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!