I’ve got the third day under my belt and things are still going great. Looking at the map, it shows it’d be just over 220 miles to get back to Yorktown from where I am in Waynesboro. That means I’ve come a long way in just these three days. If this trip turned out to be only limited to one long weekend, it would be one to remember for a lifetime.
I slept outside under the pavilion last night in only a sleeping bag. I knew it’d be risky since I was on the lake but I feel the cooler night time temperature kept the mosquitos at bay.
I broke for Charlottesville by nine after taking a shower for which I am very grateful. This was the most eye appealing and challenging bout thus far. As I moved across the Virginian country side I admired the elegant properties that dotted the hillsides along the country roads. The whole day was primarily out of the reach of the commercialized world. However I would like to thank the friendly staff at the KFC on Emitt for letting me fill up all the water and ice I could handle. It kept my drinks cool all day.
I quickly passed through the University of Virginia, my second college so far (I forgot to mention Randolph-Macon College yesterday, who have a beautiful baseball field by the way). The hardest part of the day literally came at the very end. I made it to the top of Afton mountain, a 600 ft climb that happened all at once. I decided to seek refuge in a motel for the night because I needed food, the Indians were playing the Yankees on ESPN tonight, and I could shower. It turned out to be a great decision as it lead to a free meal with four experienced and entertaining cyclists.
Headquartered in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, the men were a dynamic group of retirees. They have used their summers/falls to bike across the country in sections and complete various unique trips (for example, cycling to the see the Purdue Boilermakers play road games against their Big Ten opponents). I admire the cohesiveness of their group and would be blessed to find a few good men willing to pursue similar activities in retirement. I really appreciate the meal, the beer, and the conversation.
I don’t known what tomorrow has in store. Looking at the map there will be 2000 more feet of climbing. Maybe I’ll camp near the top? The trip is still wide open. And even though I’m riding solo I have never really felt alone yet.
