Jen's Bike Blog: April Fool???

So yesterday I felt like an April Fool. I know that I haven't been riding all that much, and running has been semi-successful. Yesterday proved that my cardio is way off base. I drove to Lynchburg after being invited to ride with a group from Blackwater Bike Shop. The destination was Candlers Mountain which has never been an easy place to ride. It has always been full of various adventures for me: playing EMT, getting lost and crashing for example. It does however pose a challenge. The trails are not as smooth as what I'm used to. It is full of roots, rocks and bridges (yikes). I sincerely believe the entire place is uphill, but that's not possible huh?

I'm making it sound like I was miserable, this is far from the truth. I had an absolute blast, albeit painful at times. I enjoyed the company of Kelly H, Tim D, Jacob, Cliff and Mary. Cliff unfortunately injured his knee during the ride and had to walk out; Mary being an outstanding friend made sure he got out ok. By reports, he is better today! (PHEW!!! I'd feel bad if the Jen Jinx bit him). I can't remember the trail names, but we started off on a fun, downhill/flat trail where I felt like I did ok. I had to walk up an incline after it freaked me out seeing Kelly walking it. We arrived at a trail that I remembered as it is one switchback after another with uphill trail in between them (I've hated it everytime.) I did manage to ride a few of them before having a slight heart attack (kidding!) Let's see, I remember getting to a creek crossing that I should have tried, but I chickened out. I know that I rode most of the constructed bridges. The one in the 90degree turn - NOT. I rode across the timbers that cross over some creekbeds - worried each time that my front wheel was going to get stuck in the gap between them. We rode up a trail called Psychopathe - been here before but maybe a different part of it. I rode a good ways up before losing my oomph and balance. Walked a short ways then finished it! I was happy with that. I did manage to ride fairly well although slow. I hated feeling like I was holding people up. Of course the others were nice and didn't seem to be upset. I was so happy that I went. I'd like to go back again if schoolwork will allow. I think it's going to take me many more trips to feel like I can ride Candlers Mountain without being totally whipped.

View from 4-mile loop overlooking Roanoke. Mill Mountain is the right.

Today (Sunday) is absolutely beautiful. I got this pitiful look from Sergei when I was leaving yesterday, so I made sure to plan to spend time with him. We went exploring on some trails near the parkway - I think the one we were on for the most part is part of the Roanoke Horse Trail. It is wide, gravel and fairly decent. I like taking Sergei to non-busy trails because it allows him to explore. I'm always worried he will be hateful to another dog because he is NOT very sociable when I have him on a leash. I guess he's protecting me, but it does make for awkward interactions. After we walked about 2 miles there, we drove up Roanoke Mountain to see the view which was outstanding today. You could see for miles!!! I took a few pictures. We then walked the summit trail there which is about 3/10 mile. More pictures. It was just an awesome day and I'm glad I spent it with my little buddy! He seemed very happy!