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!

Day 4 -- Still in Staunton

We have been pretty fortunate in the weather department.  Just before supper last night the skies opened and poured.  Humidity was 100% this morning, but no rain just overcast skies.  At points today we had sun, when it would really get steamy especially for the climbing that was to be done.  We appeared, though, to be skirting the weather all day.  This was looking back at the direction we had come from just before we returned to Staunton, the clouds were hanging really low over the mountains:

There were two loop options today, both converged at the SAG stop located in the town of Middlebrook (the only incorporated town on today's routes).  We returned to Staunton for a second overnight.  There was 3,500' of climbing,  all rolling hills except that monster hill right out of the hotel (ugh).  

We had a new challenge following the sag stop, but nothing deters a touring cyclist. There was a bridge out on the route. We were able to walk the bikes through under the supervising eyes of the construction guys. The support vans had to find an alternate route.  Those on the front end, which were first upon the bridge, were without support for the remainder of the route today but went as a group to avoid issues.

You'll also find humor in the silliest things when on a trip.  We ran across this directional today:

The top was "North Pole", the bottom was "South Pole", and the very bottom was "Chesapeake Bay Tunnel."  All in the middle of nowhere.

This area is full of history, of course.  We rode past a church today that had a plaque that it had been organized in 1780, four years following the independence of the United States, and the church appeared to still be active.  

There are also many cemeteries.  I found this headstone today in a cemetery at one of today's turns:

The logistics of the day were a different routine to give riders a free afternoon and evening to see sites and take care of necessities (like laundry for me).  The tour bought lunch today instead of dinner, which was at the Pampered Palate. A group of us went to Emilio's Italian Restaurant for supper.  Both were exceptional.

Tomorrow we move onto Lexington, riding 57 miles.  It'll be difficult to leave the Stonewall Jackson Hotel, but the ride continues.

The Natural Chimneys On Route Today

This would have been a disappointment, but one has to ask how did they do this?  Tear down a whole building but leave the chimneys virtually untouched!

Here are the real Natural Chimneys

The Natural Chimneys are a natural rock structure located near Mt. Solon, Virginia in the Shenandoah Valley. The rock "chimneys" formed from limestone that began to accumulate and harden into stone about 500 million years ago when the region was underwater. Over time, enormous upward pressures of magma and widespread geologic upheaval, which created the Appalachian Mountains, combined with erosive forces of water and destroyed weaker layers of stone.  This created the rock towers which are 120 feet above ground level.  

Did You Know?
The Natural Chimneys Park hosts the largest jousting match in the eastern United States the third Saturday in August since 1821?

Today's route was about 52 miles including the ride into the park.  We climbed about 3,527 feet, all rolling hills with the max grade of 12%.

Walt and Jim let me ride with them today.  Both are strong riders.  Walt from Atlanta and Jim from California.  Makes the day pass quick.  We were able to walk to the Beverly Cafe when we arrived, and had an excellent meal.  I had baked ham on a homemade roll that reminded of the rolls our Aunt Verna used to make.

We are in Staunton for two nights, and will be doing loop rides.  We'll find out more at rap tonight.  The area is full of history.  It sounds like some riders are planning time off the bike to take in some of the sites.

We're staying at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel.  Pretty nice for a bunch of bikers.  Conveniently located in the downtown area.  The down side is no matter which way we go we'll have to climb out.

The hotel is so nice we wiped down bikes and cleaned chains before bringing them in. Anyone who has cleaned a chain knows what that means.  So, I walked my bike through the lobby (marble floors) and up to the third floor.  Wall coverings are all cream and beige.  Room doors are white.  So, especially if you have kids you know where this is going.  I carefully walked the bike into the room and caught the door with my hand -- yes, my greasy black hand from cleaning the chain.  Big fat grease marks all over the door!  Ugh!  The housekeeping staff happened to be a few doors down and were incredibly understanding.  Said if this was the worst thing they had to clean up today, it would be a good day.

Such is life on the road but I highly recommend the Beverly Cafe and Stonewall Jackson if you're ever in the area.

Today's bike joke by Linda Wilson
When is a bicycle not a bicycle?
A.  When it turns into a driveway

Had this one early today so we could chuckle through the whole route!  Thanks, Linda!

