DAY 68: Vesuvius to Afton: "Exploding thighs reap foggy vistas"

August 5, 2016

DAILY STATS

Mileage: 46.52

Average Speed: 11.2 mph

Maximum Speed: 33.1 mph

Today's the day. I conquered Vesuvius, and I can put the Appalachians behind me. Now nothing stands between me and the Atlantic, save for some rolling piedmont and tidewater trails.

I awoke to gray skies, but it wasn't raining. Of course, by the time I hit the road at 7:30, it was. Sigh.

The road climbed slowly to the town of Vesuvius. By the time I got into town, the rain had largely subsided. I turned right and started the four miles climb, ready to see what all the talk was about.

Looking up the valley from Vesuvius. Somewhere in there lies the climb.

The first mile was tough, with some significant, long grades. But, as I got into a rhythm, the climb seemed to become less and challenging. Was I sweating, out of breath, and massaging a side cramp? Yes. But it was soon over. I had climbed Vesuvius, and I was on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Dang I was happy.

The parkway was incredible. There was dense, impenetrable fog for a long portion of the ride, which made its way through the trees and around hills and mountains.

When the fog did break, I was treated to incredible views down into the surrounding valleys.

Soon, the fog was back. I turned off the parkway and headed downhill to the famed house of the "cookie lady." The cookie lady was a true TransAm trail angel, hosting and feeding passing cyclists for decades. While she has passed away, a woman named Hope now takes care of the house.

Unfortunately, I missed the house and descended two miles before realizing my mistake. I begrudgingly trekked back uphill, and found the house just as the rain started falling. What a place. It's full of memorabilia from thousands of cyclists: shirts, water bottles, flags, pennants, postcards, hats, maps, etc. Everything. I'm just a speck on the map of people that have come through here. It's amazing to be in the company of so many cyclists that have taken part in such a grand adventure.

This is just one of four rooms full of memorabilia.

I spent a lazy afternoon here, reading and updating the blog. I also received my placement for my year in Mexico. I'll be working at the Instituto tecnologico superior de Calkiní en el estado de Campeche. For you non spanish-speakers, what that means is that I'll be teaching at the Calkiní Technological Institute in the state of Campeche. The question now is...do I bring my bike?

Today's ride: 47 miles (76 km)
Total: 4,322 miles (6,956 km)

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