Girls on the Run 5K-Western North Carolina

Girls on the Run is a non-profit organization that encourages preteen girls to develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles through running. On December 12th, 2009 the Western North Carolina chapter held its 5k race for these girls at the UNCA Campus.

Despite the below 35 degree temperatures, these cheerful girls and their running buddies had a blast. My friend Rachel introduced me to this organization and asked me if I would want to volunteer to take pictures of the race. I was incredibly glad I did, this is a great organization and it was so wonderful to see girls outdoors and having a great time.

Below are some pictures from the race.

Canoe Camping- Tyger River, SC

Every Thanksgiving we go canoe camping, I can't think of a more perfect way to be thankful than to float down a river for a few days.

Gauley Fest!

So for once, I went on a trip sans camera and had a blast. The Gauley river in West-By-God, VA is infamous for its wild class V big water rapids. The Gauley dam is released in September and October for scheduled days, hence Gauley season commences and boaters from all over the place descend on WVA.
American Whitewater hosts a big party every year to celebrate Gauley season and raise money for whitewater access, rights, and awareness. This year I was lucky enough to get to paddle my 2 person raft down the Upper Gauley with Thug 1 (aka Julie Ross).
We dubbed my boat, The Little Red Bull as it tried to buck us off many times. After Pillow rapid (picture of us shown below), we finally reached a stated of paddling Zen and ran everything smoothly. If you ever have a change to get to the Gauley I highly recommend it.
Photo credit: www.leisuresportsphoto.com

2009 Long Cane Enduro

The Long Cane 2009 was an eventful enduro. This event is a good reminder for us to try to work with local landowners and the U.S. Forest Service to protect our ride to ride and race. I think more can be done in this area by all of us to encourage use of Forest Service land and roads for 1 day out of the year. We need to work together and write the Sumter Ranger District and local S.C. area chamber of commerce organizations about the economic benefits of holding an enduro in their town and the potential of responsible land use. View the full Long Cane Gallery here!

2009 Little Brown Jug

DUST - The Little Brown Jug had plenty of it this year. The riders were flying at top speeds through the forest in heat. Despite the dust, I was able to take plenty of pictures. More photos in the Little Brown Jug gallery.

The Rattler Enduro 2009

SETRA.org's first enduro of 2009-2010 season went off without a hitch in Sparta, GA. The riders looked to be in great form after the summer break. Be sure to check out SETRA's great new website for scores and more! More photos at Off The Road Photos!

ORAMM 2009 - 10th Annual Off-Road Assault on Mt. Mitchell

ORAMM is a legendary race, on Sunday, July 26th, Blue Ridge Adventures put on the the 10th Annual Off-Road Assault on Mt. Mitchell. The race goes up Kitsuma, to Star Gap, Curtis Creek Road up to the Parkway, down Heartbreak Ridge, and back up and down Kitsuma. While this sounds like an exercise in brutality to most mtn bikers, well over 300 folks come out and race this every year with smiles (and scars)! Photos are up on my site OffTheRoadPhotos.com under the Blue Ridge Adventures Gallery!

Special thanks to Liz DiNatale from Shades of Red Photography for taking pictures on Kitsuma and the finish. Her pictures can be seen on my website by clicking here!

Below are some preview shots from my my ORAMM Gallery!

Heartbreak Ridge

Dave Simpson smoothing a tight switchback

Start (taken with a Fisheye Lens)

Star Gap

Point & Shoot

A few months ago, we bought a little Nikon Coolpix S630 to carry around on the bikes or when we don't want to lug the big DSLR around. I have to say I am very impressed with it. Nikon's definitely have great optics. Below are few shots I took in Seattle with the point and shoot.

Mt. Rainier from in the background of Discovery Park




Cool Tugs


Camera in Macro Mode

Summer Flowers

I adore daylilies, so I took a bunch of pictures of these incredible flowers around my yard. These are all untouched photos, taken with an SB-800 speedlight at dusk. Enjoy!