 25, 2016 by LB

During that same morning walk last Sunday, where I saw a few signs of spring, I also saw signs of history.

Signs that cause a distinct sense of sadness and pain,

others that show the effect of time and weather,

and some that showcase pride.

I’ve passed by these markers hundreds, if not thousands of times, mostly on the bike or in the truck.

Walking though, offers time for reflection and commemoration.

Rockwood Manor

December 8, 2015 by LB

Every December, some friends of mine and I host a fundraiser to benefit local charities, and this year we held the event at Rockwood Manor.

Built in 1876, the home, now turned Bed and Breakfast, is simply stunning. I’d loved to have spent hours taking photos, but as I was working the fundraiser, I didn’t have as much time as I’d have liked.

The history section of the website notes that “the home was designed by architect Burkholder and built by contractor Pettijohn, who were both from Lynchburg, Va. Oversized brick with decorative slag were made on-site. The house boasts sixty-five extra-large windows, some with Jefferson-style openings that rise into the twelve-foot ceiling; seventeen fireplaces on five chimneys; ornate plaster work; and medallions. Outside over the windows is wrought iron on a tin metal box framework”

The perfect porch for sitting and sipping.

Parquet floors, made of alternating walnut and ash, add even more warmth and beauty.

The floating staircase

The Dining Room

The ceiling of the Sitting Room

Glasses waiting to be filled

Perhaps an old smoke house? I wish I’d had time to find out!

One of many historic items to be seen on the property.

Hopefully I can return at some point and learn more about the history of this treasured home.

Thank goodness the family knew it’s value and sought to restore rather than sell.

A New Milestone

July 14, 2015 by LB

It’s been two weeks since I’ve posted! Where did the time go? 🙂

Thankfully, in between closing down the old practice, opening the new, and campaigning for Delegate, I was still able to find a few moments with the camera.

This first photo is from Carson’s Courtyard, a little resting spot in downtown Radford, created with Community Development Block Grants.

On another day, I stopped by the American Legion Building. Built in 1928, the building has served as a temporary courthouse, Catholic church, daycare center, Radford Arsenal hiring office, dance hall, voter registration office, polling place, and home to Main Street Radford. The American Legion members have started a restoration drive to raise funds for this historic building.

On July 4th, I rode the motorcycle to visit a few of the communities in the 12th District.

One of three covered bridges in Giles County, the Sinking Creek Covered Bridge was built in 1916.

This next one was taken with my new Samsung Galaxy. Those of you who know me well, will realize that I have changed phones after 15 years as a Blackberry user. Not sure it was a good move yet …

The Newport Parade

was followed by the Blacksburg Parade,

and then it was back home to the City of Radford for music and fireworks.

A few days later, the campaign office was buzzing with the sound of volunteers and staffers working the phone bank.

So thankfully, despite the pace of life, I’m still finding moments to pull the bike over and enjoy the view.

Next Stop: Your Blogs!

Riding on Sundays

May 20, 2015 by LB

Sunday rides are my therapy!

My campaign manager and I have carved out 6 hours in the week for time on the bike and time with friends. While the rest of the week is devoted to work and the campaign, those 6 hours on Sunday are for ME! This ride was extra special because my friends and I were celebrating my birthday.

Dave led us through Craig County, VA on our most recent ride, and as we traveled along those curvy mountain roads, I was wishing I had a go-pro on my helmet so I could share the beauty of this county. We stopped at Fenwick Mines, the site of a 19th Century iron mining site.

Offering a wheelchair accessible trail that winds through woods and across wetlands, Fenwick Mines is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon.

The reflections on this overcast day kept me shooting.

The water was so still that the blue sky, breaking through the clouds, was visible in this reflection.

We rode on to Tizzone, a new wood-fired kitchen and wine bar, owned by a friend.

We enjoyed the Charcuterie and Cheese Platter, and I followed it with a Wood-Fired Smoked‎ Gouda and fig spread on Ciabatta bread. Accompanied by a Raven’s Roost Baltic Porter, it was a delicious birthday meal. The extensive wine and beer list will require a return visit with a DD.

We left Tizzone and headed out to Parkway Brewing, a 2 year old brewery with “Fresh Beers, Artfully Crafted in the Heart of the Blue Ridge”.

Riding a bike significantly limits the intake of alcohol for me (obviously) but learning the history of the places we visit and listening to local music always provides great entertainment.

Another Roadside Attraction is a “husband and wife duo from Roanoke who perform mostly original songs on a myriad of eclectic instruments: from the Mexican guitarron, to a variety of ukuleles, to the haunting musical saw, and a homemade recycled percussion setup”. Can you see that Jordan is playing the musical saw in this image? Be sure to check out the link. Another Roadside Attraction travels the length of the US and will be heading to Mexico later in the year.

Sunday Riding: a great way to celebrate a birthday! I walked in the door and the downpour began, as did the campaign phone calls. I’m already counting down to next Sunday!

