The DRZ's first experience offroad was great! I swapped my spare set of wheels onto the bike and it thumped its way up the trails with ease!
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Saturday, August 28, 2021
Friday, August 27, 2021
Monday, August 23, 2021
Grandview Beach (Hampton, VA)
I've been dreaming of a day on the beach with the newly-restored ski for a while now. In fact, the entire time we were at Cape Lookout, I was constantly thinking about how awesome it would be to have the ski on the beach - just waiting to be ridden in the surf.
Finally, the dream became a reality!
I scoured Google Maps for a boat ramp in close proximity to a beach. The closest that I found was the Fox Hill Boat Ramp in Hampton. Not far from the ramp are Factory Point and Grandview Beach.
Once I'd found these potential destinations, I called the Department of Game & Inland Fisheries to inquire about regulations. I was glad to find out that boats were allowed at Grandview Beach (Factory Point is off-limits due to migratory birds). Also, I was told by a ranger that we could beach our skis on the sand as long as we were mindful of other beachgoers.
I invited my friend John and his family, who arrived with their boat so we could bring all the beach essentials.
Another friend, Ben, brought his JS440 and the three of us made our way from the boat ramp to the beach, spotting a few dolphins swimming alongside us as we rounded Factory Point.
Once at the beach, we set up our canopy and spent the day playing in the water and making runs on the skis.
It was a great place to discover. At only about an hour-and-a-half drive, I think we'll be returning for sure!
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Saturday, August 14, 2021
Bowens Creek (Stuart, VA)
When Rebecca and I decided to rent an AirBnb in the mountains to celebrate our wedding anniversary, the immediate question that came to my mind was "what toys can we bring?"
After a bit of deliberation, I decided to pack boats & bikes - splitting the weekend into "on water" and "on land" days.
After completing our drive on Friday, we didn't have much time to spare, so we quickly unloaded our gear and drove into Floyd for dinner at The Blind Pig & Lush Lounge, an eclectic speakeasy that was completely worth the short jaunt from our lodging in Stuart, VA.
The next day we headed to Bowens Creek with the standup ski and sit-on-top kayak. I'd just bought the kayak for Rebecca's birthday, so this was our first time using it. Rebecca took to the boat quickly, even with the extra challenge of balancing Lola between her legs while she paddled.
We found a spot in the sun to disembark on the clay shore. From there, we took several trips to explore the coves in the beautiful turquoise waters.
That afternoon, the rain moved in. We got off the water just in time and headed back to the screen porch of our AirBnb to watch the storm move over the mountain range while we sipped drinks and celebrated our day on the water.
On Sunday we packed up and headed to complete the Woolwine Loop on our way out of town. The loop was a great mix of short descents and ascents, over rocky and rooty terrain.
As we were nearing the last of the climbs, Rebecca stopped suddenly. One black bear ran up the hill into the woods while another stood upright, facing her from a distance of about 80 feet. She wisely backed away and we decided to find a reroute to finish out the ride. A short bit of bushwacking helped us shortcut around the bears and in a few minutes we were back at the Crosstrek. With that last bit of excitement, we were happy to have stories to tell as we loaded up and headed home.
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After a bit of deliberation, I decided to pack boats & bikes - splitting the weekend into "on water" and "on land" days.
After completing our drive on Friday, we didn't have much time to spare, so we quickly unloaded our gear and drove into Floyd for dinner at The Blind Pig & Lush Lounge, an eclectic speakeasy that was completely worth the short jaunt from our lodging in Stuart, VA.
The next day we headed to Bowens Creek with the standup ski and sit-on-top kayak. I'd just bought the kayak for Rebecca's birthday, so this was our first time using it. Rebecca took to the boat quickly, even with the extra challenge of balancing Lola between her legs while she paddled.
We found a spot in the sun to disembark on the clay shore. From there, we took several trips to explore the coves in the beautiful turquoise waters.
That afternoon, the rain moved in. We got off the water just in time and headed back to the screen porch of our AirBnb to watch the storm move over the mountain range while we sipped drinks and celebrated our day on the water.
On Sunday we packed up and headed to complete the Woolwine Loop on our way out of town. The loop was a great mix of short descents and ascents, over rocky and rooty terrain.
As we were nearing the last of the climbs, Rebecca stopped suddenly. One black bear ran up the hill into the woods while another stood upright, facing her from a distance of about 80 feet. She wisely backed away and we decided to find a reroute to finish out the ride. A short bit of bushwacking helped us shortcut around the bears and in a few minutes we were back at the Crosstrek. With that last bit of excitement, we were happy to have stories to tell as we loaded up and headed home.
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Friday, July 23, 2021
White Bank Park (Colonial Heights, VA)
Now that my ski is back together, it's time to RIDE!
My friend Ben scoped out a great spot to explore on a Friday afternoon - White Bank Park & Boat Ramp in Colonial Heights, VA. It was only about 30 minutes from town and the area was a beautiful setting to relax and get a few runs in.
I brought along another friend, James, and my canoe so that we could chill between laps on the skis.
Conditions were perfect - a sandy bottom and waist-high water (even at high tide).
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Saturday, July 17, 2021
Cape Lookout National Seashore (North Carolina)
One of the absolute highlights of each summer is our trip to Cape Lookout National Seashore. This year was especially unique, since a third couple joined us in their Crosstrek. The extra vehicle and awning created a great home base for our days on the beach.
A couple years ago we were surprised by Caribbean blue waters. Luckily, we returned to find the same beautiful colors this year!
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Saturday, June 26, 2021
VA Creeper Trail (Damascus, VA)
Every summer, Rebecca and I choose a rail-to-trail path to pedal with my mother and stepfather. Two years ago, my brother and his girlfriend started joining us for this annual ride.
So far, we've pedaled sections of the C&O Canal Trail and the Greenbrier River Trail. To change things up a bit, we decided to try the Virginia Creeper Trail this year.
Since the drive is significantly longer, Rebecca and I decided to add a mountain bike ride to our trip to Damascus. We chose the Rowland Falls to Jerry's Creek loop about halfway between Marion and Damscus, VA. As evidenced by the elevation profile, it's a rather grueling climb - luckily that effort is rewarded with an exciting descent.
After our ride, we finished up the drive and were soon pulling into the driveway of our AirBnB rental right in the heart of Damascus.
The next day we rolled our bikes to The Bicycle Junction just next door and were soon being shuttled 17 miles up the road to Whitetop Station.
From there, the ride is mainly downhill all the way back to Damascus. This allows plenty of time for sightseeing and enjoying the leisurely pace with the rest of your group.
Once we'd reached Damascus, we decided that we were up for more pedaling, so we jumped aboard the same shuttle and had them drop us off in Abingdon. There, we had lunch at 128 Pecan before hopping onto the trail to pedal back to Damascus. This second leg of our ride was actually more interesting, with a few more sights to see.
On Saturday we chose to explore Backbone Rock in Tennessee. Only a 10 minute drive from Damasus, we just couldn't pass up the opportunity!
We even had a chance to cool off in the Beaverdam Creek.
On our way out of town on Sunday, we decided to make one more stop - Grayson Highlands State Park to hike the Twin Pinnacles loop.
After the loop, rain began to fall, so my Mom and John headed out while Rebecca and I continued on in the hope of seeing some of the wild ponies the park is known for. We lucked out on both fronts - the rain subsided and we got an up-close view of the ponies before heading back to Richmond!
All-in-all, it was a fantastic way to celebrate my 40th Birthday!
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