Day 6- Into the unknown

57.5 miles- Radford to Rural Retreat

Today was the first day I have entered new territory as I have been down south to Radford once before. No miserable climbs today, but I met a real headwind for the first time (even red shacks were being blown over!). The scenery is much the same- beautiful rolling hills and lots of cows, sheep, and "mountains mamas."

Rural Retreat is an interesting place. I am staying on the second floor of the historical society/museum building. I spent an hour looking through the history of this area to discover, along loads of other minutiae, this is where Dr. Pepper originated, and their "local gold" is ginseng. Similar to the Chinese variety, it is exported and marketed for medicinal purposes.

Day 5- A day of rest

0 miles- Radford

I am taking relaxing day off in this small college town. The mountains are watching from every direction, anticipating my forthcoming advance.

Yesterday, during my last ten mils, saw a scraggly long bearded man pushing his bike up a hill. His bike was equipped with off-road tires and a shopping-cart-looking trailer. During a quick chat from opposite sides of the highway, traffic zooming in between us, he explained his situation. He was traveling from Georgia to New York, but the curb of the road kept flipping his cart over. After reflecting on my good decision to use saddlebags/panniers rather than a trailer, I realized he had one great advantage over me- his look ensured he would never be robbed.

Added a "SEE MORE PICTURES" section to the blog that links my online hard drive.

Day 4- A Small Hill

93.3 miles- Lexington to Radford

Started the day with an interview/meeting with Washington and Lee admissions, trying to convince them to accept me. Took longer than expected, so got off to a late start and did not pull into George's place until 7.

Very tired! There was an enormous climb leading into Christiansburg on rt11. Taking a day off tomorrow as I just finished the longest ride I have ever done! Painful, but confident I can do this now.

Day 3- Something smells

63.8 miles- Harrisonburg to Lexington

Got off to a late start after pancakes and eggs made by Emily and Dale. A chilly day with no sun, but fewer hills. The stench of cows today was overwhelming- far more potent than their counterparts from The Plains. Saw a Valley Castle, a little different than the European variety. The ones here were clearly designed to keep people in rather than out. (It was a military school- not worth a picture.)

Staunton was a pretty place with older houses and a downtown full of small restaurants. Ended the day with a salute to Lt General Stonewall. A passer by asked me if a could explain the lemons strewn around his monument. I replied that it looked like the work of an insolent yankee who was brave enough to venture this far south... and to watch out as he might still be lurking around. (Later found out that this was a tribute to his healthy fruit-filled life style.)

Staying with Seth Obed tonight- a middle and high school teacher, polo player, squash and soccer coach, Canadian, and law student who is currently offering DJ services here and northern virginia.

Day 2- Into THE VALLEY

44.8 miles- Luray to Harrisonburg

Set off later than planned as I can never remember into which bag I packed everything. Left at 8am trying to beat the pending thunder storms (which never actually came.) Left Luray down RT340, a busy two-lane road with no shoulders. I spent most of the day staring into my two rear-view mirrors (one on helmet, another on the handlebar.) The road passed in between two mountain ranges. I knew RT33 west would begin when the rage the right ended, so used that as a guide.
Halfway through the day I stopped to take a picture of the range I had almost come to the end of when a dozen very nice cyclists from Quebec pulled up next to me. Knowing the ways of the "Canadianne Francais" from my days in Toronto, I smiled politely before rushing to the nearest village to warn the locals to hide their women and daughters lest they fall victim to the Francophone deception. (Note- this blog will never stretch the truth!)
Made it to Harrisonburg after fighting headwinds and a steady uphill on 33.

Day 1- An easy start

50.7 miles- The Plains to Luray

Twenty miles down route 55 ran into a few people walking from the Appellation Trail into town. They had to resupply after a bear ate their food. Saw them again ten minutes later giving thumbs up from the back of a pickup. Had a vigilant lunch outside skyline caverns watching for movement in the woods. Do not know why I am heading west when this place might be the most beautiful part of America.

Spending the night with a good friends mother- very comfortable night! (having trouble with pictures right now.)

Leaving Tomorrow

Bags packed- ready to go in less than twelve hours. Weighing in: myself at 174 pounds and a bike and all equipment at 92 pounds for a total of 266 pounds of riding weight! Should be a stroll in the park.

Off to Luray Monday night- Harrisonburg Tuesday- Lexington Wednesday- and Radford Thursday... after that am into the unknown.

Haven't even made it over the first hill, and already amazed by peoples generosity- both to Heifer and to the ride itself. Will keep everyone updated-- THANK YOU SO MUCH--