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.