Monday, June 4.
Said goodbye to Charlottesburg and headed up into the hills through some very pretty country. I spent the morning out in front of the group by myself up to our first stop at Chiles Orchard. The strawberries were great but the peaches were heaven. Better than any drink, so sweet and juicy.
Jim Ormans and I left together (the old guys) and climbed and climbed and climbed. Next stop the Humpback Rocks Visitor up on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Feeling strong. The up and down of the Parkway was strenuous for me but the views were breath taking.
The toughest 62 miles I've ever ridden. 4,600 feet of climbing today. Today was dedicated to Rob Fontes. All the glorious moments were shared with you Rob and all the times I had to push myself on those hills I yelled my battle cry, "For Rob! This is for you Rob!"
I was really glad to see the turn off for the Bicentennial Trail down into Vesuvius. What an incredible ride that was. Fast fast fast down the switchbacks riding the brakes to stay under 40 mph which normally wouldn't be a big deal but here was on the verge of being out of control and holding the curve. Ate and ate at Gerties's in Vesuvius. I'm still not convinced that we can eat as much as we want. I'm sure I'm gainning weight. The scenery all day was beautiful and the temperature difference between the parkway up top and Vesuvius down in the valley was amazing.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Charlottesville, VA and 203 miles
Three days into the ride and we have covered 203 miles.
The first day, I rode about 63 miles, through old Williamsburg, Jamestown and almost to Richmond. Ted Hanson and members of the Williamsburg Area Cyclists, the WABs, invited me to a nice lunch at a church in Williamsburg. I arrived at the Willis Church United Methodist Church just before a thunderstorm. I scored a private room which was a storage closet and slept pretty well. The wonderful folks at the church have been hosting cyclists on the Bicentenial Trail since the first year in 1976, but this was the first time they served a dinner which was greatly appreciated. Thank you pastor Mark Brooks!
Yesterday, June 2, the route covered 81 miles, but I ended up doing about 4 or 5 extra by going off-route. It was a cool day and beautiful. Seven people at once had flat tires as they rode through an area full of roofing tacks. We slept behind the Mineral VA fire department last night and it was a rough night. Trains coming be every hour and my heart decided to start acting up so not much that could be called sleep.
Rode about 55 miles today. Some pretty big hills into Charlottesville around Monticello. We had reception at the James Miller Clinic for MS. We are staying at the Trinity Presbyterian Church tonight. So much kindness. I'm next up for a shower so have to run. See you soon!
The first day, I rode about 63 miles, through old Williamsburg, Jamestown and almost to Richmond. Ted Hanson and members of the Williamsburg Area Cyclists, the WABs, invited me to a nice lunch at a church in Williamsburg. I arrived at the Willis Church United Methodist Church just before a thunderstorm. I scored a private room which was a storage closet and slept pretty well. The wonderful folks at the church have been hosting cyclists on the Bicentenial Trail since the first year in 1976, but this was the first time they served a dinner which was greatly appreciated. Thank you pastor Mark Brooks!
Yesterday, June 2, the route covered 81 miles, but I ended up doing about 4 or 5 extra by going off-route. It was a cool day and beautiful. Seven people at once had flat tires as they rode through an area full of roofing tacks. We slept behind the Mineral VA fire department last night and it was a rough night. Trains coming be every hour and my heart decided to start acting up so not much that could be called sleep.
Rode about 55 miles today. Some pretty big hills into Charlottesville around Monticello. We had reception at the James Miller Clinic for MS. We are staying at the Trinity Presbyterian Church tonight. So much kindness. I'm next up for a shower so have to run. See you soon!
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