Batesville and Back

     First off, was able to get out on my bike for the second time this week.  Haven't done that since last November, so a victory in itself.  M opted to cut her training ride short today and add a brick run (a brick is doing 2 of the triathlon sports in there respective order i.e. swimming then getting out onto the bike, or in this case we rode 38 miles then she got off the bike and ran for 6 more).  I was in for the ride but no run for me.  We had both been reading race reports form various HIM's (Half IronMan) and the most popular thing that people wish they would have done more of are bike to run bricks.  The weather was absolutely awesome.  Sunny, a little on the breezy side, but a temp of 60-65 kept the ride nice.  I tried to come up with a route she had never been on before.  We parked over at Azalea Park and took off through town and out 250 towards Ivy.  We took a shortcut on Bloomfield Rd and hit Dick Woods Rd. all the way to Batesville.  From here we circled back around via Plank Rd. and Old Lynchburg back to the car. 

One of the most interesting mailboxes I have seen in the Albemarle County area.

We cam across this dear just past the Miller School.  Clearly it was either injured , sick, or just very tame.  I couldn't resist the picture but hopefully the road crew down the road got him up and moving.

Coming down into Batesville, the view in the 2 pics above was sweet.  It felt like you were on top of the world.

The last mystery of the day came from these purple house looking things we kept seeing hanging from trees.  The appeared to be made out of metal.  All tolled I think I saw 5 or 6 of them between Dick Woods Rd. and Old Lynchburg.  If anyone cares to enlighten me on what these are, I would love to know.

     Ran across a great buy last night.  Found this deal that lets you get $85 worth of gear for $45.  I needed some new Jammers anyway, so this was perfect for some other free gear.  It also allows you to tack on an extra coupon code (source) for an extra 15% off (it was either 15 or 20 can't remember).  If you need any swim/bike/run gear check it out.  It ends in about 2 days.

     Working all weekend, but good luck to those taking part in the Park to Park Half Marathon in Waynesboro, VA.  Truly, this is one of the best running races I have done.  They do a fabulous job at a reasonable price.  Barring any crazy turns in the weather, I still plan on doing the Appalachian Power Smith Mountain Lake Sprint next Saturday 5/7, but will be a late registration in case it doesn't work out.  I want to try to fit in some extra open water swimming this summer before any bigger races and planning some family trips down there so its a good time to check out the lake.  Enjoy the great weather this weekend and give thanks to God, the one who makes each day possible.