The Final Day

We returned to Charlottesville from Waynesboro, but there was a mountain between here and there.

Today's route was 62 miles and 4,400' of climb. We went up to the Parkway again where we found brand new pavement going our way...sweeet!  It made the Parkway's rollers a little bit easier, and the downhills incredible.

From the Parkway, elevation 3,290'.  The day started down there.

Some of today's route was a reversal of previous days' routes which means we got back some of those big climbs as downhills, getting Day 1 back was particularly gratifying. It's interesting that everything looks completely different when you ride a route in reverse.  Today we went through Afton, Rockfish Gap, White Hall and Owensville before arriving back in Charlottesville.

It was another beautiful day, although temperatures and humidity were on the rise.  It was close to 90 by the time we completed the route, so it was good to be in.

This is a beautiful area of the country.  This ride will rank among the top that I've done for difficulty and riding. Over the 12 days there was 43,000' of climbing. This group was very experienced and had a good group dynamic.  The roads were quiet and good condition. The drivers have been great.  Weather could not have been better.

The ride started with 14 riders and 3 staff members.  One rider departed after the third day following a crash on that day's route, suffering a concussion, broken collar bone and broken ribs.  The staff transported the injured rider to emergency services while insuring the remainder of the group safely continued.  I've ridden with this staff group before and they are among the best for organization, focus on safety and having a little fun along the way.

Ride leader Mike Munk will do anything to get just the right photo

It's been a great trip.  I'd recommend a visit to this area, with or without your bicycle.  I would expect the overlooks and scenic views to be even more spectacular in the coming weeks.  Now it's time to return to family and friends.  Have a great Labor Day weekend!

Final joke --
What do you call an artist who sculpts with bicycle parts?
A.  Cycleangelo!
Thanks, Linda!

The Name of The Game....

Sometimes on a tour the name of the game is "flexibility." Today was one of those days.

The group decided not to climb to the Blue Ridge, cutting the last 30 miles of the Parkway.  The alternate route was 59 miles through the valley.  It included plenty of climbing for the 11th day of the trip (3,000'+).  The route re-traced some sections of previous days, including the turn to go to Mt. Vesuvius.  Some riders took that challenge today.  Kudos to them!

The day started in Natural Bridge and finished in Waynesboro.  We departed at 9 after breakfast back at the Pink Cadillac.  It was a very foggy trip out to the diner this morning for great food and great service.  Staff there works like a well oiled machine.  But, the fog was a problem.  We all paced around the hotel after breakfast waiting for the green light to go.  With lights and yellow attire, it probably wasn't as bad as the day to Peaks of Otter.

Traffic today, though, was quite a bit busier than days past. We must be getting closer to civilization.

It's really funny on these trips.  I have absolutely no concept of logistics.  Someone asked today whether we were riding up river or down -- I had no idea.  BUT, it gave me something to think about on a 14 mile stretch with no turns and no landmarks.  Well the answer was up, after I figured out north, south, east and west.

Then when we pulled into the hotel, I had a text from cousin Ann Ratliff, currently living in DC, about an F15 crash somewhere in the vicinity of today's route.  We really are cocooned out here.

Today's route took us through Buena Vista, Vesuvius, and Stuarts Draft before arriving in Waynesboro.

The goal today was to crank it out and get in, so no photos today (sorry).  Not to mention, I'm sure the spectacular views are getting redundant and the photos absolutely don't do it justice.  You have to come see it for yourself.  Thank you for all your texts and emails with comments about the blog and photos.  I enjoy memorializing this way and being able to share.

Tonight we'll have time to share final thoughts as a group. We already had final rap, the time to discuss tomorrow's route, issues, etc.

We return to Charlottesville tomorrow.  63 miles with one last 4 mile climb to the Blue Ridge Parkway.  It's been a great trip but we must focus one more day.  Stay tuned!

Today's joke from Linda Wilson --
Why did the little boy take his bike to bed with him?
A.  Because he didn't want to walk in his sleep!
Thanks, Linda!!

They Bleed Green in Virginia Too!

We're back in farm country today.  The Blue Ridge Farm Center is located in Buchanan, along today's route; and had plenty of inventory especially hay balers.

We have seen equipment at farms, green too!  J

Today's route was 42 miles.  We had a late start out of Roanoke to allow morning traffic to clear.  

We had our doubts leaving as the first cues were explained as a right out of the hotel, a left at the T then cross the next intersection and go through the hedge....what?  But as described, there was a path through the hedge that picked up a quiet neighborhood street that took us out of town.  I cannot tell you how many times I've said or thought, "how did they find this route?"  Somehow it always manages to work out...so far.

The route was quiet, other than a couple of cranky dogs and a fair share of road construction. The look on a flagger's face is always priceless when they see a group of cyclists coming.  

We saw the highlights of Troutville and Lithia with an apple orchard thrown in for good measure.

It was a beautiful day.  A little cool at the start but quickly warmed up.  The sun was shining all day with a pesky head wind from time to time, depending on the direction of the route.

