Day 85: October 5th, 2010 (Route: Whitesburg, KY to Booneville, KY)
Technical Data:
Distance, miles: 85.23
Ride Time 6:12:53
Work, kJ: 3726
Average Power, watts: 165
Normalized Power, watts: 208
Average Speed, mph: 12.65
Forecast: Partly Cloudy, highs 55 with wind out of the NW at 10-15 mph
Last night I slept on the stage in this little park in Whitesburg, KY. Surrounding this little park is a small track, (5 times around for a mile) and people were using it at all times of I was there. When I rolled into the park, people were walking and running, I didn't really care, this was the place I was going to lay my head for the night. Having done 90 miles in the hills of VA and KY I wasn't pedaling any further. The leg was feeling it a little, however over all it is feeling stronger, I can tell though the body is need for some rest!
When I mean all times, there was this kid running laps at 10:30PM, I closed my eyes for bed at 8:30PM only to wake to the slapping of sneakers to pavement a couple hours later. I don't even think this kid knew I was there which was a kick, I woke and really couldn't get back to sleep so I just laid there thinking, looking at the ceiling of this stage. The stage was great for sleeping, it was close to 20 feet deep, covered and great for blocking the wind. I didn't bother setting up my tent as there was no need, I actually got hot later that night as I was wearing my rain jacket to make sure I was warm. It was supposed to get down to 40 so I wanted to plan ahead, with no wind all I really needed were the clothes I had on and my sheet/blanket.
Waking this morning was tough, no motivation, I took one look at the bike and thought I can ride today, then I took one look at the sky and thought, can this really be happening? The sky was dark, it wasn't raining yet but the smell was in the air. I just laid there, then a guy started to walk the track, he didn't see me until 6-7 laps around the track, then another couple and another. I thought, okay its time to get up and get out of here! I even text Sean this morning for a quick coaching pep text, it worked and I was up and off!
30 miles to Hazard, KY. Okay, "Hazard" for a name of a town has got to be one of the most unique names I have run across, however if you ever take the time to look at some of the names of places you will be surprised, I know I was! Not looking forward to the ride today, I wasn't really looking forward to battling coal trucks, yes I am in coal mining country! It's beautiful here, however the small shoulders doesn't make for safe travels. I sure wish I wouldn't have miss my turn yesterday. I have to play the hand that was dealt to me though, so I pedal on. If I had to classify today, it would be "Ride the Rumble Strip Day"...With a name like thay I don't think anyone would sign up for a ride like that, I sure wouln't! I rode 30 miles on a foot wide shoulder and rumble strips and it sucked! Considering I was so focused on riding today, the thoughts were held at bay. This wasn't my best move on the trip so far, I should have cut over and grabbed a side road, however that's not easy to do in mining country. The grids out here are not set up like Kansas, for those that know Kansas if you want to go North and miss a turn there is a road just a few miles down that goes, goes well North of course, nice to have all that flat open country to just lay a road where you want, not subjected to terrain.
I survive the 30 mile stretch from Whitesburg, KY and I'm very Thankful I made it. I make it to Hazard where I plan on stopping at a library and updating the last couple days blog entrys when I pull up to the library, sign reads. "Closed till further notice, water problems", I think are you serious, I ride 6000+ miles to see your library and its closed. Okay, that not true, but I really did want to update my blog and shoot off a few emails. What a bummer this was today, so I get back on the road, heading to Booneville, KY. I jump onto highway 28 and have another 50+ miles to go and the real climbing starts. I can tell the bottom bracket of the rig is about to go as its crackling every time I get out of the saddle, I've had this before so I'm pretty sure that's what the sound is. Up one hill, up another, and another, and another! Along with the rumble strips, today is about climbing the terrain here in Eastern, KY. I'm loving it, I just wish my bike was solid and the sound was gone!
The trees have still not turned, there are signs that they ready to however I think they may be waiting for that first freeze of the season, then I'll know they will turn. I might not be out here then thought, I have ~800-900 miles left and I'm not going to wait for the foilage, to be honest, I'm getting tired of freezing when I'm on the bike in the morning and descending without leg warmers is getting old, okay not really but I am a little sensitive to the colder climates. I really like to ride in the warm weather, but I'm playing the cards I was dealt with this trip and making the best of it. Really its like an ice bath when I'm riding, the first 5-10 minutes is cold, then everything goes numb and I can't feel much of anything so I just keep riding, the legs and core stay warm because I'm exercising making for a pretty enjoyable ride after the weather warms to above 50 - wonder what its going to be like when its 70's over the upcoming weekend?
I continue to ride, tired and ready for some shut eye, I roll into Booneville, KY drained and ready to sleep! I would write more, however after 5 days straight at 85+ a day I'm feeling like sleep and food are much more important then writing tonight. I plan on making it to Louisville in the next couple of days where I will take 1 if not 2 days off and enjoy the city, then make my final push to the Midwest final destination.
To sleep I go, this picnic table is going to be so comfortable...
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Day 84: October 4th, 2010 (Route: Rosedale, VA to Whitesburg, KY)
Day 84: October 4th, 2010 (Route: Rosedale, VA to Whitesburg, KY)
Technical Data
Distance, miles: 89.19
Ride time 6:38:53
Work, kJ: 3948
Average Power, watts: 163
Normalized Power, watts: 200
Average Speed, mph: 13.23
Forecast: Cloudy, cold and raining...
