Myrtle Beach on the Bike: Getting There and Back

May 19, 2013 by LB

This is the first of a few posts about the experience that is Myrtle Beach Bike Week.

I was anxious to put some significant miles on the bike. Because of the constant rain, I’d only been able to ride a total of 450 miles since purchasing my Softail Slim on March 29th. I’m not opposed to riding in the rain, but I’m still learning this new bike and wanted to get to know it better before riding on wet roads.

When friends told me that they would be heading to Myrtle Beach, it seemed like a good opportunity to get those much needed miles. I’d ride down Saturday and come back Sunday, accumulating a minimum of 700 miles. Most folks go for the week; I would go for 2 days.

Saturday morning dawned and it was still raining off and on … but I am nothing if not game, and decided to go for it anyway.

I followed my friends Lake and Juli, who had decided to trailer their bikes and gear down in preparation for a week long stay.

We’d not gone 2 miles when I noticed that the mirrors and cables were loose. Thankfully, Lake had tools with him and fixed me right up. I do have a couple tools on my bike but not an Allen Wrench … lesson learned!

Despite the weather, I was so happy to be riding and I was loving the new bike!!

Thankfully, by the time we got to Rockingham NC the rain had stopped and the sun was shining most of the time.

I was shedding clothing with each stop.

By the time we got to the beach, I was down to t-shirt and vest and that first view of the ocean from the deck of the house brought even more smiles to my face.

The ride back 48 hours later found me layered up and leathered up, too. I usually like to take my time and explore the route, but the further north I got, the more the temps dropped.

I took a few moments to shoot some pics in a cemetery in Blenheim, SC.

And a couple more of Pilot Mountain, NC

The views were beautiful, but it was 50 degrees and that makes for cold riding at 70 miles per hour. By the time I got home, 850 miles and 60 hours later, I was chilled to the bone. A hot shower was what the Nurse Practitioner ordered and it felt great!!

Even with the less than optimal traveling weather, it was a wonderful first road trip!

The Ride of Silence

May 16, 2013 by LB

Last evening, the 10th Annual Ride of Silence rolled across the globe.

And I do mean literally … across the globe!

This year’s Ride of Silence (ROS) was held in 368 locations around the world, in all 50 states, and in 26 countries.

During the ROS, cyclists take to the roads in silent processions to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Although cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, the motoring public often isn’t aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves.

The Ride of Silence organization exists

To HONOR those who have been injured or killed
To RAISE AWARENESS that we are here
To ask that we all SHARE THE ROAD

We held the first Ride of Silence in the City of Radford in 2008, after the death of Fess Green. Fess was a Radford University professor, and an active member of Pathways for Radford and the New River Valley Bicycle Association. He commuted on his bicycle almost every day and was killed after being struck by a car on the way home one evening. In his honor and memory, the two organizations created a Ghost Bike which is displayed for a week before and after the ROS.

The 2013 Ride of Silence was the 6th one held in the New River Valley. Individuals, families and folks of all ages gathered to receive pre-ride instructions, and to hear a few words from local leaders and cycling advocates.

After a “Moment of Noise”, an opportunity to cheer and shout out our love for the ride, we descend into silence and begin our procession. In the New River Valley we are fortunate to have the support of our local governments, and in particular, the Radford City Police Department.

We ride silently, in a long slow procession to raise awareness … cyclists have a legal right to ride on public roadways.

We ride silently, to remember loved ones we have lost. It is a solemn, inspiring event.

Like a Feather

May 15, 2013 by LB

I’m slowly working my way through the 290 photos I took over just 2 days …wow … too bad I have to go to work!

Spontaneous!

May 13, 2013 by LB

A Spontaneous 24 Hour Vacation = Many, Many Photographs to edit!

It’s going to take me awhile to review, delete, edit and post even just a few of them. Until then, this photo perfectly expresses the peace (and lovely fatigue) that I feel after an unplanned mini-getaway!

No Drought Here

May 11, 2013 by LB

One Stormy Day in May: From the Truck

May 10, 2013 by LB

This is the last of the series of Stormy Monday posts (see From the Bridge and From the Office).

The ride home continued to provide wonderful opportunities for photography. While all of us in SWVA (and in many other places I am sure) are ready for the sun to shine, the stormy skies have been beautiful!

Until the storms clear, I’ve been resigned to shoot from the truck, but I sure am missing my motorcycle!

Until then, at least I can enjoy views like this!

And if the sun shines this weekend, I ride!

One Stormy Day in May: From the Office

May 9, 2013 by LB

How fortunate am I to have this view when I leave my office at the end of each day?

These two photographs are very similar but one emphasizes the green and the other, the impressive cloud formations from all the storm activity we’ve been having here in SWVA.

Yesterday, I posted photos taken during this same storm system. Please look here if you missed them.

One Stormy Day in May: From The Bridge

May 8, 2013 by LB

While we are all ready for sun and the warmth that it brings, the storm and clouds made for amazing skies.

The daily rain has caused the New River to run over it’s banks in some spots and we have been under flood watch here in SWVA.

As an aside, I was on the bridge for about 20 minutes and had more fun as friends would drive by, wave and honk, and later text or call to tell me that they saw me.

Ya gotta love small city life!

Get Your Camera Settings Right!

May 7, 2013 by LB

You can sing that title to the tune of Born to Be Wild.

I have been so frustrated the last 2 days because my photos were just not turning out the way I had hoped they would. Now, I get that sometimes I’ll take 20 shots and be happy with just 1 or 2, but yesterday nothing seemed to work! Finally, in frustration I looked at my settings.

Yep! I had the color setting to add extra red to my shots.

How? Why? When?

Who Knows!!

Can you tell which one was on the wrong setting?