Terrain was rolling hills with 2,700' of climb.  The final two days will be more difficult as we go back up to the Parkway, long steep climbs and higher mileage.

We're enjoying Natural Bridge tonight.  A few of the riders are going to take in the sites.  Our accommodations are at the Natural Bridge Hotel:

The entrance at the bottom of the photo is on a really nice downhill, so don't miss it or you'll have to climb back up!

If you look at the trees to the right, it looks like there is a little tint of yellow.  I suspect fall color is not far away in this part of the country.  We've seen just a few fully red leaves at various times. 

Tonight's supper and tomorrow's breakfast will be at the Pink Cadillac.  Sounds like a 50's themed place.

Tomorrow we move again and will be in Waynesboro for one night.

Peaks of Otter and Roanoke

Day 8 was everything it promised to be.  We climbed to the Blue Ridge Parkway for the second time, another four mile climb, then went onto Peaks of Otter the second half of the day. 

Climbing to the Parkway is a challenge as the grade can be 10 - 20%.  Once on the Parkway, traffic is really light.  Speed limit for vehicles is 45.  And, no commercial traffic permitted. The surface is good, but there are no commercial businesses so we strictly depend on the support of the tour staff for everything. Fortunately there are only 13 riders but skill level varies, so the front and the back can get spread out.  Since there are no commercial businesses and no residences, there aren't driveways or cross roads.  If the support van meets you and you need something it may take several miles before the van is able to get turned around to come back to you.

On our way out of Lexington, we went past VMI one more time, and it was much quieter than the day before.  The route also took us through Buena Vista.

We had a tunnel to negotiate on the Parkway so front and back lights were required.  It is pretty spectacular riding.  At times (after climbing of course) you feel you are on top of the world looking down.

The above photo was after the Peaks climb started.  It was 13.5 miles with an average grade of 6%.  I was able to complete in 2 hours and 15 minutes, quicker than I really expected.  Approximately four miles from the top, heavy fog set it.  With the light traffic, you just keep going and re-evaluate if you see the support van.  I stopped and put my yellow jacket on, the temperatures were cooling anyway.  I kept my front and back lights on and didn't have any trouble. The eight mile downhill at the end of the climb was very welcomed.

Our accommodations were at the Peaks of Otter Lodge, a very rustic, serene place.  Their slogan is -- "decompress and unplug."  No wireless services.  No phones in the room and limited television.  We were welcomed by local blue grass musicians.  It was fantastic!

From room balcony

Peaks of Otter Lake

This morning we left from the Lodge moving onto Roanoke. Almost the full route on the Blue Ridge Parkway until we arrived in Roanoke and navigated through the downtown area and out toward the airport to the hotel.

The Parkway seemed busier today than yesterday, but still drivers are considerate providing plenty of space even in the light fog we were in and out of during the ride.  There were great overlooks today, too many to stop at them all.  It was great to have the sun today.

You have to watch out for the wildlife

The route took us by the Mill Mountain Park and Zoo when we got to Roanoke.  Many of the riders stopped at the Roanoke Star, a chamber sponsored site that illuminates each night.  Roanoke's answer to the "Hollywood" sign as we understand it.  From that site there is a spectacular view of the city.

After leaving the Star, we picked up a bike path for the remainder of the route.  One would expect that should be easy, but there are many things that can go wrong.  There was a group of us that came in together and somehow the collective brain trust figured it out with only one miscue.

At the end of the day family friends Pete and Peggy Petersen came to the hotel.  We shared supper, they gave me a driving tour of downtown Roanoke and we did a lot of catching up.  Thanks, Peggy and Pete!  Great to have friends on the road!

Tomorrow we're off to Natural Bridge! 

Joke of the day by Linda Wilson --
What does a bicycle call it's dad?
A.  Pop-cycle 
Thanks, Linda!

Lexington Loop 2

Today had many different aspects that aren't always normal on a tour. 

It began at breakfast where there seemed to be many nervous parents and anxious students.  As we rode out of town it was obvious that today was the first day for incoming VMI (Virginia Military Institute) freshmen, officially known as Matriculation.  

One of our riders, Walt Mather, attended VMI and was able to provide insight as to what was going to happen and it had to do with haircuts, uniforms and loud encouragement.  As we returned to Lexington he provided a riding tour of the campus (also the home to the George C. Marshall Library). It was impressive, and it was obvious by that time who the incoming students were.  According to Walt it's a culture shock for most, which seems surprising with an institution name that includes "Military."

Most riders did the short option today in anticipation of tomorrow's climb to Peaks of Otter.  The short loop was about 33 miles with four climbs but only totaled about 2,700'. The route was fairly quiet probably because it's Saturday. Lexington is hosting a festival in the downtown area today, so the early and late portion of the route was closed off.  The locals gladly let us through this morning as they were just beginning to set up tents as we left at 7:30.  We had to negotiate the closures on the way back.

Today's SAG stop was at Goshen Pass.  It's a very scenic area along the road with tree covered hills and river in the valley.  The road, and our route, just meandered along this area and was really beautiful.

