This hike is on the A.T. Trumbo Hollow (day hike) starts on…read moreVa State Rte 55/John Marshall Hwy in Linden Va. Same place as the the Manassas Gap Hike I went on two weeks ago but across the street. Again, lots of great parking. Starting at Rte 55 going onto Trumbo Hollow you are going Southward on the AT. No views but a great hike. Saw a lot of thru hikers today, most of which commented to us about the great weather! Today's 80 degrees and breezy is amazing compared to heat index of 110 degrees last week so these guys were all talking about it as we met them on the trail. Crossed some creeks and walked through 3 nice size fields which I think is cool when you are in the woods forever and then the world opens up into a sunshiny field. With the breeze, it was perfect.3 miles to reach Jim & Molly Denton Shelter. It was actually quite nice. A wooden privy out to the side and showers on the other side... a cooking station and the shelter itself even had a porch and rocking chairs. These thru hikers must think this is the MGM out here. I obviously thought it was impressive. Then we just turn and walk the way back. Nothing spectacular except doing what you love to do. Hiking. I love it. It lifts all my worries and stresses off my shoulders with each step and I feel like I have accomplished something. Of course I took my friend with me again. He laughs when I text him asking what he's doing. He knows what I'm going to ask! Though I love hiking by myself, (loner by choice), my friend is the best hiking partner ever. We just shut up and hike. Every once in a while we laugh or act stupid but mostly we are quiet and just keep hiking. I did see one snake. That was it. A Northern Ring-Neck Snake. It's actually the second one of these I've seen so far in July and the second ever in my lifetime. I thought that was pretty odd. But these snakes are so tiny. They are so thin and only reach about 12-15 inches. Perfectly harmless. I'd probably do this hike again. I liked the flow of it well enough and it's close to home.

Organized process. Arrive with extra time. I was a little late so I went with a later group…read more Instruction was clear; made me feel confident for jumping from 10k feet for the first time. Words can't convey the raw emotion you channel falling from that bay door. Be sure to yell the word and arch your back in free fall. I will be back!

SO MUCH FUN!! The experience was priceless and I recommend it to anyone looking for an adventure…read more The skydiving instructor gave me about a 5-10 minute brief which seemed short but covers everything that you need to know before jumping. They were professional and made me feel safe. 100% recommended. I HAVE to go again!!! See you there!!!

Race fees. During…read morethese tough economic times some might consider this a luxury item. Anyone can just hop on their bike or throw on some running shoes and get a great workout for free. So what do you really get for your race fee? "a Date". That's right.... you have a date on your calendar. We all say we're going to get up and go for a 6am run on Monday, but how often does that happen? Once you commit to the race, you're much more likely to get your butt out of that warm, comfy bed and put your running shoes on. "the Experience". Sure, you can join various local running or cycling groups, but where else can you meet up with a few hundred other like minded athletes to push and challenge yourself to run or ride your hardest and fastest? How cool is it to give your child the opportunity to watch from the side lines as mommy or daddy races past them, sometimes giving out a high-five as they go by? "aid stations". Multiple aid stations are set up every few miles on the course ready to offer water, Gatorade and medical attention, should you need help while out on the course. Staff and volunteers are set up with radio communication for any possible situation that might arise. "action photos". High hopes to be the fresh face for Nike or Under Armour? Brian Knight Photography is out on the course catching your athletic endeavors.... leaping across a creek, tumbling down shock-a-billy, scrambling up the rocks at Rocky Gap, or your relieved expressions upon seeing the finish line. "a marked course". Feeling apprehensive about checking out a new area by yourself? Afraid you might get lost out in the wilderness? If you're like me, I never trail run or mtn bike by myself solely for safety purposes. Too bad all the trails I ride don't have "XXX"danger signs when approaching a crazy rocky descent! "post race party". Fresh, hot Papa Johns pizza awaits you at the finish. Instant gratification for getting out of bed early in the morning. Fruit, granola bars, yogurt, cookies, M&Ms, and other refreshments are provided at every race. Great prizes such as Ipods and gift certificates to running stores like VA runner, and the Bike Lane are also given out during the awards ceremony. "fond memories". You'll always remember picking up your pace to pass the girl in front of you so that you could get on the podium. You'll remember your off road 1/2 marathon finish time. You'll remember how you felt when you rocked shock-a-billy in front of a crowd of spectators. When you bump into a complete stranger wearing the EX2 hat, or race T-shirt, you'll find yourself curious as to which race he or she participated. I've raced in a few EX2 events, and volunteered for many more. I have had the pleasure to see the race experience from both sides, and I know how much hard work goes into putting together a well run race with high levels of support. I also have experienced the feelings of camaraderie with fellow athletes, the joy of crossing the finish line after a particularly difficult physical challenge, and the satisfaction of knowing I was able to push myself farther than I ever imagined. When you consider all of this, the race fee becomes more of a long term investment in yourself.

