Christmas Day Ride (December 25, 2017)

 It was a rather nippy 36 degrees when I headed out on Christmas Day. Wanted to get a ride in on this wonderful day. It is something I like to do, but can't always due to weather or circumstances but was able to this year.
I dressed with some new winter gear I got over the Christmas holiday and was quite comfortable even in the cold. Not sure what the wind chill was...I guess it depended on the speed I was going. Rode out to Oregon Hill and visited one of my favorite local places. Of course, being daytime the lights were not on and believe me this is quite remarkable when they are but still pretty impressive.
I have a photo of this place lit on my "Richmond and Me" page if you would like to see it. Had a great time seeing the Christmas lights of Richmond and still do, day or night.
From here, rode down Riverside Drive and enjoyed that ride. With the leaves finally fallen it really now is a true and wonderful Riverside Drive as you can actually see it.   

I rode back up Forest Hill Avenue for a few miles and stopped at this house. There is also a really remarkable light display and enjoyed visiting that as well. Different during the daytime but still fun to see.
After that headed back toward home. There was very little traffic on the roads and virtually  nothing  was open but that made the ride which covered a distance of 14 miles in all just that much better.

Mid-December Ride December 16, 2017)

 The year is rapidly winding down, but got to get out a big on a somewhat warm Saturday afternoon. I think it was in the 40's but what the hell..it was sunny and warm enough if you dress warm enough.
Getting real close to the Christmas holiday and that is a very cool thing. There has been snow over the last few days and quite a bit of very cold weather. So this was a welcome change.
I put on my coat and the hoodie under that, the very warm gloves I got last week and even a scarf. Thought about wearing my insulated jeans (got those a few years ago from Bass Pro Shop) but did not think it was that cold...and it was not.
Bike started right up and that was a nice thing..always worry a bit this time of year. Two hardest things on a battery is the very cold days as well as..the very warm days. Still, it was all good and off I went into the wilds of Richmond, VA

 First stop was Isley Brewing Company. There a surprise, just yesterday (tied to the movie) was their new beer called "Mos Eisley" which is based on the cantina in Star Wars: A New Hope. Being a brown ale and brown ale is my favorite it was pretty good. This place is really nice. I have been here a few times in a section of Richmond called Scotts Addition, and this is a nice addition to the local beer scene here in Richmond. One and done and back on the road.

Stopped for lunch in Carytown at Zzaam which is undergoing some changes. Added a tea place as well as a new BBQ restaurant (still have the very fine Korean rice bowls). The BBQ was pretty damn good, I will be back. Did not try the tea. Some more additions there are coming up.
As for my ride just wandered around a bit for the rest of it. As is common this time of year not a lot of miles....total was 20 in all. As I often say though...a short ride is better than no ride at all. This one was a lot of fun on a beautiful RVA day.

Sunday on Midlothian Turnpike (December 3, 2017)

 Got out for a short ride on a rather nice Sunday. Made a stop by this "work of art" which is actually the local sex toy shop. It was not open (not that I have ever been in there...ha ha) but love the picture painted in front of it.
It was a good day to get out and get some wind between my knees and as always love getting to ride on a Sunday. Traffic is light and that makes for some really good riding in the RVA. Love to see the area and to explore places new and old.

Got out to Westchester Village where I got this photo of the mall Christmas tree. Love this time of year and fun to see the Christmas sights here in Richmond.
Few towns do Christmas quite like Richmond does. They seem to really get into it and some of the lights are really something to see. I took a few more photos while I was out riding of both Christmas things and other items. There was a lot to see and do. Went by the Northrop Grumman building (though they do not make aircraft there at this one) and also another Christmas site along the way.
For those interested I have some local photos of Richmond lights on my "Richmond and me" page and have seen quite a lot of them already this year.
Have not seen as many houses lit up as I did last year though in general. That is kind of sad, though the bigger places make up for that.   

I also got to test out my new gloves. They sell them at motorcycle shops, but I have found the ski shops also sell winter gloves which are anything much more effective than what the bike shops have and at a much lower price. In fact they are  good places to get a lot of winter wear. If it works on the ski slopes, it should work on the road.
As for the ride a great time which covered a distance of 30 miles at a temperature of 45 degrees. Not sure what the wind chill was.

