Glad you made it through safely this time, but it’s a losing bet trying to outrace dogs and it’s a mistake to downplay how serious a dog bite can be. I was attacked by a midsized dog who appeared out of nowhere two years ago and left about a three inch square patch of my calf with him. I was in care of the doctors and wound nurses for a month, and it took months to fully heal.

Am I the only one still thinking about the cookie lady’s house?!

Haha, thanks! But you probably shouldn't encourage me. 😉

Your campaign slogans were pretty funny, especially the reference to Calvin and Hobbes. 😊

Loved the audio, Chris. Keep safe.

Thanks! :-D

Enjoyed the audio. Loved your sign off.

You are going to have a great ride! I know this because your story has some similarities to mine - I rode the Transam in 2015, journal is on Cycleblaze. Be aware that the most challenging part of the entire trip is from Charlottesville to Berea, KY - just slow down during this 10-14 days as you readjust and you will do great. I envy you, and I hope to ride the Transam again some day. Best of luck, I'll be following along as you go.

Bike Virginia visited Rural Retreat in 1993. If I remember correctly- a dicey proposition, nearly 30 years later- it described itself as "A Place of Contentment" or perhaps "A Place of Peace". In either case, they were right.

I'm hoping to meet some trail angels myself but not planning to rely on it. I've spent many hours in the last three days developing detailed routes- including targeted places to stay and considering alternatives in the event that my plan (created three to six months in advance of reality) proves inviable for whatever reason.

That is a beautiful salad.

I was guessing from your captions that your professional duties include website accessibility and consideration of compliance with section 508.

Thanks for chiming in. I was a little weary of sounding political when that's really not my intent — or the meaning of the flag.

Also, this afternoon, I passed a house that displayed a U.S. flag on top of a flagpole with another flag below it that said, "Biden is not my president," and I had to appreciate that the nation's flag was prioritized above the other sentiment and that the sentiment was at least something more than grade-school cussing.

Though I have maintained the tiny ones on my panniers so all is not lost. :)

Your comments struck a chord with me. Every previous tour I have proudly flown a little Canadian flag on my bike. After this year's blockade with 'freedom' fighters tootling everywhere in their pickup trucks, with horns blasting and with our flag roughly tied to a hockey stick in the back of their truck, I no longer feel the same about my flag or my country.