Having found the church last night was such a blessing. Waking up to warm air when its 40 degrees out is something that I'm not accustomed to as I have been sleeping out in the cold and rain for the last couple of days has been something. Rolling out of Rosedale I'm thinking just cross the border into to KY and get as many miles as you can in these hills. I write this now, tired! I landed today in Whitesburg, KY a little off the route, however I'll jump back on tomorrow, staying at a little park tonight and I'm going to crash. I'm allowed to forgo one day of work on this trip, the accumulative fatigue may just be catching up to me, so until tomorrow...I'm out!
Technical Data
Distance, miles: 89.19
Ride time 6:38:53
Work, kJ: 3948
Average Power, watts: 163
Normalized Power, watts: 200
Average Speed, mph: 13.23
Forecast: Cloudy, cold and raining...
Having found the church last night was such a blessing. Waking up to warm air when its 40 degrees out is something that I'm not accustomed to as I have been sleeping out in the cold and rain for the last couple of days has been something. Rolling out of Rosedale I'm thinking just cross the border into to KY and get as many miles as you can in these hills. I write this now, tired! I landed today in Whitesburg, KY a little off the route, however I'll jump back on tomorrow, staying at a little park tonight and I'm going to crash. I'm allowed to forgo one day of work on this trip, the accumulative fatigue may just be catching up to me, so until tomorrow...I'm out!
Day 83: October 3rd, 2010 (Route: Draper, VA to Rosedale, VA)
Day 83: October 3rd, 2010 (Route: Draper, VA to Rosedale, VA)
Technical Data
Distance, miles: 93.78
Ride Time 7:19:57
Work, kJ 4510
Average Speed, mph: 12.66
Average Power, watts: 169
Normalized Power, watts: 210
Forecast: Cloudy, 50-55 degrees with light rain pretty much all day. (Can someone say COLD!)
Crickets chirpping all around, unzip the tent and look out to see what the morning has to offer. Sky blanketed with dark clouds, brisk chill in the air, start the morning routine. Packing up the tent, blanket, and clothes. Download data from yesterday then put away the pc. Fill water bottles and we're off. BoB and I, trekking Westward. Terrain is rolling, gradual inclines that peak around 12%. Suns rays of light fight to break through the blanket above, autumn colored trees canvass the countryside while dairy clouds graze in the pastures.
Westward clouds, dark, racing across the sky to the south bring cold temperatures and percipitation. Thoughts come and go, those that stay have one pondering of life. What are we here for, to serve those that we interact with on a daily basis, to please ourselves, or to serve the God above? Many will debate that all three are equal, maybe their thoughts are true, maybe their false, do we really know, does anyone that is still alive truly know? Faith is all we have, the belief in something we cannot see or touch, still the unknowing. Holding on to positive thoughts of the future, that we will be taken care of out here on the road. Too many surreal situations to be just coincidence on this journey of ours, there must be a higher power then one we can see, touch, feel here on the thrid planet from the sun.
Wind picks up, darkness above us now, lite rain, then harder and harder. Must seek shelter quickly, store about a mile down, pull in out of what mother natures has in store for us today. Soaked to the bone, cold that the bones are chilled. Out of the weather, wondering will this pass, will I warm, will we cover the mileage wanted today? Locals coming in and out, looking at me, wondering what they are thinking. Not caring, turn, look outside, still raining. Break into a laugh inside, thinking this is so epic! Smile...
Calculating distance, should we, could we in this rain? Questions fill the mind, fork in the road, must make decision soon or lose precious ride time. Risk it, having faith it will pass and stop or head to a hostel, sit it out for a day or two. Chilled to the bone, clouds break to a lighter shade of gray, sun still hiding decide to press on. Thinking can't lose another couple of days to weather. Legs been quiet up to this point, thinking good thought on this subject we push on. Roads soaked, water standing in sections I travel down the highway free as a bird, falling into a world of emptiness, one that's empty of stress, of busyness, of congestion, of worry's, of the meaningless things that cloud our vision, our thoughts of the greater meaning of what it means to fully be alive. Water splashes up and soakes my feet, feet cold as if in a blizzard we contiue to press on down the highway, free...
Smiling, mind feels with wonderful thoughts of healing, of being free, and just enjoying the moment. Riding my bicycle today, versus the survival mode we have been in the last couple of days, BoB and I press on. Loving it, the leg is on the mend, however must not get ahead of myself just too soon. Stopping to refill and to warm up, thinking shouldn't stop, just have to try and warm up again on the bike. Temperatures in the 50's and raining feels like mid 40's, however the mind is aleart and knowing what's going on. 100% in the moment today, from the thoughts to the weather to the rain that soaks the pavement that lies in front of me I ride. I ride to find myself, to think, to ponder, to explore, to learn, cherishing every moment that has passed over the days to the current moments, to those that lie just around the corner of time.
Looking down, computer reads 80 miles in, thinking this is great, I continue to ride, the leg has been feeling great all day, allowing me to push the big ring, the last three days of spinning possibly has helped, I'm sure its in need for some rest, however today I was riding, today the confidence is back, today I am complete. Cresting the peak I continue to ride, the wind picking up and the rain drops tapping on my clear suit made of plasitic. Descending, slow to not take a tumble, thinking must come back when the weather is favorable for fast descents and the feeling of living on the edge, the feeling of being alive...