Monday Ride (November 21, 2017)

 Nice time after the Virginia Beach trip with Debbie, a little post-Thanksgiving ride around the area. Took a little different ride to Riverside Drive and a section that I have not been on in some time.
Love the view from here, especially since the fall leaves have changed and largely fallen. Got a good view of the railroad bridge seen here in the background, and the James River.
It was a wonderful day with temperatures in the low 60's which made it about perfect.

Another view of the bridge can be seen here as I get close to it. Rode on that road for a while and then headed to different parts of town.
I did not want to be out for a long time, but sure felt good to get the breeze between my knees if just for an hour. It was early in the day but past the rush hour traffic so I pretty much had the roads to myself.
Total ride was just under an hour and the distance covered was less than a half mile under 20 miles. For this time of year, not bad at all! 

RVA Beer and Bunnies Ride (November 17, 2017)

Another bout of cold weather for the past few days, but got close to 50 this Friday and I got out on the motorcycle. Ride began around 3PM, and after a quick stop for a haircut I was out on the streets of Richmond for real. Headed across the so called "Nickel Bridge" (actually a 35 cent toll) and then a stop to Maymont to see the animals. Very cool place and in fact a favorite stop. Very neat old house to see, plus as a bonus a zoo. This photo at left was taken at The Farm which has a lot of critters...including bunnies to see and feed. 

 Took the photo by the lake (one of many) at Byrd Park. Richmond is at peak color for the leaves and have been enjoying that. Nice to ride around here and see the change in the season, though was easy enough to feel it. Still, I dressed well and was quite comfortable during the ride.
Made a stop at Hardywood Park for a check out with the Richmond Lager beer they are making. Stuck with my one beer limit but finally got to check it out and enjoyed it a great deal. Might be my new favorite beer there.   

From Hardywood went through Richmond and then after a dinner stop at McDonalds I went toward my house. Did make a short and easy ride down Riverside Drive. Riverside Drive is one of my favorite roads in the city though did have my eyes wide open as this time of night deer are very, very common. Hitting a deer could put a real bad end to my bike. Of note during this ride got two complements on the motorcycle. Everyone sure seems to like this Triumph (me included). For the ride, covered a total of 16 miles and had a remarkable time!   

Short Chilly Ride (November 10, 2017)

Nice day for a ride...which is to say anyday is usually (barring rain or snow and at times in my riding days even that has happened). Was just about 50 when I got out, so bundled up and got out for a few miles. Was not a big huge ride, sort of like last week got in a whopping total of 16 miles. Just a way to run the motorcycle for awhile and get some kinks out. The photo was taken at the Z-Dam on the James River while riding on Riverside Drive in Richmond.

Got a few miles in, got a little lunch. I did make a stop at Tredegar Iron Works. Civil War museum there is interesting with a lot of remarkable items to see. Square plate at left is from the Confederate ironclad CSA Virginia, the plating (bigger) at right of that is from the USS Monitor. They battled in the Civil War near here basically to a draw but changed how Navy ships world wide were built from then on.
It was good to get out, its that time of year when the big motorcycle rides are few and far between in this part of the world. Still fun though and its better to ride a little, than not at all.

Nice way to enjoy a Monday (November 6, 2017)

 Good day for a ride, which did not cover a lot of distance. Sun came out but then the clouds during the ride got thicker so it was a very (and too) short 14 miles. Still, a short ride is better than no ride.
Rain chances are pretty high today (as it turned out, as I write this it has STILL not rained) but then again had some things to do today and it still put a huge grin on my face.
Rode around downtown some, from my house seen at left to Shockoe Bottom, and up around downtown. Traffic was not bad, road construction was.
Finally got out to Monument Avenue, which was very beautiful. Fall is getting (finally I might add) more and more colorful. My tree is getting very pretty with the fall colors. Perhaps not so wonderful with the falling leaves, but you have to take the good with the bad.
Anyhow rode around Monument Avenue, past VCU (one of the campuses anyhow....they are all over the city) and just enjoyed the ride. As always the motorcycle was perfect. 