EX2 Adventures trail running and mountain biking races are awesome!…read more These races are planned by runners, for runners. This isn't some elementary school fundraiser or overcrowded destination race where all they care about is your entry fee. If you are a runner, you know what I'm talking about. These aren't the kind of races where they charge inflated entry fees for a crappy cheap t-shirt with a hundred logos on it, a couple cookies and a warm bottle of water, and lines around the block for overflowing port-o-lets. Oh no, the people at EX2 Adventures are very well organized and actually care that you have fun. Case in point, in April I ran the final race of the 2010 Spring Backyard Burn series out in Prince William Forest Park, Virginia. The EX2 Adventures sponsors gave away so much post-race food and prizes, I really felt like I came out way ahead of what I paid in registration fees. Beyond gorging myself on pizza and other goodies after the 10 mile trail run, I also randomly won a gift certificate for a half hour massage for having the worst race injury; a set of ridiculously bloody nipples. I've only ever participated in the Backyard Burn races, but have heard great things about the Cranky Monkey mountain biking and Greenhorn Adventure races. If you are looking for a fun and challenging adventure you can't go wrong with an EX2 event.

The Natural Connection, near Front Royal, is the best place I've found for Western riding in the…read moreNorthern Virginia and Northern Shenandoah area, and I've tried most of them. It's got a well trained herd of 30 horses and a few mules, a superb owner/operator/instructor with a proven methodology, and scenic trails through shaded woods and streams. You might even see some local wildlife. Owner Jean French is terrific at recognizing "teachable moments" so that you are always improving as a rider. Note that helmets are required (no exceptions).

Really nice walking path. We had been meaning to check it out and it was more than we expected…read more Even though there's a mix of space you go through (see some backyards, some businesses, etc.) it's enough nature to have a good stroll.

This is a pretty neat stretch. You can access in a many different locations. Best start is behind…read moreClaire's Depot. You'll see a caboose/railroad and paved path. I've seen some events at this entrance. Live bluegrass band. Halloween events. Santa Clause was in the caboose taking Christmas gift requests from the kids one year. You can walk to the downtown area and shop/eat. The Greenway itself is a bit historical. Information on site. The paved path stretches across Rte 29 via walking overpass and circles around for return trip the way you came. * When passing Taylor Elementary School you'll see a stop light. That's another entrance to the Greenway. Good for all types of exercise. Good place for kids to learn how to ride a bike or skate. Generally quiet area. Very shady. I like it.

Best inflatable rides company in the DC area! They are on-time, professional about setting up, and…read morekeep their rides clean and safe.

Went here with the kids, park has swings, wooded playground area, rock climbing for the kids,…read moreplenty of area to run and enjoy. If in the area is a must for family with small children. Free and plenty of parking.

I have been riding with Amanda for almost 4 years now and I couldn't be happier. Amanda knows…read moreexactly how much to push you outside your comfort zone to build confidence without scaring you or making you feel unsafe. She will only push once she knows that you are 100% capable of doing what she is asking, and knows you're capable because she makes sure to instill proper fundamentals and emphasizes a good, secure position over anything else. I found Amanda on Facebook when searching for where to get back in the saddle after an 8 year hiatus. I had never really jumped before, and I'm not sure why I decided that's suddenly what I wanted to do at 30, but in my lessons Amanda made me feel like anything was possible if I'm willing to put in the work. She has the best lesson horses to grow with over time if you stay in her program. She is also great at partnering you with the right horse for clinics, horse shows, etc. Amanda has an adult riding team that is part of the National Capitol Adult Equestrian League, it's run like IHSA in college, and it's a fun, relaxed, way to dip your toe into horse showing. This league is what initially brought me to Amanda and I was so glad I joined! Everyone on the team is so friendly, welcoming, and encouraging. (You are not required to be on the team though). When the time came, of course I purchased my first horse through Amanda. We've been partners for almost 2 years now, and it's been great. Of course it hasn't been without it's ups and downs, no relationship is perfect, but knowing Amanda is there when we need her to help us learn a new skill, or course correct if we get off track, is reassuring. As a barn manager, she has also been a great resource, from feeding questions to make sure Olly is maintaining his weight and staying healthy, to whether he needs supplements, to communicating with the vet and the farrier to make sure he has what he needs. Amenities: *Indoor riding arena *Outdoor riding ring *Cross country field *Trails for hacking *Laundry *Hot and cold wash stall