*Most adventure seekers that I have spoke with all seem to mention the same things, when in the moment, whether on a cliff, 2000+ ft, exposed with your life in your hands, to riding a motorcycle with tunnel vision at 130+ mph, to riding a bicycle down a mountain at 60+ mph, the mind has no option but to live in the moment, as its life or death that is in the moment in the near future, the feeling of being alive, minds exposed with nothing but the present. To find this ability without the catalyst described above is difficult to do, some take decades, some a lifetime, some will never accomplish this, however when one does those feelings like when seeking that adventure will fill your heart with the softest, most gentle peace one can ever experience in life, one that brings smiles for eternity.
Am I growing, daily I would respond. To become the Man that God wants me to be, to become the leader, the mentor, the adventurer, the lover, the father, and husband, and most of all me, just being me is all he ask for and that I can do, and will!
So many thoughts fill the mind when I think about this, so many people out there try and be like others, like their father, like their mother, and so on. What if every one just allowed people to be themselves, so many live in fear of not expressing themselves for what others think, I question why? You are who you are, no one is to judge you for who you are besides the man upstairs. So today, I challenge everyone to just be themselves and enjoy life today, who are you supposed to be, what do you want to be?
I have so many things in life that I have yet to do, and I'm not planning on letting much get in the way of that. To continue to grow, to learn, to explore! Are you? Are you living up to your potential, fullfilling your dreams? There is no time like the present to make that change if there is something you want to change in your life to help fullfill those dreams and become who you want to become, better yet who God what's you to be...
Rolling on down the road I'm close to 90+ miles and really need to find a place to pitch the tent tonight, I passed on an ideal spot 10 miles back and now I'm kicking my thoughts thinking, you should of, then I just turned the thoughts to rely on the faith that I possess, thinking something will come up, something has too! Over the mountain, a church with a pavillion, a blessing to my cold wet being. Pull into the pavillion and park my bike, then I look down and a sign, "Biker's Welcome", I try the door and its unlocked, a safe haven in one of many of God's homes scattered across the nation, a dry place to sleep, water and heat. I strip down to get out of the wet clothes and can't believe how soaked I was, water could be ringed out of the tops I was wearing, I think I might need better rain gear now!
Only one thought tonight..."Thank You Lord for providing for me yet again when in need" Faith brought me to where I am, closer to home and tomorrow I shall press on with hopes of being back within two weeks or so, weather depending of course! Godspeed...
Technical Data
Distance, miles: 93.78
Ride Time 7:19:57
Work, kJ 4510
Average Speed, mph: 12.66
Average Power, watts: 169
Normalized Power, watts: 210
Forecast: Cloudy, 50-55 degrees with light rain pretty much all day. (Can someone say COLD!)
Crickets chirpping all around, unzip the tent and look out to see what the morning has to offer. Sky blanketed with dark clouds, brisk chill in the air, start the morning routine. Packing up the tent, blanket, and clothes. Download data from yesterday then put away the pc. Fill water bottles and we're off. BoB and I, trekking Westward. Terrain is rolling, gradual inclines that peak around 12%. Suns rays of light fight to break through the blanket above, autumn colored trees canvass the countryside while dairy clouds graze in the pastures.
Westward clouds, dark, racing across the sky to the south bring cold temperatures and percipitation. Thoughts come and go, those that stay have one pondering of life. What are we here for, to serve those that we interact with on a daily basis, to please ourselves, or to serve the God above? Many will debate that all three are equal, maybe their thoughts are true, maybe their false, do we really know, does anyone that is still alive truly know? Faith is all we have, the belief in something we cannot see or touch, still the unknowing. Holding on to positive thoughts of the future, that we will be taken care of out here on the road. Too many surreal situations to be just coincidence on this journey of ours, there must be a higher power then one we can see, touch, feel here on the thrid planet from the sun.
Wind picks up, darkness above us now, lite rain, then harder and harder. Must seek shelter quickly, store about a mile down, pull in out of what mother natures has in store for us today. Soaked to the bone, cold that the bones are chilled. Out of the weather, wondering will this pass, will I warm, will we cover the mileage wanted today? Locals coming in and out, looking at me, wondering what they are thinking. Not caring, turn, look outside, still raining. Break into a laugh inside, thinking this is so epic! Smile...
Calculating distance, should we, could we in this rain? Questions fill the mind, fork in the road, must make decision soon or lose precious ride time. Risk it, having faith it will pass and stop or head to a hostel, sit it out for a day or two. Chilled to the bone, clouds break to a lighter shade of gray, sun still hiding decide to press on. Thinking can't lose another couple of days to weather. Legs been quiet up to this point, thinking good thought on this subject we push on. Roads soaked, water standing in sections I travel down the highway free as a bird, falling into a world of emptiness, one that's empty of stress, of busyness, of congestion, of worry's, of the meaningless things that cloud our vision, our thoughts of the greater meaning of what it means to fully be alive. Water splashes up and soakes my feet, feet cold as if in a blizzard we contiue to press on down the highway, free...