Rode back across the Lee Bridge and then got on to Riverside Drive. It is amazing this time of year and just a blaze of color.
The photo at left is part of some of the sights I saw there, and always a fun road to ride. Lots of curves and scenic views. Does not pay to go too fast, otherwise a close encounter with Bambi the deer is possible. Being well patrolled it is also possible to meet John Law. What makes that road amazing is the curves and the sights.   

Sunny and 80....November Ride (November 3, 2017)

 Had to get out on this Friday, for one expecting rain Saturday and for another...well you just dont pass on 80 and sunny in November. Beautiful day for a ride which started around 11 with a stop at Scoot Richmond. Went to see some of the new 2018 Triumph motorcycles on my 2016 Triumph Speedmaster. Nice visit though the new version of my bike is not expected to be there until January for February. Do like these Bobbers though, very cool motorcycles. 

 This is the lake at Byrd Park. Nice to hang out there for a little bit and see some of the sights in the very beautiful park. Nice memories there with my very fine border collie "Mollie" who loved to chase the birds. Saw a sign that they have border collies to do that very same thing (though have never seen them working there). Nice to see a bit of fall color finally coming to the area. Warm weather and a lack of rain have impacted that up to now. 

However, has been some rain and even some cool nights, and the color is finally coming to the trees. This is one of my favorite times of the year. I have not made my annual trip to see the color in the mountains. That is mainly because there has not been much this year, for many of the reasons mentioned above.
Still, Monument Avenue is a beautiful place to stop and look at some of the sights...the monuments and the houses are remarkable. 

Toured this for the first time. A Tudor style building which dates to around 1900. It now houses the "Branch Museum of Architecture and Design" and I took a few minutes to wander around the museum part and check it out. Was my first visit there and it was something to see. The museum was mostly drawings of places of interest in the Richmond area (and slightly beyond) and the rooms of the museum were very interesting also. Nice to visit!

I also made a visit to Legend Brewing Company for a quick refreshment stop. One of the best views of the City of Richmond can be seen from its deck and I enjoyed seeing that once again. It is not far from the house, but this was not the last part of my ride...no, not by a long shot. 

Made a ride down VA 5 to Fort Harrison. It was near the end of the war and the fort was taken by Union forces in a battle. A number of Confederate forts were in that area. Ft Hoke, seen at left was also taken but then abandoned by the Union who went back to Fort Harrison. Robert E, Lee attempted to retake Harrison, but was unable.
As for the ride today (and a short night ride as well) traveled just short of 60 miles. It was a fantastic day and a wonderful adventure. 

The Ride(s) of Friday (October 27, 2017)

 Nice day to get out. A little chilly but not bad when I first started out. Got out to see Beaver Dam Creek and Gaine's Mill Battlefield plus wandered some around Cold Harbor Cemetery. Lots of monuments there: from New York, Pennsylvania and also a big one to the unknown Union graves there. It was a sad sort of place, so many gave so much. Another great part of the ride though was those fantastic roads back there, which is some of my favorite rides in the area.

This is heading back to Richmond, not far from the Richmond International Airport. Followed the guy on a Harley and the woman on a (believe its a) Honda for quite a while. On the way back home made a stop at Stone Brewing and then some lunch at McDonalds before getting back to the house.
Ride was around 40 miles I believe and rode from 11:00am to 2:00pm but with quite a few stops. A good day to wander around a bit. 

Friday night went to dinner at Chick-Fil-A and that was nice. Like riding when the sun is going down, though it sure does change things a lot when that happens.
After dinner, got out and rode a bit to Riverside Drive which I guess in Richmond is THE favorite ride. Took this photo of the James River as the sun was setting. It got real dark as I got back up the road but enjoyed the ride a great deal. Got a 25 mph speed limit on that road and I certainly did not push that in the dark.
As I got off the road and back toward Forest Hill Avenue came across a doe. Could not get a photo for one because it was real dark and for another I don't think the deer as fond of the noise (though the pipes are stock) the motorcycle made. She did take a little time to look me over before bounding off. That is something at dusk and dark as well as early in the morning in that area to watch for. Deer are out there.
When I got back to the house had a total of 51 miles (for the day) on the trip meter, so tonights ride was somewhere around 10-11 miles from the total. It was a wonderful time on the motorcycle! 

