Going for a ride and run - what fun!

Today was a first. I'm not sure why it has taken me so long. Diane and I have combined motorcycling and hiking in the past, but this is the first time I have combined a ride with going for a run. It is Fall, the weather is perfect, and I just couldn't resist. Decided on a short (about 10 mile) ride to Yellow River Park. There are a lot of trails for runners, biking and even horse back riding. I usually do a nice 3.5- 4 mile run along the river and that is what I did today.


Changed into my running gear and piled my riding gear on the bike

View of the Yellow River from the trail

 

Another view of the Yellow River

I took a little bit of a tumble on the second half the run. That's the second time I've fallen while trail running, which I'm relatively new at. I stubbed a root with my left foot and just couldn't recover. Just a few minor scratches and nobody was around to see my clumsy running. I really need to learn to pick up my feet more while trail running. I'm a slow learner evidently.


Quick shot before I got too sweaty

I had a great ride and run. Only passed about 4 people the time I was out there (a couple mountain bikers and a couple walking their dog). Such a nice place for a quite run with some nice views. It wasn't too hot today but I still got plenty sweaty. It felt so nice to get back on the motorcycle and have the wind cool me down on the way home. Definitely need to do this more often when the weather is like this!

Highlands Fall Ride

Diane and I managed our first Fall ride to the mountains yesterday while the kids were in school. We decided to ride to Highlands, North Carolina which is one of our favorite spots and only a little over 2 hours away. It was a bit colder and more dreary than we had hoped. We encountered a little mist in the first hour but no real rain. The high in the Highlands was only 50 degrees and the sun only came out a few times but it still didn't dampen the experience.


Pre-departure photo taken by Emily



Brief stop at a scenic overview just prior to entering Highlands

 


The view

We stopped in Clayton GA for a warm beverage (Latte and Chai tea) and then continued on to the Highlands and had lunch at the Sports Page which is our favorite spot to go grab a sandwich for lunch. I got the Driver (Italian sub) and Diane got a grilled cheese and the potato salad which she loves.

Next we drove a couple miles out of town (including 1 mile on a dirt road) to the head of the trail to Glenn Falls. We have done this hike a few times. It is a nice hike with lots of nice views and a good workout. The water was really gushing because they got a LOT of rain recently. Our server at the Sports Page said they got 6-8 inches of rain a few days back.



Glenn Falls Hike



Glenn Falls

After the hike, it was getting late (around 2 pm) and we needed to get back on the road so we would be home in time to get the kids to after school activities. We got home around 4:20, just before Emily got home from school (Drew had been home for a while since he is in high school). I was then ordered to immediately fire up the gas fire place and get a pot of coffee going to warm up. Ah - a prefect way to end the ride!