Locked Out!

January 7, 2015 by LB

Many of you already think I’m a little out of my mind for being a lover of winter.

I know, I know, I live in Virginia in the US and we don’t get a ton of snow. We do get some temps in the zero to 20 degrees F but nothing like those of you who live in places further north. To my credit, I did live in Vermont and in Northern Idaho and loved almost every cold moment, even to the point of working in a woodlot in a light jacket, and going winter camping.

Ultimately though, I embrace most weather types. The beauty of Virginia is that we have a distinct seasonal change, so right when you are tired of one season, the next one comes along.

Leave it to me though to run outside this morning, in my PJs, to get a shot of the first few snowflakes (SO excited!) only to find that I had locked myself out of the house!

All you photonuts out there get it, right? Anything (almost) for that shot!

Join Me on a Little Local Ride

June 26, 2014 by LB

One of the challenges for any weekend is to somehow get all the chores on the “to do” list done, yet still find time to play. By 3pm this past Sunday, I’d accomplished enough to be able to head out for a little local ride. Luckily for me, local riding often means country roads, fields, lakes, and historic communities.

Dry Valley

Claytor Lake is a reservoir of The New River, created when a hydroelectric dam was built in 1939. I stopped for a water break and the chance to watch the geese and ducks. It was a perfect afternoon to ride, but the bright sun made for challenging photography.

Yes! That is a lighthouse! On the lake 🙂

Soon it was time to ride on down to the end of the road.

I’ve photographed this slowly decaying barn from many angles … it’s a beauty.

From there, I rode through the community of Newbern, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. I’ve ridden through the Newbern Historic District many, many times but somehow had missed these two structures.

The Old County Jail and site of the First Courthouse of Pulaski County

The original reservoir for the Newbern Waterworks

A little beauty, a little history, a little photography … all seen from the bike. Not a bad way to spend a few hours.

Pizza House Jam

April 23, 2014 by LB

Southwest Virginia is home to The Crooked Road, a 333 mile stretch along scenic roadways where traditional and heritage music can be heard. “The variety of music is amazing … old time string bands, a cappella gospel, blues, 300 year old ballads, and bluegrass” (myswva.org).

Music can be heard in Major Venues such as the Birthplace of Country Music in Bristol, the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, the Old Fiddlers Convention in Galax, and the Floyd Country Store in Floyd. In addition to these Major Venues, there are over 60 Affiliated Venues, places where traditional music can be found, often in weekly jam sessions, where anyone with a song or instrument is welcome to join in. Radford is home to the Radford Fiddle and Banjo Jam which was started by Ralph Berrier in 2000 and is currently located in the River City Grill (Photo Credit: Photography Intern).

An offshoot of the Fiddle Jam is held in the Pizza House, a locally owned business since 1971.

While not an Affiliated Venue of The Crooked Road, the Pizza House Jam is a place where local musicians gather to play and sing.

While I can join in on singing a few of the songs, I have no talent with a musical instrument.

The music fills the room, the folks watching tap their feet or sing along, and the faces of the musicians reflect the joy of the evening.

And that is what music is all about.

Train Day in Radford, Now in Color!

April 13, 2014 by LB

Many of you agreed that a B&W format is perfect for presenting the images of a steam engine and for inspiring the feelings of nostalgia, mystery, and adventure.

Even still, the train that visited Radford last weekend also sported pops of color.

On the wheels, and other unknown and therefore unnamed parts underneath the train,

on the doors and the windows,

on the bell and lettering,

… and by the crew members working the train that day.

Despite the impression you might get from this gentleman’s face, the crew seemed to be having a blast, waving and smiling at the crowd as they worked.

What a great day it was!

I’ll leave you with one final shot of our clock, set against the backdrop of historic building art, and we’ll anxiously await the return of the train in 2015.

Those Great Steam Engines

April 10, 2014 by LB

Adventure. Mystery. Romance. History.

These words are often attributed to trains in general, and steam engines in particular.

A passenger excursion train, pulled by a steam engine, rolled into Radford last weekend (see here). The crowds came out to ride, see, and photograph the magnificent train. We were lucky enough to get very close to the train, so I was on the tracks and practically under the train, seeking the best image.

This view of water, used to create the steam, dripping down and splashing on the stairs caught my eye.

B&W images remind us of days gone by, or days we’ve only heard of, or read about.

The next post will feature more images, but in color.

Life on the Bike and other Fab Things

Whether it's one simple yet somehow perfect day or a dreamed about journey finally realized, I never want to forget the joy of the moment or how fortunate I am!

Category Archives: Southwest Virginia

Around Radford

Walking By History

Rockwood Manor

A New Milestone

Riding on Sundays

Locked Out!

Join Me on a Little Local Ride

Pizza House Jam

Train Day in Radford, Now in Color!

Those Great Steam Engines

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