Ride in the Country on a Sunday (October 22, 2017)

 Nice day for a ride, even though late the fall, it is still really warm out with temperatures approaching 80 degrees. Got going after a cool morning and started with a ride along Riverside Drive. Always nice on an early morning....this being around 10:30 when I took this photo.
From Riverside and via some back roads got on Midlothian Turnpike and ended up in a town called Cumberland, VA. Nice place with some old buildings and a very cool firetower. I used to climb one in Indiana as a boy. 

Heading back saw a road (I believe it was Highway 13 if I remember right) going to "Tobaccoville". Passed though some small towns including that one. Just outside of Amelia, VA came across this military cemetery. Of note, no civil war graves there. Had to stop to check it out and pay my respects. From there, went on to Amelia and then to home via Highway 360. A very nice ride and was surprised to see I covered some 113 miles. After the visit to NASA Langley yesterday (some photos of that on my "Richmond and me" page this has been one remarkable weekend. As for this ride, a very fun day in Virginia on the Triumph. One thing I have noted though is that as of yet, probably due to the warm weather and the lack of rain of late, very little fall color to see yet in the area.   
   

Sunday Afternoon Ride (October 15, 2017)

It was a gray and gloomy day, but turned into a sunny and dry afternoon. A good time to get the motorcycle out and for the first time in just over a week get it out for a bit and see some sights around the RVA.
Vacation was nice. As noted in the previous post rode a Suzuki Marauder around Ohio for some 60 miles last week. Been going like crazy on vacation and just felt like relaxing a bit but sometimes these motorcycles just call you...and this did today. 

Stopped early for a quick photo by the pumpkin patch just up the road. Did not get one (as they are a bit hard to carry on a motorcycle) but enjoy seeing them. I love this time of year: the fall colors, the pumpkins, the decorations (some are pretty scary) and the cooler temperatures. Well, as to that last, it was pretty warm today. In fact was sort of pushing 80 which was a surprise. However, I will take it, and enjoyed getting out in the breeze. Was not quite as windy as Ohio was but a good wind. 

Road around town mostly - went up Riverside Drive across the bridge and past Broad Street. I rode past the Richmond Folk Festival and headed out around the Boulevard/ Highway 1 areas of the city. Just out on some side streets.
Rode around this park, have been here before and it was a nice ride. Wandered out back via the Boulevard and Cary Street with a finish around my neighborhood.
Got a fuel light so got a little fuel while I was out. Nice to do that and just see the sights. There are hints of fall color though not anyplace near peak season. Still, its pretty and was fun to hear the engine and see the sights on this very fine Sunday.
I sort of did a comparison with the bike I rode last week....not a whole lot of difference. Nice to have the lighter bike than the old Kawasaki Vulcan I had for some 11 years. Lots of good memories with that great motorcycle but wanted lighter and more fun in turns. I do not miss floorboards...the Triumph like the Suzuki I rode days ago is a whole lot more fun on a twisty road. Nice day out and though just went 26 miles it was a beautiful thing indeed!   

Ohio Suzuki Marauder Ride (October 7, 2017)

Flew into the Dayton, Ohio area. Lori and her boyfriend rode to see me (and their friend/my girlfriend Debbie) on their matching Suzuki Marauder 800's. Lori let me ride her's and I took it for a cruise in Ohio. Took this photo at a red light, it is Ben on the other one. The bikes are 805cc, water cooled, 4 valves and chain drive. They were developed from the shaft drive Intruder and were made from 1986-2005. I considered this when I bought my Vulcan in 2005.   

Took this photo at a red light also. It was a very windy day when we went out but the motorcycle did fine. Good performance on this motorcycle, and has a lot of features in common with my Triumph Speedmaster. My engine is a little bigger  and maybe a hair stronger. Not enough to make a huge difference. What these bikes have is that famous Japanese reliability...both were used but Ben and Lori have had no problems with them so far.
Ohio was fun to ride in, passed though some little towns (Troy, Ohio was very interesting to see) and past a number of farms in this area outside of Dayton.
While the skies were sunny, rain was in the forecast and we soon saw a line of very dark clouds. Headed back and actually made a wrong turn (Ben was giving us directions) so for the second time that day returned to the Dayton airport (as I had flown in earlier). We decided to come back via the highway. Traffic is generally much heavier than Virginia but a nice ride and the bike handled the speed well. I really had a great time on the motorcycle and was very impressed with the handling and performance. Like my Triumph had footpegs..and I like that better than floorboards.     

