| STOP and carefully consider the suffering you are about to endure. |
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Today was a tough day - a very tough day. Easily the toughest ride of the trip thus far. It featured miles, incredible climbs, all kinds of route-finding, two big thunderstorms, and some really awesome scenery.
| Hmmm . . . what's it going to be today? Powerbars or a "Smashburger"????? |
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We had been in touch with Cindy Elkins, a friend of ours from Pharmacy School, and are spending the night with her and her husband Jeff here in Norton, Virginia. They fed us like KINGS tonight. Cindy, her Mom, and friend Peggy put on an awesome spread for us. Amy has said more than once that tonight's steaks were the best steaks she's ever had & I totally agree.
Cindy's Dad Jim has been following our progress since we took off and was planning to join us on his motorcycle for the stretch from near the Kentucky-Virginia line to the final stop on the day in Rosedale. When Cindy's daughter expressed an interest in coming along as well, Jim lobbied for a motorcycle adventure for two. This idea was rejected by Mom. So Jim met us in Elkhorn City, Kentucky at about the 50-mile mark in his BMW convertible. From there my family and Jim stopped at various places for some Geocaching and playground action. When we met them there was already an ominous black wall to the West.
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State #9!!!!! Back in Virginia!!
Once we crossed the state line literally everything instantly looked more beautiful. Bias? |
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Soon after I passed through into Virginia and into Breaks Interstate Park, the clouds began to unload in a big way. This was the first time I'd really gotten good and soaked during the whole trip. The rain wasn't a big deal, but the explosive lightning that was going on was a little scary. Once we got to the Park entrance the lightning continued, and the hail began. I elected to bail and try to find some shelter. The rest of the gang was sitting down to have lunch in the lodge at Breaks when all of this mayhem was going on. The power went out during their meal. I guess the kids had to visit the bathroom with flashlights in hand which they found most excellent.
After a 30-minute wait I pressed on. The rain was still coming down so my sweat-soaked helmet began to discharge all of the salt that had built up since the beginning of the ride all at once into my eyes. Not good when descending a mountain at nearly 40 miles per hour.
I had no idea that "Big A" mountain was coming, nor that "Big A" mountain even existed. "Big A" hit me at about the 84-mile mark and put a tremendous hurt on me. Almost 2000 vertical feet of climbing and super-steep. I was in my 36x25 forever, standing on the pedals to try to get the gear to turn over. It was awesome. Not sure why I enjoy that kind of stuff - just do.
Was hoping for simple survival riding for the rest of the ride but had a couple more moderate climbs to navigate before reaching Rosedale. When I was still 10 miles out the skies opened up again.
Was hoping for a little warmer welcome to Virginia, but it's great to be back!
Either way - we give a huge thanks to Cindy and Jeff for putting us up, and a big thanks to Cindy's Dad Jim for escorting us into Virginia and for tackling the lighting job on our little camper!!!
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