We are now at the base of the blue ridge mountains in Virginia. It is beautiful all around, and the mountains really are blue! We are having extremely hot weather and it makes it difficult to ride, but we are continuing along. Tommorrow we ascend the Blue Ridge Parkway.
In the last week we have had a quite eventful time. We left Fredericksburg, VA on Wednesday after spending a few days with my (Anthony) mother and her friend Kay. It was great and we likely gained several pounds back.
We stayed in a KOA campsite on Wednesday night that was only about 15 miles outside of Fred…, it was nice to have a short day after the days off. Oh, and the KOA campground wasn’t too bad, despite our initial concerns.
The next day was a rough one. We started out in the morning and had to stop for about an hour because there was fairly dense fog, and we didn’t think it was a good idea to ride. So, when the fog cleared it warmed up and we rode about ten miles before my (Anthony) rear tire went flat. I noticed that the rim tape on my wheel had moved and caused the inside of my tube to puncture. I tried to patch the tire and as we were doing the work a couple pulled to the side of the road with their touring gear.
They (Karen and Joe) were on their way from Wells, Maine to Fort Myers, FL. We talked for a while as I finished fixing the tire, and then we all rode together for about 25 miles before going our separate ways. It was great to meet this couple and to share some time with them.
After leaving them, my tire went flat again. I wasn’t sure if it was possible to patch a tire on the inner side of the tube, but it wasn’t working. I decided to just replace the tube only to find that the salesperson at a bikeshop in PA had given us a tube too small. Uh-oh, it was our last tube (without holes in it). I tried patching one of our old tubes and we went on our way. About a mile down the road. pppppppppssssssssssssssssssssttttttttttttttttttttttt.
Well, things were not going well. After talking over options, we decided to put in the too-small tube and see what happens. We knew we had about 70 miles to cover by the next evening to get to Charlottesville where we had a night in a hostel to look forward to. Anyways, the tube held up. We arrived in Charlottesville the next afternoon, went to a bike store, showered and did laundry at the hostel, and went and had dinner downtown.
Saturday, we had made plans to travel about 25 miles northeast to Montpelier Station, VA in order to meet Alexa’s friend, and fiber mentor, Phylleri. It was a pretty hilly ride, but we got there and it was great to spend a day and night with Phylleri. She’s fantastic. We were able to camp next to her trailer at the festival and she gave us some homegrown vegetables and homemade cheese, and other great-tasting treats.
The next day we had to get back to Charlottesville, and the route, in order to visit Monticello (Thomas Jefferson’s plantation). We had ridden to Monticello on Friday but we didn’t have enough time to stop then, so we returned on Sunday. It was hot and crowded, but it was good to see Monticello. We also heard several stories by guides about Thomas Jefferson and slavery. It was good to hear the full story about one of the founding fathers of our nation.
Last night, we arrived in White Hall, VA after about 55 miles of riding, a few hours of being at Monticello, and one flat tire. (I had finally replaced the small tube, the rim tape, and my rear tire on our way to Charlottesville that morning.) We camped in the backyard of the White Hall Community Building (with permission) and finally were able to go to sleep, somewhat covered in sweat. It was a hot day and night.
Today (Monday), we have ridden about 5 miles to Crozet, VA where we have been given access to the library although they are closed. We have much appreciation for libraries and librarians, especially after this trip. We are going to try to ride almost up to the access to the Blue Ridge Parkway today. It is really hot (low 90’s) and we have a place to stay with a lady who is known as ‘the cookie lady’ in our map info. She lets out a house by donation, and hopefully we can get there and showered. Tomorrow, the Blue Ridge Parkway.
WOW. Great new pics and narrative. THis is such a wonderful way to keep in touch with your adventures!
THe picture of the blue ridge mountains is beautiful. We will be very close to the sblue ridge highway in Asheville and will be taking a drive!!
much love,
mom/anne
P.S. Tomorrow is the annual Aryaloka auction, which I am in charge of this year. Grumble, grumble. I’ll be glad when it’s over and I can relax! Then off to WIsconsin on Sunday. I’m staying in Madison for two days and am SO EXCITED!