Here I am at the house again, post ride. Though no helmet law in Ohio I wore a borrowed one. Don't have a problem with people not wearing them, but I only have one head and it has taken enough blows over the past 61 years of my life. This was a wonderful thing to do, and I enjoyed it a great deal. Nice to get a ride in and for sure this area makes for some very interesting riding. Love to explore, love to ride and this was a very fun way to see the area that my girlfriend lives in.

Nice Way to Spend a Friday Morning (October 6, 2017)

 Cool morning but a warm day....summer is making another comeback this day. Got riding around 10am. Did not need the big heavy coat but this have helmet, gloves and a light coat. Made a few stops early on for some things I needed to get done, and no better way to get there than the Speedmaster on a beautiful day. Stop here was at the Barber Shop. I also went by Lowe's and got a little early lunch at my favorite Mexican restaurant.

 Love riding along the James River and enjoyed the ride today. This is at the Z-Dam but was a nice day. Mornings are great (weekdays especially) as the traffic is real light. Riverside Drive is one of the most popular areas in Richmond on the weekends. Followed that road for quite a while. Lots of beautiful houses, beautiful views, rocks, rapids, and some fun curry roads. Watch the speed though, it is also a popular road with the Richmond Police Department. 

NO tickets today though (in fact...knock on wood, none in Virginia so far). Stopped on Old Gun Road to see the old gun seen here and the gun mold. Sign under the gun mold says they were found in 1962. Date to the Civil War. Rode out to Midlothian and then back via some back roads to the house around 130. Ride was 45 miles and just a beautiful day. I have a lot of great times on that amazing machine and this was another one to add to the list!     

October First Ride (October 1, 2017)

Was very cool early this morning....51 at the usual doughnut ride time on Sunday. So I headed out around 1130. Made a first stop and ride around Church Hill. As you can see, it is named that for a reason. Beautiful day to ride and I was dressed for it so no problems. Made a stop also at Chimborazo Park. That was the site of an old Confederate Hospital back in the Civil War. All that is long gone, but the park is a beautiful place. And no...this is not a view of that park. 

This is The Diamond. Home to our AA baseball team. I was in the area and had just stopped at Hardywood Park and then had a quick lunch at Boulevard Burgers and Brews. Hoped there would be food trucks at Hardywood (there was not) but figured that a burger would be great at Boulevard Burgers (and it was!). Rode around a bit getting into Carytown via some back roads and that was a lot of fun. Nice area to ride around is Carytown...a very lively street. 

Rode up basically along Byrd Park, some streets I don't travel often. In some cases may be the first time. Came across Mt. Calvary/Riverside Cemetery. I have never been there, and was really amazed. Had to be one of the nicest pair of memorial gardens I have seen here. Very well kept and interesting.
From there, rode back to my house. I was out a while but spent about as much time looking at things as I did riding. Covered 26 miles today but had a great ride and a wonderful time.

First Real Ride of Fall (September 30, 2017)

 Good ride today. Got out at 1pm...headed first (after a fuel stop) to Hollywood Cemetery. Lots of historical sights there....2 and a half presidents (Monroe, Tyler and the "half" being Jeff Davis) plus a number of other historic figures. This is the grave of J.E.B. Stuart...the famous Confederate Cavalry officer during the Civil War. Doubt he could handle this horse though. Had a good time though, always a nice place to ride around with some great views of nearby Belle Isle.
From there rode to Isley Brewing for a quick beer. First time to go by there, and a very nice place. Almost like having a beer in your living room with the chairs and couches. Nice place to relax and have one...which is what I did.
From there, which is located in the Scott's Addition section of Richmond, wandered down West Broad Street. Decided to head out to Staples Mill Road which is a long road. I believe it will take you all the way to the mountains. I have been up it quite a while but today decided to go even further. How much further was a surprise even to me. I ended up in Louisa, VA which is seen in the photo below. Took I-64 back as it was getting late and cool during the ride.

