Not a good day for motorcycles

Race Road before the snowplow, originally uploaded by bikerphoto.

On Jan 17, we had a light snowfall here in central Maryland. I took this shot just at the storm was winding down. I had been at a business luncheon and came out to find the roads very slippery. I was in my AWD Pacifica, but with very worn tires. After stopping by a tire shop to get some new tires, I headed home to grab my camera while the snow was fresh. Shortly after this it warmed up, the snow turned into rain, and the beauty of the fresh snow was gone.

This is pretty, but I would much prefer a sunny day in the 70's, so I could be riding my bike on this road.

covered bridge in shenandoah valley

covered bridge in shenandoah valley, originally uploaded by bikerphoto.

On a trip on New Year's weekend, we happened upon this covered bridge. We took a detour due to a traffic backup in I-81, and discovered this by accident. This is right of US Route 11 near New Market, VA. I did not note the name of the side road.

Take me home country roads

WV country road, originally uploaded by bikerphoto.

Over New Years weekend my wife and I went home to WV. While there I got a chance to do some hiking in the woods, and took a few good shots of an old grist mill that my wife's family owns. Sorry I can't show shots of the grist mill, because they are copyrighted for future sale at fundraising events. The family is raising money to rebuild the grist mill. It was originally built and operated by my wife's great grandfather.

This picture is on Ellison Ridge Road in Summers County WV. I always loved backroads in the mountains.

collapsed barn

collapsed barn, originally uploaded by bikerphoto.

At Linganore Winery in Mt. Airy MD they have this collapsed barn on the property. Living in the metro area of Baltimore and Washington one forgets that rural America is still nearby. When I go to this area, which is only 40 minutes from the Baltimore Beltway, it is amazing to talk to people who live on these farms and have not been to Baltimore in decades. This area is relatively untouched by urban sprawl, though many from urban areas in PA and MD visit here everyday. If not for the nearby urban centers, wineries such as these would have no business. If not for nearby rural charm, there would be no escape from urban confinement. Yet it amazes me how many people I know who never enjoy these nearby simple pleasures, but instead travel very long distances to find their paradise.