Smiling, mind feels with wonderful thoughts of healing, of being free, and just enjoying the moment. Riding my bicycle today, versus the survival mode we have been in the last couple of days, BoB and I press on. Loving it, the leg is on the mend, however must not get ahead of myself just too soon. Stopping to refill and to warm up, thinking shouldn't stop, just have to try and warm up again on the bike. Temperatures in the 50's and raining feels like mid 40's, however the mind is aleart and knowing what's going on. 100% in the moment today, from the thoughts to the weather to the rain that soaks the pavement that lies in front of me I ride. I ride to find myself, to think, to ponder, to explore, to learn, cherishing every moment that has passed over the days to the current moments, to those that lie just around the corner of time.
Looking down, computer reads 80 miles in, thinking this is great, I continue to ride, the leg has been feeling great all day, allowing me to push the big ring, the last three days of spinning possibly has helped, I'm sure its in need for some rest, however today I was riding, today the confidence is back, today I am complete. Cresting the peak I continue to ride, the wind picking up and the rain drops tapping on my clear suit made of plasitic. Descending, slow to not take a tumble, thinking must come back when the weather is favorable for fast descents and the feeling of living on the edge, the feeling of being alive...
*Most adventure seekers that I have spoke with all seem to mention the same things, when in the moment, whether on a cliff, 2000+ ft, exposed with your life in your hands, to riding a motorcycle with tunnel vision at 130+ mph, to riding a bicycle down a mountain at 60+ mph, the mind has no option but to live in the moment, as its life or death that is in the moment in the near future, the feeling of being alive, minds exposed with nothing but the present. To find this ability without the catalyst described above is difficult to do, some take decades, some a lifetime, some will never accomplish this, however when one does those feelings like when seeking that adventure will fill your heart with the softest, most gentle peace one can ever experience in life, one that brings smiles for eternity.
Am I growing, daily I would respond. To become the Man that God wants me to be, to become the leader, the mentor, the adventurer, the lover, the father, and husband, and most of all me, just being me is all he ask for and that I can do, and will!
So many thoughts fill the mind when I think about this, so many people out there try and be like others, like their father, like their mother, and so on. What if every one just allowed people to be themselves, so many live in fear of not expressing themselves for what others think, I question why? You are who you are, no one is to judge you for who you are besides the man upstairs. So today, I challenge everyone to just be themselves and enjoy life today, who are you supposed to be, what do you want to be?
I have so many things in life that I have yet to do, and I'm not planning on letting much get in the way of that. To continue to grow, to learn, to explore! Are you? Are you living up to your potential, fullfilling your dreams? There is no time like the present to make that change if there is something you want to change in your life to help fullfill those dreams and become who you want to become, better yet who God what's you to be...
Rolling on down the road I'm close to 90+ miles and really need to find a place to pitch the tent tonight, I passed on an ideal spot 10 miles back and now I'm kicking my thoughts thinking, you should of, then I just turned the thoughts to rely on the faith that I possess, thinking something will come up, something has too! Over the mountain, a church with a pavillion, a blessing to my cold wet being. Pull into the pavillion and park my bike, then I look down and a sign, "Biker's Welcome", I try the door and its unlocked, a safe haven in one of many of God's homes scattered across the nation, a dry place to sleep, water and heat. I strip down to get out of the wet clothes and can't believe how soaked I was, water could be ringed out of the tops I was wearing, I think I might need better rain gear now!
Only one thought tonight..."Thank You Lord for providing for me yet again when in need" Faith brought me to where I am, closer to home and tomorrow I shall press on with hopes of being back within two weeks or so, weather depending of course! Godspeed...
Day 82: October 2nd, 2010 (Route: Troutville, VA to Draper, VA)
Day 82: October 2nd, 2010 (Route: Troutville, VA to Draper, VA)
Technical Data:
Distance, miles: 85.11
Ride Time 7:12:57
Work, kJ: 3484
Average Power, watts: 132
Normalized Power, watts: 187
Average Speed, mph: 11.64
Forecast: Bright and Sunny!
Sleeping in the Troutville, VA city park turned out to be the most restless sleep I have on this entire trip. The Park is located right next to a set of active railroad tracks, trains were blowing through town all night, feeling the vibrations from the train I woke almost everytime the trains rolled through. Sleeping on a picnic table under a pavillion last night was great, I like doing this when I want to get up in the morning and get going. It saves on setting up the tent, breaking down the tent, along with drying out the tent later in the day. Once up I was ready to ride, it was cold but I had everything set up for an early departure. Ate some oatmeal, filled up and downed a couple of bottles of water and headed out.
This morning was still, with blue skies, and the feeling of autumn! It was nice, so nice I just wanted to go back to the park and just sit and hang out at the farmers market that was setting up under the other pavillion, chat with the farmers and enjoy the day, however I had work to do. I've had the feeling of wanting to get off this leg the last couple of days so I'm doing my best to cover a god set of mileage every day so I can push closer and closer to Missouri where I started. A part of me doesn't want to be done, however another says its time.