SAG stop at Goshen Pass

Road surfaces have generally been good.  The last few days have had oil and rock patches making down hills especially tricky with some loose rock.

There have been very few dog issues, two that I have been involved in.  For the most part you yell and the dogs go home.  We rode past a whole pack of coon hounds on Thursday.  Wow!  What a racket! We weren't sure whether they were barking at us or the three rabbits sitting just beyond their reach.

We had rain shortly after noon today, and it continues to thunder and rain.  I think everyone was in by then. Tomorrow has a 40% chance of rain.  If foggy, we won't be able to ride to Peaks of Otter as it is prohibited to bike on the Blue Ridge Parkway under those conditions. We'll manage whatever happens.  There won't be an entry tomorrow as we won't have internet access.

Sunday's Profile

Some of the riders went to a local winery after today's route for a wine tasting.  I had chores to do, so took a pass.  

The tour provided lunch today instead of the normal supper. We, again, patronized one of the local restaurants, Selarno's Family Restaurant, and had another great meal.

Looks like many of you are having a pretty hot weekend. Temperatures have only been in the 80's here but humidity has been quite high.  Skies are usually overcast, so conditions have been manageable.  We'll hope it continues tomorrow.

Plan B and Plan C

The skies opened last night during rap, around 5:30, and poured for awhile.  By this morning, it was foggy and drizzly; meaning pavement was wet.  Many riders decided on alternate plans for the day.  For me that included a walking tour of the town, a visit to the Stonewall Jackson House and visit to the George C. Marshall Library on the campus of Virginia Military Institute. 

The buildings in the downtown area have that historic appearance. The downtown is vibrant with many local shops and restaurants (no Starbucks here).  This is how you know you're not in the Midwest anymore --

These signs are at the hotel.  Horse drawn carriages make the rounds in Lexington.  We're at a Hampton Inn.  Its common areas and registration are in a mansion with the guest rooms connected in the rear.

They have also added a log cabin that is used for small conferences.

Staff is accommodating and facility is beautiful.

Today's planned options were a long route of 62 miles and a short route of 49 miles. The start was delayed to 9 and by that time roughly half the group found alternate plans. Those that did ride, rode a short route and reported dry weather with no issues.

Lexington is the home of two post-secondary institutions, Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and Washington and Lee University, I wasn't familiar with either.  

Five star general George C. Marshall is a graduate of VMI and author of the Marshall Plan that followed WWII in addition to serving as Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense.  It was very interesting learning more about his career and a different perspective than what I learned from the textbooks.

Following the visit to the library we stopped at one of the local eateries, Sweet Treats Bakery, for a sandwich. So, far good food has not been hard to find.

The crape myrtle in the area appears to be just past its peak but is prevalent everywhere. Bushes are really big and still beautiful.

Tomorrow will have two options again.  Forecast sounds similar to today's weather.  We'll see what the morning brings.  It'll be important to ride tomorrow as Sunday will be the biggest climbing day of trip going to Peaks of Otter, over 6,000'.

Joke for today by Linda Wilson --
Why can't a bicycle stand up on its own?
A. Because it's too tired!
Thanks, Linda!

Day 5 -- Lexington

We arrived in Lexington mid-afternoon.  Today's route was 59 miles with 4,000' of climb.  At some point someone commented that it was taking a long time to get down the road, and it was with all the rolling hills plus the two 10% climbs of two miles or so. This is a view from the top of the last big climb of the day looking back over the valley from the top of the ridge.  Routes regularly climb to the top of a ridge then back down.

There was another complicating factor today in that I broke a pedal shortly after the sag stop at mile 33.  It took some time for the mechanics van to get there.  We swapped the pedal for a functioning pedal off a staff member's bike so that I could finish the route today, then stopped at the bike shop on the way through Lexington to buy a new set of pedals. We can only surmise the bearings went bad on the broken pedal.  Who knew?  I always learn new things on trips.  I now know that bearings need to be repacked on pedals.  I also know how to adjust brakes, something else important on this trip.

We were fortunate the bike shop proprietor was well stocked with pedals.  He still had ample supply of USPS Team water bottles, which would date back to the hey day of the teams with Lance Armstrong.

Today's route took us through Stuart Draft, Steeles Tavern and Vesuvius.  It was interesting to ride by one of Target's distribution centers shortly before Stuart Draft.  We continue to see a lot of cattle and today we saw llamas.  We have also seen signs of Amish communities, a few buggies and homes.

One of the side trips available today was to Mt. Vesuvius. This climb is known in this area's biking community for it's length, switchbacks and grade of 25%.  A few of the tour's riders did take it on and confirmed it is difficult and the best part was coming down.

Deb (Arizona) and Sandy (Colorado) top last climb of the day

We're in Lexington for the next three nights and will be riding loops on those days.  That should give everyone ample time off the bike to take in more local sites.

Today's joke from Sophia and Natalie:
Q.  Why did the chicken cross the road?
A.  To get to the other side, of course!
Thanks girls, happy birthday!