Biking Across America: 05/19/16

Gabriel the Lab

I forgot, I felt like I was at home with a dog on my bed. This was at the Cookie Lady. He jumped on my sleeping bag on the couch and got comfy.

I forgot to talk about the helmet mirror. I never used it before my trip. It is not for me. I spent four hours the first day adjusting it and couldn't get it to see past my shoulder. I stuck it way out and it gave me eye strain.

I got rid of it. I have no mirror but I listen for cars. When I find a bike store, I will get one. I never did get a mirror.

Pictures

Day 4 The End

My thinking fell apart. I ended up at a Budget Hotel. I have to plan better. I saw a group of bikers across the street in a Church. They are riding across America in 83 days not sure their destination. They paid for a guide including a support van to carry their stuff, and bike mech. They said there is another group a week ahead of me.

Day 4 Blue Ridge

Day 4 The Hills

Monster Downhill At The End Look At The Plunge

I woke up very tired. I did not sleep well and my eyes are very puffy. Left Afton and the hill was immediate. The road was called the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was relentless. Although tiring, it was absolutely beautiful. So much different than the Cascades because the green growth of the trees was so abundant. There were rarely any cars. I was at peace. All I could hear was birds chirping. I ran out of time and got caught in the rain that evening. I was headed for a KOA campground but I had my first paid room instead.

Day 3 The Cookie Lady

I ended the day at "The Cookie Lady" house in Afton, VA. There was a large hill at the end of the day to get there. I spent the night there with Dan and Briane, their kids, and the dog Gabriel. See the pictures. It was very interesting. She must have been a very nice lady. After she passed away, she left the house for bikers to stay at. Briane gave me some Oriole Cookies to honor her.

Day 3 Monticello

Beautiful

Liked This

Lewis and Clark

I rode by Monticello. Monticello was the primary plantation of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, who began designing and building Monticello at age 26 after inheriting land from his father.

Day 3 Rain

I woke to rain and it rained and rained. I'm StormyJames so I didn't mind. Stormy because I like stormy weather and James is my middle name. The roads were mostly rolling country roads. I met a young fellow at the country store. He chatted with me. He said his name was Billy, grew up local, lived here his entire life. He started tree-cutting at 14 and now he was 31. I said Virginia is beautiful. I noted all the beautiful plantations and green country land. He said the "Civil War burned down many of them" I was going to lock my bike, but Billy laughed and said, "this is Virginia, you don't have to do that." The day ended with the start of tomorrows climb.

Day 2 Nice Weather, Nice People

Be Safe Coin

Brooks

The weather is beautiful. I got lost again today so I figured I better start using the maps. I stayed the night behind a fire station in Mineral, VA. I camped in the grass by a pavilion. No shower. Three nice locals came up to me. Bicycle Bill Alewine (like alcohol) was the first. He was retired Pentagon Army. He had the same bike I had. He got it for Christmas. He said out of college, he and a few friends went to SEATAC Airport, unpacked their bikes and rode all across America. As our conversation ended, he said "I got something for you" and reached in his pocket. I knew what he was doing. I said "do you have a coin?" I didn't. No worry. He handed me a mint never touched bicentennial (1776-1976) gold looking quarter in a hard plastic protection. He wished me safe travels. Another local pulled up in the grass with his Chevrolet 1500 pick-up. I thought I was in trouble. He was Brooks Besley. I said "how are you?" He said "no good". I thought "oh-oh" but he was actually very nice. He gave me a pencil, wished me luck, and safe travels.

Day 1 Good Night

Day 1 is finished. I spent the night at a Church. It was an eventful day. I missed a turn today and came to a tunnel. No bikes allowed. Tried to shortcut through historic Williamsburg and came back to the same spot. I decided to go through the tunnel but it was clear and I rode fast.