Rolling out of Troutville, VA the leg feels great as it has been at the beginning of every ride, I wish all the miles coule be like the first 30-40 miles of the day, however I'm not that lucky! The terrain is hilly, lots of hilly terrain here which makes for some of the most scenic views of rolling hills full of farms, with it being autumn all all the crops in for the season, its time to celebrate the harvest and you can tell most of the farmers are getting into the season of fall/autumn. The pumpkins are out, the corn stalks, the cornecopians, and the fall leaves are on there way. The colors while riding are so beautiful, the reds, the yellows, the different shades of brown, the greens (though I wish they would fade, however they do provide the contrast to enjoy the views), and so many more. I've passed so many trees the last couple of days that I know will turn into hours of beauty, I sure do wish I had my camera to photograph the views I'm taking in.
Enjoying the day I'm just thinking about covering as many miles I can, I know this isn't what I should be doing, however I know the leg is going to wake up and I'm going in an out of thoughts of wanting to be wrapped up. The leg does wake up at about mile 30 today, with all the climbing it was just a matter of time before it hit me. I know that I'm not going to quit though, I'll fight this out and make it back if I'm going 5 mph and have to ride all day long! The sun is nice and bright today, just a few clouds in the sky, not hot just right! I continue to ride and see the beautiful scenery that Virginia has to offer and the East is starting to grow on me, the rolling terrain looking out over the tree tops to the valleys and small springs producing the fertile valleys I have been traveling alongside the last couple of days. Today is one of those days that one just wants to have 365 days a year!
Rolling into Elliot, I stop and have a small bite to eat, I've covered close to 48 miles and really looking forward to getting in 100 miles today, however the mind is starting to tire with the lack of sleep I got the night before. I take a 45 minute lunch break and just take in the moments. A couple of hunters showing off the buck that tagged this morning, its first day of bow season and boy did these boys start it off right, a 10 point that looked great. Cyclist passing, thinking this is a great place to train I have the feelings of jealously, watching them cruise past just enjoying the day and not towing anything! Don't get me wrong, I love BoB, but he's starting to do a toll on my body I think and its time to make it home and rest up! I had the thought the other day, over the last 80 days the United States Topography and I have been going at it and its starting to win the battle, however I know I will win the war and make it home!
Setting off after lunch I pass a couple of triathlets in Virginia Tech gear heading right for me and talk about bring up old times! I wonder what they are training for, are they Ironman athletes or training for short course tri's? One can only imagine as they roll passed. Having taking a little break I'm feeling pretty good, however this fades quickly as the body is just tired. Not sure if its nutrition (though I doubt it), or just fatigue, l'm thinking lack of sleep! I continue to battle with the rolling terrain and the 26/12 I'm riding. The thoughts continue to flood the mind with questions like: What will I do when I return? Will I race again? Will I get into the school I would like to get in? What are all my friends doing today as I ride? How fast will this leg heal once I get off the bike? What's my dog doing right now? So many thoughts, so little time I keep thinking, then the mind fills with what I would like to do over the course of my life and I'm thinking when am I going to get the chance to do all this. Thoughts continue like, I would like to obtain a D.P.T, a PhD, got to culinary school, massage therapy school, travel the world, sail the great blue oceans, ride my bike to very state to the highest point and climb the peaks, so many thoughts today! I can tell I'm coming to the end of the journey as my mind is flooding with thoughts of the next chapter in life.
Continuing riding I'm starting to get tired, I hit the 85 mile marker and pull into this little general store in Draper and ask the attendant where the nearest place to camp is. She mentioned I could camp out back so I took it, set up the tent, ate a little food and crashed! I'm writing this the following moring as I slept close to 13 hours, talk about being tired! More to come on this journey as I'm sure the mindset will adjust to enjoy the next couple of weeks...
Technical Data:
Distance, miles: 85.11
Ride Time 7:12:57
Work, kJ: 3484
Average Power, watts: 132
Normalized Power, watts: 187
Average Speed, mph: 11.64
Forecast: Bright and Sunny!
Sleeping in the Troutville, VA city park turned out to be the most restless sleep I have on this entire trip. The Park is located right next to a set of active railroad tracks, trains were blowing through town all night, feeling the vibrations from the train I woke almost everytime the trains rolled through. Sleeping on a picnic table under a pavillion last night was great, I like doing this when I want to get up in the morning and get going. It saves on setting up the tent, breaking down the tent, along with drying out the tent later in the day. Once up I was ready to ride, it was cold but I had everything set up for an early departure. Ate some oatmeal, filled up and downed a couple of bottles of water and headed out.
This morning was still, with blue skies, and the feeling of autumn! It was nice, so nice I just wanted to go back to the park and just sit and hang out at the farmers market that was setting up under the other pavillion, chat with the farmers and enjoy the day, however I had work to do. I've had the feeling of wanting to get off this leg the last couple of days so I'm doing my best to cover a god set of mileage every day so I can push closer and closer to Missouri where I started. A part of me doesn't want to be done, however another says its time.
Rolling out of Troutville, VA the leg feels great as it has been at the beginning of every ride, I wish all the miles coule be like the first 30-40 miles of the day, however I'm not that lucky! The terrain is hilly, lots of hilly terrain here which makes for some of the most scenic views of rolling hills full of farms, with it being autumn all all the crops in for the season, its time to celebrate the harvest and you can tell most of the farmers are getting into the season of fall/autumn. The pumpkins are out, the corn stalks, the cornecopians, and the fall leaves are on there way. The colors while riding are so beautiful, the reds, the yellows, the different shades of brown, the greens (though I wish they would fade, however they do provide the contrast to enjoy the views), and so many more. I've passed so many trees the last couple of days that I know will turn into hours of beauty, I sure do wish I had my camera to photograph the views I'm taking in.