In the Light of Day...........

there were no takers for today's long route.  So short route it was, 47.7 mile loop out of Harrisonburg with today's SAG stop at Timberville.  We don't see many incorporated towns on route, only a few stores and gas stations.  We've rarely been completely away from areas with houses, whether neighborhoods or farms.  So far, it's been much more populated than I expected.

Roads were still fairly narrow with light traffic but any drivers we did meet or that passed us were courteous and patient given the hills and curves -- only one near crash today :-) Yesterday was different story when we had a driver stop in the middle of the road, on a curve of the big climb just to find out what we were doing.  Was it really that important?

We were more rural today among farms, a few corn fields and large pastures.  We saw a lot of cattle, including cow calve herds and dairy cows (Holstein and Jersey).  Mostly pasture I would assume because it was fairly hilly and probably not be tillable.

Happy cows!  Plenty to eat 

Look at that perfect barbed wire fence!

There are many poultry buildings in this area, possibly chickens.  

We've not seen many hogs but have seen a few exotic animals including camels and emus.

There were a few saw mills on today's route.  I love that smell!  Some appeared to be custom lumber, others ties.  I can't figure out where the lumber is coming from.  So far, we've not seen a single log truck nor evidence of logging.  So, where does it come from and how does it get to the mills?

The route was challenging but manageable today.  Constant rolling hills with one at an 18% grade but only 300' (seemed like a mile!).  All the gears were used today.  The ride leader told us last night that we'd climb 750' every 10 miles.  It takes a lot of rollers to make 750', and unfortunately here, the downs and ups are not usually close together.

Weather was a non-factor.  The Weather Channel and local weather are staples on a tour. They both sound like there are storms all around us but so far we're dry.  The important thing is that everyone is in, so if it rains now all the better and clear it out before tomorrow morning when we move to Staunton.

Did you know --
we need to be on the lookout for copperheads, rattlesnakes and black bears? Oh my!

So far there's only been evidence of possibly one rattlesnake.  There was a very squished snake shortly after this morning's start.  I didn't stop for many reasons to confirm the species, but it was the correct color and markings.  Consequently, when I had to stop for a chain issue later in the day I was looking around for all three (copperheads, rattlesnakes and black bears) before I stepped onto the weedy shoulder of the road.

I was in before noon and walked down the street to get some food.  On the way back I was watching the traffic and there was a van with a Wartburg College license plate.  Small world. They exited at the ramp for James Madison University, which is here in Harrisonburg.  I understand classes begin soon. 

The ride leader also has a blog where there'll be more photos.  You should be able to click on the hyperlink to go to the front page his blog at Bamacyclist.

Joke of the Day provided by Linda Wilson --
Why are bank tellers not allowed to ride bicycles?
A.  Because they tend to lose their balance!

Thanks, Linda!

Check in tomorrow as we move down the road to the next stop.  

Curves and hills.  Say no more.

Day 1 -- Charlottesville to Harrisonburg -- 65 miles -- It's in the Books

Everything we expected and more.  

The ride out of Charlottesville was uneventful.  Early Sunday morning, not much traffic or activity.  Breakfast was at the hotel.  We loaded at 7:00 (6:00 for most of you).  

Once out of town, the countryside was beautiful.  Homes are, generally, large.  Not many farms on today's route but did see a few corn fields, smaller than Midwest fields.  The greenness of the area really strikes me too.  Given that it's August I expected everything to be brown from the heat.

It was warmer and more humid than yesterday, so we were able to start out in sleeves and shorts this morning.  It was raining within 30 minutes and rained off and on for about 20 miles. But temps stayed in the 80's, so was comfortable all day.

The roads are quiet and tree lined.  Pavement is good.  The secondary roads are narrow. Support vans aren't always able to follow, so they go around and come in to meet us.  Photo opportunities aren't frequently available as there's no shoulder and no where to stop.  Maybe they call that motivation to keep moving!

Roads are so narrow, we actually had a hairpin climb today.  I have no idea how any car would make the turn.  Yes, we have been rural at times, but then you ride under the interstate!

30 miles to the sag stop.  In the Quad Cities that would take a little over two hours.  Well, today was a little different -- three hours!

