Fort Valley 50 miler

This weekend, Dream and I trekked south to Fort Valley, Virginia for the final leg of the Old Dominion Triple Crown series.

Weather was unusually hot, with temps on Thursday in the low 80s! This is a ride where normally everything freezes solid overnight. On Friday, it was 100% fog and about 60 degrees for the start. The interesting thing was that the ridges were over the fog, which led to some interesting views:




The trail is tough, with lots of rocks and climbs. Having to deal with the warm and horrible humidity just added to the fun. At one point, water was consistently dripping off my helmet and even my eyelashes from riding through the fog! But when the fog finally burned off (middle of the second loop), the colors were fantastic.




(photo courtesy of Becky Pearman)

The Old Dominion group had done a lot of work on the trails. Hard to believe this trail is improved, but the footing was much better than in years past!



The trail doesn't cross the river any more, but gets right up to it. I have never been so happy to see water on trail. I was sponging Dream as well as myself, it was that warm.




(another Becky Pearman photo, she is amazing.)




At the end of the day, Dream and I finished 6th. This completion got us her OD Triple Crown Award, which was the goal of my season.

Congrads dawn. Maybe soon I'll be ready for the mountains, heading to Broxton SC on Ms Emma next week for a 30 LD. Woulda done the NJ ride if I had known more details, for what ever reason there was no link to any info on the AERC websight for that ride.
Next years schedule looking like an early winter florida ride, Skymount in TN, and like to do NJ.

Congradulations Dawn & Dream on finishing 6th and reaching your 2012 year-end goals!!



Beautiful scenery and loved the professional shots of you both!

That is one tough looking ride, especially with the challenging conditions you faced. You & Dream are amazing athletes.

Thanks for sharing.

Be safe in the storm...

Dawn, that is amazing! Congratulations on making your personal goal.

I love how Dreams often has her ears trained on you! That is alot of rock y'all are climbing over - Biscuit would be holding up a hoof saying "I told you I have tender toes!!! What part of that did you not understand?" hahahahaha he is a sissy and said his hat is off to Dreams for being a tough girl!

As always you and dreams are amazing. She really loves her job and loves you! That comes across so clear in the pictures and video.

Amazing! You are my hero!!

Wonderful fun and such fantastic accomplisment for you and your Dream girl! I so enjoy reading and watching your adventures, Dawn!


Karen in WV

I really enjoyed the pictures and video. You two are so awesome!

Congratulations on the Triple Crown award. Lots of hard work paid off. Good for both of you.

Awesome pics and video.

I love your bright red tack. Can I ask where you got it from? What kind of hackamore is that?
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