Enjoying the day I'm just thinking about covering as many miles I can, I know this isn't what I should be doing, however I know the leg is going to wake up and I'm going in an out of thoughts of wanting to be wrapped up. The leg does wake up at about mile 30 today, with all the climbing it was just a matter of time before it hit me. I know that I'm not going to quit though, I'll fight this out and make it back if I'm going 5 mph and have to ride all day long! The sun is nice and bright today, just a few clouds in the sky, not hot just right! I continue to ride and see the beautiful scenery that Virginia has to offer and the East is starting to grow on me, the rolling terrain looking out over the tree tops to the valleys and small springs producing the fertile valleys I have been traveling alongside the last couple of days. Today is one of those days that one just wants to have 365 days a year!
Rolling into Elliot, I stop and have a small bite to eat, I've covered close to 48 miles and really looking forward to getting in 100 miles today, however the mind is starting to tire with the lack of sleep I got the night before. I take a 45 minute lunch break and just take in the moments. A couple of hunters showing off the buck that tagged this morning, its first day of bow season and boy did these boys start it off right, a 10 point that looked great. Cyclist passing, thinking this is a great place to train I have the feelings of jealously, watching them cruise past just enjoying the day and not towing anything! Don't get me wrong, I love BoB, but he's starting to do a toll on my body I think and its time to make it home and rest up! I had the thought the other day, over the last 80 days the United States Topography and I have been going at it and its starting to win the battle, however I know I will win the war and make it home!
Setting off after lunch I pass a couple of triathlets in Virginia Tech gear heading right for me and talk about bring up old times! I wonder what they are training for, are they Ironman athletes or training for short course tri's? One can only imagine as they roll passed. Having taking a little break I'm feeling pretty good, however this fades quickly as the body is just tired. Not sure if its nutrition (though I doubt it), or just fatigue, l'm thinking lack of sleep! I continue to battle with the rolling terrain and the 26/12 I'm riding. The thoughts continue to flood the mind with questions like: What will I do when I return? Will I race again? Will I get into the school I would like to get in? What are all my friends doing today as I ride? How fast will this leg heal once I get off the bike? What's my dog doing right now? So many thoughts, so little time I keep thinking, then the mind fills with what I would like to do over the course of my life and I'm thinking when am I going to get the chance to do all this. Thoughts continue like, I would like to obtain a D.P.T, a PhD, got to culinary school, massage therapy school, travel the world, sail the great blue oceans, ride my bike to very state to the highest point and climb the peaks, so many thoughts today! I can tell I'm coming to the end of the journey as my mind is flooding with thoughts of the next chapter in life.
Continuing riding I'm starting to get tired, I hit the 85 mile marker and pull into this little general store in Draper and ask the attendant where the nearest place to camp is. She mentioned I could camp out back so I took it, set up the tent, ate a little food and crashed! I'm writing this the following moring as I slept close to 13 hours, talk about being tired! More to come on this journey as I'm sure the mindset will adjust to enjoy the next couple of weeks...
Friday, October 1, 2010
Day 81: October 1st, 2010 (Route: Afton, VA to Troutville, VA) *City Park Tonight
Day 81: October 1st, 2010 (Route: Afton, VA to Troutville, VA) *City Park Tonight
Technical Data
Distance, miles: 103.57
Ride Time: 8:36:31
Work, kJ: 4943
Average Power, watts: 158 (not important now that my legs bummed)
Normalized Power, watts: 208
Average speed, mph: 11.9
Forecast: Sunny, windy I think in the 80's
Having stayed at the Cookie Lady's cycling house for the last couple of days, has got me thinking that I'm not ready to finish! So many more miles I could possibly put into this journey, however its not the miles that matter, its what I'm finding out on this journey that matters the most. Today's going to be a test to see how the leg is holding up, with 2.5 days off, which was most needed I think the leg is ready to go, not ready to race but ready to get me back on the road!
Waking up, I look at the clock, its 6:10 and I'm not ready to get up. I made the mistake of staying up last night listening to all the songs and lectures I have on Itunes on my pc. I don't have many so when I say all I mean it! I didn't download my collection of music to my pc before I left, which I think was a good thing! It's good to get out of the same routine and listen to other things, so I'm listening to the samples over and over! lol Not really, I listened to the lectures my brother gave me before I left again. All about leadership and they are really good so I didn't mind staying up late last night listening to them again! I've been craving some human interaction over the last couple of days, the mind has been pretty quiet over the last couple of days too, very peaceful!
Waking up a few minutes later after looking at the clock I head the bathroom, I think if I didn't have to go I would have slept on that couch for another hour or so. Once up, I got some breakfast (Oatmeal), and packed up my things as its time to ride! After all this down time, which in reality isn't much I was ready to see how the legs going to hold up for the remainder of this trip and get over these series of small hills that I have, since I picked up the Adventure Cycling map at the church in Yorktown I know the topography, I really don't like knowing, however I thought I would give one map a run to see what its like. Loading up the Bob and hitching it to the bike, I run the keys back up to the Cookie Lady's place. It's early so I just leave the keys on the door and head back to my bike. Odds are she was up, however I wasn't really looking forward to a long conversation in the morning, even though I have been craving some human interaction. Back down the hill I notice the rear tire's side wall is starting to get pretty warn, I'm sure it doesn't have much life let, however since I like to run things till they blow on this trip I'll leave it and change it over the next couple of days.
