Oh the memories come back quickly. The twisting roads outside of Charlottesville to Afton were all too familiar. Though this time it was a perfect day for cycling. Just east of Afton we begin the climb. It is 1200 feet of climbing over 3.7 miles. The climb takes us through Afton and we looked for the Cookie Lady’s house but did not find it. Maybe it was because I was too focused on catching my breath and making up onto the Blueridge Parkway. Once up there Sue and I waited for Bill and Greg to catch us. As we are waiting Papa Smurf, a trail angel, asked if we wanted any cold drinks. Trail angels are volunteers who provide liquid refreshments and snacks to people walking the Appalachian Trail. But Papa Smurf was kind enough to provide us the same service. What a great service and cold gatorade was very welcome. While getting liquid nourishment from Papa Smurf, Heather, Greg’s wife happened to drive by, stopped and experience some of the ”trail magic”. Heather is on a roundabout route back to British Columbia on 4 motorized wheels with a 4 legged sidekick named ”Duke”.
Once up on the Blueridge Parkway we still had plenty of elevation gain to get to 3300 feet above sea level. We got to that elevation twice. The maps we are using are the latest maps available but outdated or just plain wrong. Typically on the climbs Sue and I are riding within eyeshot of each other but one time I had to stop to catch me breath. She kept on going. I thought that I would catch by the visitor center for Humpback Rocks but there was no such thing. Along the route I came across a young couple sitting on some rocks in an observation area and I asked if the had seen Sue go by. The guy said she was about 15 minutes in front of me. The woman said ”And she is kicking your butt!” Thanks!
By around 5:30 we were ready to descend to the town of Vesuvius, VA. It was a quick 3.7 miles downhill filled with hairpin turns, narrow roads, and steep cliffs. Last year it took me almost 3 hours to make the climb up, this time maybe 20 minutes to go down. What a thrill ride. The plan was to stay at the Mallard Duck Campground outside of Vesuvius. We arrived at 7 pm and it was closed. Not closed for the season but closed permanently with ”Posted” signs etc. Our only alternative was pedal 17 more miles to Lexington, VA. The first 12 miles was a nice flat road with a road grade of around negative 2 percent or less and we flew. Then it was uphill and getting dark. We made it to a Best Western hotel after sunset but before it was dark. Applebees next door had the tastiest food around for hungry cyclists.
Today’s stats: total mileage 79.9 miles, average speed 10.3 mph, elevation gain 7142 feet, descent 6421 feet, maximum speed 48.0 mph.