Picked up West Broad Street off of I-64. Stopped at Chicken Fiesta for dinner and then rode down West Broad to downtown and home. Before getting home I got this photo. It was in a story in the morning news and I remember seeing it before and thinking that is a remarkable design. As far as my remarkable British designed motorcycle, had a blast on a sunny, cool (70s) day in the RVA. Covered a total of 121 miles, further than I planned but no problem with the bike or that I did that. Looking forward to getting a few more miles in tomorrow. 

Dental Ride (September 25, 2017)

A simple ride today, had the 6 month check up and cleaning, how better to get there for the 10am appointment than the motorcycle. So fired up the Triumph and rode to it. All went well there, and after rode on to some other places in the area. Basically I took the long way home. Actually rode a hair further than the previous ride, hitting exactly 30 miles. It did get a bit warm at the end of it, still getting that taste of summer here but the extended forecast is saying it will be more fall like next weekend. I am hoping that is the case!

In Search of Doughnuts (September 24, 2017)

Looked for and found doughnuts too! One of my favorite stops in Richmond on a Sunday for perfect doughnuts...very unique. Course, this is absolutely my favorite way to get there. Rode starting early while it is still cool out as we are still getting summertime temperatures here, Started via Riverside Drive but there was some kind of run going on there. I got off and went down the main roads and got here via that route. Yummy!

Stopped here just for the photo. I like the Virginia Historic Museum. To the right is a horse statue to all the horses killed in the Civil War North and South. One of the most worthwhile Civil War statues I can think of.
Museum is a real jewel with a lot of history on Virginia and goes from way back to modern. Free admission and if you are in the area it is well worth seeing.
Next door to it is the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and I have been there a number of times. You can find some photos of just a few of the many amazing things in there on my "Richmond and me" page. Think there is a link to that on this site.
I stopped by Virginia House which is also remarkable. It was moved here from England back in the 1920's I believe. Next to it is Agecroft Hall which was also brought over from England. Found a good video on You Tube about both houses. Just look up "Virginia House - Bob Vila" and take a short tour of both places.
 

This was an old firestation now put to other uses in Richmond. Lots of history here and many historic buildings from the past and all over the world it seems.
I rode to many places this morning but not as far as yesterday. Total for the ride was 26 miles but enjoyed it a great deal. Love the peace and quiet of riding on these Sunday mornings. Thanks for visiting this page, and will look forward to you coming back real soon!  

The First Full Day of 2017 Fall Motorcycle Ride (September 23, 2017)

 Got up early this morning and after a few cups of coffee and while it was still cool headed out to Blackstone, VA. Reason being that one there was new roads to get out on (well, new to me) and plus had never been to the town. So rode VA360 (have ridden that), then on VA153S ( a first ride on that) and then via VA460W to Blackstone. It is seen at left. Nice town, though not a lot going on yet. Love me some early morning rides.

 I rode by Fort Pickett. Maybe its a Virginia thing but funny how Army posts here are named for defeated Confederate generals. The gate was closed. Nice town though and enjoyed the ride on those roads. Nice going past the Hay bales and farms. Very scenic and cool early on, though it was rapidly getting warmer. May be the first day of fall but it did not feel like it.

I made a stop in Petersburg, Va..seen at left is the Old Train Depot. I believe this dates to the Civil War. Always enjoy visiting this town. They had a sort of Farmers Market thing going on, love those. Of note, they had dogs (and cats too I must add) for adoption. I got to pet a few...love dogs!
Rode on to the Harley-Davidson event at Colonial Harley Davidson. It was ok with a lot of bikers there (most on Harley's as expected). There was a BBQ cookoff, a band, and some commercial beer (by the big national brewers) which was fine. Overall it was fairly low key. It was ok...always like to go to these events and got to give credit to Harley dealerships...everyone I have been to in a lot of states put a lot of events for riders on. Might have been the heat. Day one of fall was pushing 90. Last weekend's rides were a lot nicer. I don't hate Summer, but glad to see Fall here. Ready for some nicer temperatures after a summer of some real heat.
On the way home I guy in a car next to me from Maryland asked what year my bike was, then said "that's one of the those new Triumphs I like it" and drove on when the red light changed. Like the complements on the bike, though its kind of strange. Not sure if I remember anyone complementing the Vulcan though I loved that bike too. Not why I purchased it, but rare someone does not say anything nice. Plan tomorrow to get out early again, and back before it starts getting hot. Expecting another hot day tomorrow.