This past Sunday, March 26, Rose Maghdouri of Yogaland RVA and Anne Poarch with BASKET & BIKE (with the help of Heather Engel with local boutique Happy Haven RVA brought together 12 women, ages 30s - 70s, for a morning devoted to slowing our rhythms and connecting. From mountain poses grounding us to the land along Yeokanta (aka the James River) at Upper Shirley Vineyards to bicycle strokes lengthening our strides along the Virginia Capital Trail, these women brought all their energy and enthusiasm, allowing their vulnerability and truest selves to shine. While early spring breezes kissed our skin like silk, we took deep breaths, listened to song birds joyfully singing, pushed ourselves to try, and laughed deep belly laughs. Some had never taken a yoga class. Some hadn’t been on a bicycle in 15 years. No matter our level what we all found is companionship in being outdoors with women we may have never met before, and encouragement on all fronts. When we pedaled our last and cooled off with a lavender-scented towel, the refreshing Upper Shirley Vineyards wine eased us into a place of knowing. Knowing that we, as women, were meant for connection, and that we had just experienced a profoundly unique day in a very special part of the world, right here in Virginia. We hope you’ll enjoy these photos and join us for our next Yoga & Ride, date TBA soon!