August 28th, 2025 | by Carina Hamel
The seasons are beginning to turn. Summer always feels too short; long evenings, warm mornings, and days filled with dips in the river, gravel rides, and early runs before the heat sets in. At Bivo, we all thrive on being outside, moving, and soaking up summer while it lasts. But as the air cools and the light shifts, there’s a different kind of energy that comes with fall: crisp rides, foggy runs, and, around this time of year, the first itch of excitement…may I dare say it… for snow.
Yesterday was the first day of school. A mix of happiness and nerves for the kids, and a touch of new freedom for the parents. Robby has been traveling this week, so I had been looking forward to my first run after drop-off.
Our morning started with the usual hike to school through the woods, one of my favorite parts of living in Richmond. A thin fog lingered among the trees, and the chill in the air made it feel more like October than late August. After walking my daughter into her classroom, I stepped back outside into a full-on downpour.
A woman rolled up on her Rad Power bike, her five-year-old giggling on the back, both of them soaked but beaming. Their laughter was contagious, the kind of moment where everyone watching couldn’t help but smile.
I was already dressed to run. My choices were simple: walk home and get wet anyway, or embrace it and run in the rain. I love running in the rain, though, I’ll admit, it’s always hard to take that first step. After a few minutes chatting with other parents under the overhang, I went for it.
The seasons are beginning to turn. Summer always feels too short; long evenings, warm mornings, and days filled with dips in the river, gravel rides, and early runs before the heat sets in. At Bivo, we all thrive on being outside, moving, and soaking up summer while it lasts. But as the air cools and the light shifts, there’s a different kind of energy that comes with fall: crisp rides, foggy runs, and, around this time of year, the first itch of excitement…may I dare say it… for snow.
Yesterday was the first day of school. A mix of happiness and nerves for the kids, and a touch of new freedom for the parents. Robby has been traveling this week, so I had been looking forward to my first run after drop-off.
Our morning started with the usual hike to school through the woods, one of my favorite parts of living in Richmond. A thin fog lingered among the trees, and the chill in the air made it feel more like October than late August. After walking my daughter into her classroom, I stepped back outside into a full-on downpour.
A woman rolled up on her Rad Power bike, her five-year-old giggling on the back, both of them soaked but beaming. Their laughter was contagious, the kind of moment where everyone watching couldn’t help but smile.
I was already dressed to run. My choices were simple: walk home and get wet anyway, or embrace it and run in the rain. I love running in the rain, though, I’ll admit, it’s always hard to take that first step. After a few minutes chatting with other parents under the overhang, I went for it.
Left, photographed by Joshua Strong.
Left, photographed by Joshua Strong.
It was sixty degrees and pouring, perfect. My dad always said the best days are when you’re warm on the inside but cool on the outside. That was exactly how it felt.
I set out on my usual hour loop, but the rain transformed it completely. Branches sagged under the weight of water, soaking me as I brushed past, and the steady rush of rain drowned out the noise of cars on the road, allowing me to think clearly and appreciate the time by myself.
About three-quarters through, I passed another woman out hiking. I leapt over a puddle, grinned, and said hello. She laughed, and without needing more words, we both knew each of us were having fun.
By the time I reached the end of the trail, the rain had softened, replaced by rolling fog. I walked into the house drenched, peeled off my soaked clothes, and made myself a hot cup of coffee. I drink two every day, but today it tasted better than it had in a very long time.
It was sixty degrees and pouring, perfect. My dad always said the best days are when you’re warm on the inside but cool on the outside. That was exactly how it felt.
I set out on my usual hour loop, but the rain transformed it completely. Branches sagged under the weight of water, soaking me as I brushed past, and the steady rush of rain drowned out the noise of cars on the road, allowing me to think clearly and appreciate the time by myself.
About three-quarters through, I passed another woman out hiking. I leapt over a puddle, grinned, and said hello. She laughed, and without needing more words, we both knew each of us were having fun.
By the time I reached the end of the trail, the rain had softened, replaced by rolling fog. I walked into the house drenched, peeled off my soaked clothes, and made myself a hot cup of coffee. I drink two every day, but today it tasted better than it had in a very long time.
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