The last four miles was the epic climb of the day.  It was full of switchbacks.  I have no idea on the grade, but you know when you have to stand up in granny gear to keep from falling over that it was steep.

I had to confess to the ride leader that I broke one of the cardinal rules to stop at all stop signs because I was going so slow when I got to the top and had a t-intersection there was no way I'd get out of the pedals. 

There was a small church at that corner occupying what had previously been a post office.  A couple of riders made a short stop in the parking lot and one of the church ladies came out asking all the normal questions about where they'd ridden from and whether they were going to the "Skyline Highway."  When they affirmed, her response was that they would be having services shortly and that she would pray for them.  Yes, it was that kind of climb.  Today's only photo is below with the folks involved telling the story at the sag stop.  God bless that lady at the church.  She knew we were going to need that kind of help!

Larry, Denise, Deb, Jan and Barb in the background

Tomorrow's ride has two options -- 47 and 74.  Climbing promises to be the same.  Weather could become an issue.

Did You Know --
The Parkway is one of the most ecologically diverse areas in the world with about 100 varieties of trees; 1,600 plant species; 54 mammals; and 159 species of birds.

Today's bike joke by Linda Wilson --
What do you get if you cross a bike and a flower?

A.  Bicycle pedals

Time to Ride

14 riders and 3 support staff have assembled in Charlottesville, Virginia from various parts of the country, no international riders this time.  All but 2 are alumni of other America by Bike tours and all have been cross country at least once.  I have ridden with some of these folks before.

Tomorrow's route is 65 miles, and yes there are just a few climbs.  This is tomorrow's elevation profile which gets pretty interesting around mile 25.  It'll be time "to find it and grind it."

There are 35 cues, which means 35 opportunities for bonus miles.  One of the riders has the daily routes on Garmin Connect and graciously allowed us to download into our computers. This will be a first for me.  But never fear, always have a backup plan (the paper route sheet is already mounted to the handlebars.) The route ends in Harrisonburg where we'll spend two nights. 

This tour has a slightly different format.  Most ABB tours overnight in a different location each night, meaning everything is loaded up and moved each day.  This tour has multiple nights in the same hotel three different times.  From those locations there will be loop options on the following days which provides flexibility for the routes and gives extra time for sight seeing in this historic area.

From eastern Kentucky through West Virginia into Virginia really is beautiful.  Reminds me in some ways of southern Missouri.  I really look forward to riding the valleys!

The forecast looks a little sketchy after tomorrow afternoon, which will take the fun out of the descents.

Here's today's "Did You Know--"

The Blue Ridge Parkway contains three mountain ranges with 16 peaks above 5,000 feet, including Mount Mitchell, the tallest peak east of the Mississippi at 6,683 feet.

(Now there's something to look forward to!)

Preparing to Ride the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Shenandoah Valley

Panic has officially begun, along with the piling and the to do list.  Creating the blog is amongst those things.

We'll be leaving soon and will be in Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Staunton, Lexington, Peaks of Otter (how cool is that!), Roanoke, Natural Bridge and Waynesboro during these last dog days of summer.  It will total almost 700 miles and when I asked for the daily elevations and profiles, I was told they weren't available......hmmmmmmm.  Last time I heard that it was not good!  Oh well, I'm committed (probably in more than one way) and trying to ride as often as I can.

Many have asked about August weather there.  Not as bad as I thought, and wind speed is down right exciting!!


Average Temperatures

  

Average Wind Speed -- aka Biker's Dream!


So I was researching the area a bit the other night, and will try to have a "Did You Know" each day, and if the twins aren't too busy with that kindergarten thing they might be able to supply some bike jokes! 

Today's "Did You Know" (in this case aka Your Daily Dose of Encouragement....or not) --

Make an honest evaluation of your abilities before beginning a bicycle trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway. In some sections, you will climb over one thousand feet in just a few miles.

I have to thank all riding partners for putting up with it all -- the crazy routes, climbing, etc.  Without you, the continued motivation would be tough.

And, the support of family, friends and colleagues for these adventures is always amazing.  Thank you!  The blog is a very small way to pay it back.

Let the fun begin!

Hope you enjoy!