Up the first climb I'm feeling pretty good, seated as not to really press the quad too soon I feel strong. The legs feel loose, not tight and I can tell its going to be a good ride. The clouds have not burnt off, and they are just racing across the sky at about 20-30 mph. The forecast called for a windy day and they were correct about that for sure! The storm front is just to my left, which is south since I'm heading West. The sun has not made it up and over the storm clouds, and to be honest I'm glad it hasn't. It's so beautiful this morning, series of storms clouds blanketing the sky, so picturesque! I sure do wish I had my good camera back that went out on Pikes last year. All in due time I'll be back to not only painting pictures with text, but I'll be able to share what I have seen with photos! One of the things I love is to take pictures, I really like black and white versus color, not sure why just my preference.
Now on Blue Ridge Parkway I'm cruising, I'm feeling strong and the leg has not twinged once! This is a good sign, however its early too. The climbing for today is all in the first 30-40 miles, which could be looked as good or bad depending on how you look at things. I figure the stronger I am when climbing the better off, as I'll be able to really cover some ground while fresh. Up on the Parkway the mind is really all over the place! Wanting to stop and write some poetry or just add some notes for the blog.
The clouds are racing across the sky in front of me, air temperature is cold, wind is causing me to have the chills, the roads are wet and covered in leaves. Its the 1st of October and its gorgeous out here! Riding into a wall of fog, riding on faith as I have no idea whats in front of me. Fog so think I can't see but 10 feet, riding on faith today as I'm in new territory and not sure what type of debris may be in the road, just continue to ride. Stiff wind blows me from side to side, cold wind pulls tears from my eyes as I descend. Fog lifts, clouds part, blue skies ahead...
The Parkway is something, I really want to bring a group of riding partners back here some day and really push the pace. So many short climbs and all the beautiful lookouts! I wonder if I'll ever have the opportunity to make it here again? The trees are starting to turn, they are not fully ready yet as the temperatures have been so warm, however it won't be long now! Random thoughts running through my mind today! Thoughts as to why are leaves not black? I understand the chlorophyll provides the green pigment, however if sunlight is attracted to black more than any other color, why not pull as much in to utilize for photosynthesis as possible? I'm assuming this might be too much light, however I'm not botany expert, just a lonely biology wanna be since I took the Economics route, however I'm going back! And one other thought, are there any plants that their leaves turn white in the fall? Just some random thoughts. I'm sure its all about balance!
Another couple of thoughts that came to mind today was about the conversation I had with a friend of mine just yesterday on relationships and the balance of the male and female. I often thought that a relationship would be best if 50/50 in give and take since, however I have shifted to a ?/? ratio of relationships of give and take. Let me explain, in times of need the male may need more from the female and vice versa. I think the best example that comes to mind is if one spouse has an illness, the other spouse has to pick up the slack so the ratio can be 80/20 or 20/80. The point I was trying to make the other day is that its not about the ratio of give and take, however its about the fact that there is a ratio and that is what matters. All relationships have so many different ratios it would be tough to narrow down exactly the perfect one for any relationship and to be honest you can't because its always changing. I was thinking about this today on my ride becuase when I'm 100% I like to think the power distribution between my right and left legs are equal, however now that one is a little under the weather the left is having to pick up a lot more of the work and I can tell. Just made me think today...
Rolling into mile 30 the leg is starting to wake and I'm a little upset to be honest, I have been hoping and praying that this was just a short term muscle strain or something that would be gone in a couple days, however I'm close to a week now and its still there! I know this is going to be a challenge to make it home as it really bothers me! I ride through it for another 20 miles or so and just really taking it easy! The mind is taken to the thoughts of what is going on in there, I sure do wish I had the education to understand the anatomy to a deeper level then I do, all in due time I suppose! I pull in for lunch and have a peanute butter wrap and some raisens I had left over, refill the bottles with water and press on. I figure by now I have close to 45 miles to where I would like to camp. I plan on making it to Troutville, VA as they are supposed to have free camping there at a park and I'm certain I can make it!
After leaving the store I stoped at I cruise on to Lexington, VA and really just pass through, Stonewall Jacksons house is here, however I really don't want to stop as going the pace I am I'll need all the sunlight I can get. Rolling out of town the rear tire blows and I'm thinking, man is this the tire issue I had this morning that I thought would make it a couple more days or is it something else. Sure enough the side wall is starting to wear through, so I change tire and patch the tube and I'm on my way. Less than five miles down the road a small puncture forces me to patch the rear tire again, I'm thinking what's going to happen next? After patching the second one I stroll on through the farm lands of western Virginia and really just take in the sights! The weather is warm now with bright blue skies, the wind is still blowing out of the North. I manage to make it Buchanon with really no problem, the leg has been in and out with pain since the 45 mile marker. I'm not sure what to think of it, the pain is always there, its just the intensity that comes and goes. If I was on flats I really don't think I would have an issue, however with the topography I have to cover I do have sharp pain at times.
