Sunday on the Bike in the RVA (April 9. 2017)

Beautiful day in Richmond, with temperatures in the 70's and under sunny skies. Got going around noon and made a stop at this site along Riverside Drive in Richmond.
Nice area below me, with rocks and the James River down a small trail. Beautiful area and a good start to the ride.
I have been down there in the past, fun areas to explore along the river which is one of the few cities with rapids on its river.  

Made a stop at Hollywood Cemetery. Here is the grave of Maury who was one of the leading Naval officers of the Confederate Navy. He in fact has a statue on Monument Avenue and was called "The Pathfinder of the Seas".
To his left in the light brown structure is President James Monroe who was one of the earliest Presidents as well as one of the founding fathers during the American Revolution. He is known for the famous "Monroe Doctrine"

Saw on the news a story on Bryan Park which back in the day was known for its Azalea Festival which up to 60,000 or more would come to see. The park over the years has fallen into decline but people are attempting to restore it to some level of its former glory.
These are some of the azalea bushes and it was fun to see the park which is undergoing some repair. Seems to be a popular place for soccer as the fields were full of some sort of league play and that was good to see. This park can be found in the lakeside area of Richmond just off Exit 80 of I-95.

I rolled into Ashland, VA and revisited this place after a visit to Hardywood Park which was having bands and booths to raise money for dogs...which to be a very, very noble cause. Had a great time at both places.
Following those visits had dinner at Zzaam in Carytown and then took the Nickel Bridge back to my neighborhood and home a little before 5pm. Total ride was a half mile under 60 miles on a wonderful day. Have not been out for a while and have to say it was fantastic!