I kept thinking that the Virginia would start to flatten out. But it did not. Immediately leaving Charlottesville there was a climb up to Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s estate. I remember this climb from visiting the state from many years ago, but what I did not expect was the continued climbing all the way to Palmyra. At Palmyra I came across a pedestrian that asked where I started and she said “you are almost done don’t give up now!” After Palmyra the hills became smaller, shorter, and less steep. The further east I went this became more evident. Today was a day for dodging thunderstorms and trying to outrace them. I only stopped briefly to avoid the worst of the rain. The rain water felt refreshing on this hot humid day.
Only two more days of riding left!
Today’s stats: total mileage 97.86 miles; average speed 13 mph; max speed 37.9 mph; elevation gain 4377 feet; elevation descent 4259 feet.