TALLADEGA SCENIC HIGHWAY ON MT. CHEAHA ~ ALABAMA ~ photo taken by Dianna Stover
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Thursday, January 28, 2010

IN THE MEANTIME...

Author's note: I recently spent some time in Iowa, where I was able to gather my research for this post. I would also like to dedicate this post to my friend Dean... cause he loves the snow so much!

Living in the south has allowed me the ability to ride all year long and post my wonderful road miles for all my northern brothers and sisters to enjoy while they wait for Spring. I have been told by many of you, that you live vicariously through us warmer climate riders to help you get through the winter months. Believe me, there's nothing I would hate more, than looking at my beautiful ol' girl everyday and not be able to hop on and go for a spin. So in effort to help you snow covered bikers in the north, I've appointed myself activities coordinator to show you what you can do with your spare time while you wait for it to thaw.

SNOW FITNESS

It's real easy to get lazy and put on a few pounds during the winter, so one way to keep fit and healthy is shovel to the sidewalks! That's right. You heard me. Put your snow blowers away and go at it the old fashioned way. Shovel... shovel... and shovel some more! What a great way to build up your upper body strength while at the same time trying to keep ice crystals from forming in your lungs cause it's too frickin' cold to be outside! I haven't had to shovel snow in over 30 years, and I was reminded just how much fun this is. It's kinda like ridin' a bicycle... you just don't forget how!
Bonus tip: Angry at your neighbor? Just shovel your walks at the crack of dawn! Sccccrrraaaaape... foosh! Sccccrrraaaaape... foosh! Better than any alarm clock ever made.

HOW TO MAKE A BEAUTIFUL SNOW ANGEL
First... you have to find a nice little area of unmarred snow. Shouldn't be too hard, since ya'll have been getting plenty of it lately. When you've decided where you want your glorious creation to appear, turn your self around and plop down in the snow on your ass... being very careful not to touch the ground with your hands. Warning: Don't plop too hard... the snow is not as soft and fluffy as it appears. Ouch!

Second... Lay back in the snow, keeping your arms at your side and your legs straight. Ignore how cold it feels and resist the urge to hop back up. Yes, it will be slightly wet, but quit your cryin' (You can go in for hot chocolate in a minute).

Third... Keeping your arms flat on the ground, bring them up over your head as if you were making the letter "Y", then bring your arms back to your side. Act like a bird and flap your "wings" several times to make your impression on the snowy ground. Don't worry if snow falls into your coat sleeves, it'll just melt and make you wet. This is all part of the experience.

Fourth... Slowly and methodically, open your legs up wide (get your mind out of the gutter, we're makin' snow angels here!), pushing the snow with your thighs and calves as you go, then close them back together (besides... you'll melt the snow!). Repeat this step as many times as you feel necessary. Usually three or four spread eagles is enough for me. This too, will make your jeans wet. But don't worry, the wetness will freeze hard because it's only 6 degrees outside.

Fifth... Now here's the tricky part. Even though your cold, wet and your ass is frozen, you need to stand yourself up without using your hands. Once you've accomplished this somewhat challenging maneuver (with stiff icy jeans), gingerly step away from your newest creation, turn around, and behold...
... a beautiful snow angel!

EXPAND YOUR IMAGINATION
Look at me... I'm a reindeer! (or just another crazy chick with frost on the brain!)

Well... there you have it. Just a few ways to keep yourself busy while your snowed under with those pesky flakes. I feel very confident that this little guide will come in handy for many of you, and don't hesitate to write me for clarification on the proper technique for any of these activities. I'm happy to be of assistance!

I had a great time while visiting my family in Iowa during the Christmas and New Year holiday. I hope you can forgive me of my "tongue in cheek" version of dealing with winter... but I love the snow! I also realize it's because I don't live there anymore, so for me... it was a nice treat. I feel for those of you who have to deal with it for more than 10 days while on vacation, but they way I see it... there's plenty of room down here in the south if anybody wants to come join us. Otherwise... Spring is on the way!

In the meantime... I'm back in the south with no snow and warm temps. Since miles make smiles, I guess I'll go riding.

Lady R

Monday, January 25, 2010

PIC OF THE WEEK - THE GRAND CANYON

Last week, I brought you to the Little River Canyon in north Alabama, a cool place to ride and enjoy some great scenery. Well, today I bring you to another canyon on a much greater scale...

THE GRAND CANYON
What a gorgeous view! This shot was taken by Harley about four years ago while he was riding through the wild west with two other buddies. Standing next to something this magnificent makes you realize just how small we all really are.

He took so many pictures on that trip, and almost all of them are amazing shots depicting just how beautiful this part of the country is. We plan to go back and ride out there together... but he said it definitely won't be in the summer! Shew!

Have a nice Monday every body and I hope this week goes well for all!

Lady R

Monday, January 18, 2010

PIC OF THE WEEK - LITTLE RIVER CANYON

I gave Harley one of those digital picture frames for Christmas this year, and I've been blowing the dust off some old files to see what I want to load on it. In doing so, I came across several old ride pics that have inspired me to get back on my keyboard and write some cool road posts for ya. Hopefully, I'll be able to bring you something with more substance for a change, besides my Monday editions of "Pic Of The Week".

LITTLE RIVER CANYON
Little River Canyon is in North Alabama and runs through DeSoto State Park. A couple years ago, while cruisin' around this area, we saw two very brave guys preparing to repel down the side of one of these cliffs that line the river's canyon.
We stopped to stretch at the same overlook they were at, but the best view of them came a few miles down the road at another overlook.
Looks like fun but... I think I'll stick to riding.

BEST PIC OF THE WEEK FOR 2009

The poll for the best Pic Of The Week for 2009 is closed, and I want to thank those of you who voted. It's fun to find out what you think and I appreciate all of your opinions. So, without further ado, the winner is...

SUNSET ON THE MISSISSIPPI
This awesome sunset won first place, the "Double Arch Bridge" came in second, and "Cruisin' Round Moundville" took a respectable third. Thanks again for playing!

Today will be a holiday for some of you, and to you I say... have a great day off. I will be working... wishing I was riding. Have a great week everybody!

Lady R

Monday, January 4, 2010

PIC OF THE WEEK - THE JULIEN DUBUQUE BRIDGE

On New Year's day, my brother Bucky and I rode around and took some interesting pictures of things we miss about our old home town of Dubuque, Iowa. It was the last day of our vacation for both of us and I think we both were feeling a little melancholy.

THE JULIEN DUBUQUE BRIDGE
This bridge signifies many wonderful things. Not only does it connect Iowa to Illinois and provide you safe passage across the Mississippi River... it was the path to later curfews and a wild night life. Back in the day, all our favorite hot spots in Dubuque would close down at 2:00 AM. But, across the river in East Dubuque, IL, last call wasn't until 3:00 AM, so... you guessed it! Cars would load up and carry as many party goers that would fit, and cruise across the river to finish our night of merriment. After that, we would then cruise back to downtown Dubuque and stop at this little "open all night" restaurant called the Monte Carlo to eat our alcohol buzz into submission.

The funny thing about rehashing these old memories with your family... we found out the ol' Monte Carlo Restaurant was a fixture back when my Dad and his pals were following the same youthful routine. Maybe that's why Dubuque seems so historic... nothing really changes!

Our Christmas surprise went great, and I plan to share it with you as soon as I can sort through my pictures and regroup. I've got to get back into my routine... and that's going to be a challenge!

Have a great week everybody!

Lady R