Formerly West River Drive

Luke and I went took a ride on MLK Drive in the city of brotherly love. They close this road for "recreational use" every weekend. As you will see from the pictures we had perfect weather. Our ride started at Falls Bridge went to the Art museum and back. Total trip about 6-7 miles. Not bad for a 5 year old on a bike with one gear! Good Times!

Morning Light

Yes, I have been riding my bike. I got in a workout on my school trail this morning. The light from the sun this morning was super. Andy, did I mention I love my job!

Meg's First "Real" Run

Meg and Mommy went for a run at Valley Green. It was Meg's idea! This is the first of many. Check out that form!

First Motorized Ride

Thanks to Dave R. Luke was able to ride a dirt bike for the first time by himself. Because of his bicycle riding experience the transition was simple.

Tee Time

Luke started tee ball this year and he is a smashing success! As you can see Meg likes watching the games!

Orange Peel

Finally the new camera is ready to go! Charlie and I did a ride on the Watershead trail a couple of weeks ago. We rode from the house on the roads for a few miles to get nice and warmed up. Then when we hit the singletrack we just had fun at a nice easy pace. I know Charlie is agreeing with me. I could tell after about an hour and a half Charlie was ready to be done. We still had a few miles of road to go. He made it! Luke and Meg were waiting for him to ride with them when we got back! He didn't make that ride, maybe next time. Good times! Thanks Chuck!

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Life has been as busy as it gets around here lately! Work, lawn cutting service, t-ball coaching, and all of the family fun have given me very little time to post. My camera was lost( I left it at the park) and that means a lack of new photos to make this blog reasonably entertaining! The riding has been happening when I can! The weather has not helped the riding process. Here are some pictures that did not make the cut the first time around. Enjoy!

The next few pictures are from a ride and dinner in West Chester Pa. I did the Ramus Run a ride that Charlie and I named when I was taking anatomy class in college. Anyone know were the Ramus bone is in the body? A great loop with back roads and steep hills that helped make me a better rider. Then it was off to dinner with T and Glenn at the Courtyard. Every Wednesday they have a special on half a cow. Look at the size of that Prime Rib! Good Times!

Lucky

Meg and Luke are LUCKY to have an Aunt like you. Thanks for the way you make them feel and for understanding that Becki and I need a moment to ourselves. We all feel lucky to have you in our lives.

sleep

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Really Close to Perfect

On Sunday a ride at White Clay was in order. It has been to long since I have felt the flow of these trails. As the ride started it was clear the trail conditions were really good. Not to wet, not to dry, and monster grip! These trails were as fast as the riders ability could take them. Uphills were easier then usual and corners were pure speed!

A couple of months ago the 34 tooth chainring was added for more speed on flat and rolling sections of trail. Trips to White Clay have been few and far between due to weather and other commitments. However, I have been waiting to use this gear ratio at WC. I was not disapointed. With the smooth transitions and perfect trail conditions I was able to keep my momentum while shaving almost 15 minutes off my usual loop.

The sections of trail in the shade were in the best shape. They still had some dampness to them that made them even more grippy.

The above pictures do a better job of describing the day then I can. It was a great 3 hour ride.

Was I in Belgium!?

Nice long 4 hour road ride to visit a rising Belgian Star! All those Belgians dream of riding uphill past a church!

Nor'Easter

About 8 inches was good enough to have off from school for the day. It is always nice to be a teacher on the days when it snows. It brings you back to the times when as a child you waited for the word that school would be cancelled. When you heard the word the plan for the days adventures would unfold. Todays plan was shoveling, snowboarding, biking, and hiking. I started shoveling with Luke and we took care of the driveway and sidewalks. As I was finishing up the shoveling Luke started to snowboard on the hill at the side of the house. Of course I got in on that action. Luke, thanks for the help!

Next, it was off to Valley Green for a ride. Forbidden Drive is a great place to ride in the bad weather. It is wide, smooth, and mostly flat.

The snow was deep on one side of the drive and plowed on the other. I used both sides at different times to move faster or avoid sloppy sections. As you can see in the next picture there were many XC ski tracks.

The riding today was just plan fun. I have ridden this path hundreds of times but, today because of the snow it took on a whole new identity. It also helped that is was a "snow day".

This next picture is just because I like this spot in the park and the picture turned out pretty good. Aunt Chris this ones for you!

Finally, after getting home from my ride and having dinner Luke and I went for a hike in the snow. Of course we went to our "secret trail" in Valley Green. You can tell by his expression how much fun he was having!

Cookie Dough

Meg has a serious sweet tooth! The next morning when she got up the first thing she wanted was a cookie. Just like Daddy and PaPa! At least she likes to help bake the cookies. I wonder if she will still want to help when she is 14?