First True Ride on the New Bike

April 9, 2013 by LB

Two weeks ago I picked up the bike, rode home from the dealer, around town just a bit, and then the snow came. So this past weekend was the first time I was really able to get out and learn the bike. And learn it I did!

Even though this bike sits lower than most (24.5 inches) and even though I had it modified for short arms and legs, I find that there are still adjustments to be made. Most importantly, I have to stretch just a bit too much to reach the left handlebar. Other things such as the weight and being able to back it up, will come along with time. Despite the low seat height, I only stand at 5ft tall, so no matter what I ride, I will be always be challenged just a bit.

Having said all that, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this bike! It rides so smoothly and runs so well … I am thrilled!

On Sunday, I rode with friends for the first 80 miles. We rode to Smith Mountain Lake and then I headed out on my own. My goal was to focus on how the bike handled (and how I handled the bike) without worrying about keeping up with friends. I thought it fitting that I took the first half of my first long ride with the guys who have taught me the most (see this post to learn about them) https://lifeonthebikeandotherfabthings.wordpress.com/2012/10/12/my-guys/.

I left the lake area, where I of course had to stop and take a few photos …

I was really too focused on the bike to spend time on photography, but it was so beautiful that I had a hard time not stopping! I headed over Catawba Mountain, through Ellett Valley and home through Tom’s Creek. A total of 170 miles and a wonderful, wonderful day!

Shimmering Reflection

April 6, 2013 by LB

One day after a 6 inch snow storm

55 degrees and shining sun

Big Walker Creek, Giles County, Virginia

Something About A Window

April 5, 2013 by LB

An organization that I belong to held a meeting at a local church last evening. Grace Episcopal has been a part of the Radford community for over 100 years and is a lovely old building. As I walked up to the church, I was struck by the windows.

From the inside they were even more beautiful, and against the setting sun, were the color of amber.

As I left the house this morning, I decided to run by and take one more picture, this time of the the building, and not just the windows. What a difference a day makes!! Yesterday was sunny and bright. Today a 6 inch snowfall!

In April!

Train Trestle over the New River

April 3, 2013 by LB

I had hoped to spend Sunday riding the new bike but rain, clouds, and cooler temps kept the bike covered and on the carport. On the way home from taking Easter morning biscuits to a dear friend, I stopped to photograph one of the train trestles that crosses over the New River near Radford City / Pulaski County. The fog, clouds, and grey day did not present as much of a challenge to me as my lack of zoom! Each session of shooting finds me lusting for an SLR.

(But that’s another story)

I wasn’t able to get a clear shot of the trestle, and after viewing the photo in B&W, I was glad. With the vines hanging down in front, I thought the scene looked really mysterious.

A train crossed over the trestle while I was standing underneath.

The sun came out just a bit after that and brightened the rust color of the trestle.

It was then that I noticed the graffiti … and the date that the trestle was built.

The original trestle’s supports remain,

and I love that a tree grows out of the top of one of them,

The Colors of Nature (and the new bike!)

March 31, 2013 by LB

It was a beautiful evening … one of those times when the light captures the colors of nature perfectly! I met with Pam to enjoy a glass or two of wine after work and the view was our reward for working hard (well, the view AND the wine AND the friendship).

Purple and Gold

Green and Silver

Blue and Rust

Amber and Grey

Olive Green and Dark Brown

Blue, Grey and Buff

I wish I could say that I took these pictures while on a bike ride …

BUT

At least I CAN say that I at least have the new bike!!!

Oh Happy Day!

The 2013 HD Softail Slim!

Just call this color AWESOME!

The Farm … with Animals

March 29, 2013 by LB

This is the final post of three that features photographs from one beautiful afternoon session on a farm (and actually, the photos in this post were taken at two different farms that are down the road from one another).

Meet Clyde …

and Sadie

Hickory lives on a farm down the road (I am reposting his picture because I like him so much!)

There’s a spring on the farm where Hickory lives …

and a rock wall nearby.

The Farm, At a Distance

March 27, 2013 by LB

This is the second of three posts that includes photographs that I took at a local farm. The first photos were close up shots of various parts of the red barn that sits on that property. These shots reveal the wonderful uniqueness of 2 outbuildings that are part of the farm. I loved the shadows that danced all over them that day.

The Farm, Up Close and Personal

March 26, 2013 by LB

About a month ago, I posted a photo of a red barn that I had been eyeing from the road for over a year. I took that picture while leaning way over the fence. The owner gave me permission to access the land and so this past Saturday I spent some time walking around taking pictures of the barn and miniature horses. It was a bright, beautiful day, so much so that the red on the barn was a bit washed out in the sun.

How strange that just two days ago, I was walking around on a sunny 50+ degree day and ever since, we have had low temps and a Christmas type snowfall.

Fall leaves … in a snowshower … at the beginning of spring