As I write this I am watching the rain come down through the office window of our gracious Warmshowers hosts Jonathon and Kristin. Like the hosts before Jonathon and Kristin offered their home, a shower, directions to the nearest grocery store, and even made us a home cooked meal.
After yesterday, nothing could have been better. Yesterday was hard. It started like most of the days have in Virginia. Steep, rolling hills. But then we got a break. We had nearly 15 miles of rolling down hill riding. Whenever we get a long downhill my mind says “When will I pay for this?”
At about mile 39 of 45 the climb started. and in 6 miles we climbed from about 1500 feet above sea level to 2400. Its hard to put into words the angles on some of these roads, but I’ll try. On the last major climb, which is East Main Street in Christiansburg, VA, when I finally made it to the top and looked down I could see the bottom of the road but not the road between. I had to stop three times to catch my breath on that climb, but I didn’t push.
So, yesterday was another day with a lot of climbing. Today we are waiting out the storm and then moving forward with the goal being Draper. There’s a family that owns a winery that hosts cyclists. There’s a lot going on, but little to tell. That leave’s me with a thought.
I am writing this blog to share my experiences and keep my loved ones up to date with my adventure. I am leaving a lot out though. I’m not sure if it is selfish or not, but a lot of this trip is for me. The little experiences I have, the scares, the conversations with locals, even some of my favorite pictures. Those are mine. I will likely share them with family and friends as time goes on, but if you are reading this as a cyclist who may one day embark on the adventure of a lifetime there is so much more than you are reading here. You will meet people and see things that will fill your heart with happiness, and those moments are yours.
Thanks for listening to me ramble again, and remember.
It’s Just Pepper Baby!
woohoo