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.
Looks like a great trip...glad the sun came out for you today, nothing better then starting out a little chilly and the day warming up!
ReplyDeleteWe're super busy (and occupied) with Giselle here. OMG, the energy level!! Today's schedule: bike, jabber, swing, jabber, kayak, jabber, puzzles, jabber, eat, jabber, color, jabber, train, jabber, read, jabber...you get the picture, our ears are tired and we're running out of answers to her questions :) Enjoy your nice peaceful ride :) :)
Hey, did you hear about the tandem rider who was stopped by a police car? "What've I done officer?" asks the rider. "Perhaps you didn't notice sir, but your wife fell off your bike a half mile back." "OH, thank God for that" the guy says - "I thought I was going deaf!"
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!