Rolling out of Buchanon I run into two cyclist heading to Yorktown. Stop and chat with them for almost 30 minutes I would imagine, finally my interaction with people close to my age out doing the same thing. Stacie and another guy, I don't like using that phrase for his name, however I can't seem to remember it at the moment, the only reason I remember hers is becuase she game me a handmade card with her blog information on it. It was good to catch up and chat with some folks on the TransAm today, it has been so long since I have seen another cyclist let alone got to talk to them. This brought the spirits back up for sure, making me think I should just keep riding once back to Missouri, that is if the leg will allow. Odds are I'll do the right thing and take the time needed to let this leg completely heal up, I have so much more life to live and doing it on a bum leg does not sound appealing!
19 miles to Troutsville go by without a hitch! I pull into the park and the park manager approaches me and ask if I can set up at the other patio area, I said not a problem. After chatting with him for a bit I head to the grocery pick up some dinner, then head to the fire station to grab a quick shower (Park manager mention it), I figured I haven't had a shower or a shave in close to 6 days so I might as well take advantage while its here. After cleaning up I head over to eat up some dinner and wind down for the evening, another long day ahead of me tomorrow as I would like to be back in Missouri by Oct. 15th, however weather and leg permitting...
Technical Data
Distance, miles: 103.57
Ride Time: 8:36:31
Work, kJ: 4943
Average Power, watts: 158 (not important now that my legs bummed)
Normalized Power, watts: 208
Average speed, mph: 11.9
Forecast: Sunny, windy I think in the 80's
Having stayed at the Cookie Lady's cycling house for the last couple of days, has got me thinking that I'm not ready to finish! So many more miles I could possibly put into this journey, however its not the miles that matter, its what I'm finding out on this journey that matters the most. Today's going to be a test to see how the leg is holding up, with 2.5 days off, which was most needed I think the leg is ready to go, not ready to race but ready to get me back on the road!
Waking up, I look at the clock, its 6:10 and I'm not ready to get up. I made the mistake of staying up last night listening to all the songs and lectures I have on Itunes on my pc. I don't have many so when I say all I mean it! I didn't download my collection of music to my pc before I left, which I think was a good thing! It's good to get out of the same routine and listen to other things, so I'm listening to the samples over and over! lol Not really, I listened to the lectures my brother gave me before I left again. All about leadership and they are really good so I didn't mind staying up late last night listening to them again! I've been craving some human interaction over the last couple of days, the mind has been pretty quiet over the last couple of days too, very peaceful!
Waking up a few minutes later after looking at the clock I head the bathroom, I think if I didn't have to go I would have slept on that couch for another hour or so. Once up, I got some breakfast (Oatmeal), and packed up my things as its time to ride! After all this down time, which in reality isn't much I was ready to see how the legs going to hold up for the remainder of this trip and get over these series of small hills that I have, since I picked up the Adventure Cycling map at the church in Yorktown I know the topography, I really don't like knowing, however I thought I would give one map a run to see what its like. Loading up the Bob and hitching it to the bike, I run the keys back up to the Cookie Lady's place. It's early so I just leave the keys on the door and head back to my bike. Odds are she was up, however I wasn't really looking forward to a long conversation in the morning, even though I have been craving some human interaction. Back down the hill I notice the rear tire's side wall is starting to get pretty warn, I'm sure it doesn't have much life let, however since I like to run things till they blow on this trip I'll leave it and change it over the next couple of days.
Up the first climb I'm feeling pretty good, seated as not to really press the quad too soon I feel strong. The legs feel loose, not tight and I can tell its going to be a good ride. The clouds have not burnt off, and they are just racing across the sky at about 20-30 mph. The forecast called for a windy day and they were correct about that for sure! The storm front is just to my left, which is south since I'm heading West. The sun has not made it up and over the storm clouds, and to be honest I'm glad it hasn't. It's so beautiful this morning, series of storms clouds blanketing the sky, so picturesque! I sure do wish I had my good camera back that went out on Pikes last year. All in due time I'll be back to not only painting pictures with text, but I'll be able to share what I have seen with photos! One of the things I love is to take pictures, I really like black and white versus color, not sure why just my preference.
Now on Blue Ridge Parkway I'm cruising, I'm feeling strong and the leg has not twinged once! This is a good sign, however its early too. The climbing for today is all in the first 30-40 miles, which could be looked as good or bad depending on how you look at things. I figure the stronger I am when climbing the better off, as I'll be able to really cover some ground while fresh. Up on the Parkway the mind is really all over the place! Wanting to stop and write some poetry or just add some notes for the blog.
The clouds are racing across the sky in front of me, air temperature is cold, wind is causing me to have the chills, the roads are wet and covered in leaves. Its the 1st of October and its gorgeous out here! Riding into a wall of fog, riding on faith as I have no idea whats in front of me. Fog so think I can't see but 10 feet, riding on faith today as I'm in new territory and not sure what type of debris may be in the road, just continue to ride. Stiff wind blows me from side to side, cold wind pulls tears from my eyes as I descend. Fog lifts, clouds part, blue skies ahead...
The Parkway is something, I really want to bring a group of riding partners back here some day and really push the pace. So many short climbs and all the beautiful lookouts! I wonder if I'll ever have the opportunity to make it here again? The trees are starting to turn, they are not fully ready yet as the temperatures have been so warm, however it won't be long now! Random thoughts running through my mind today! Thoughts as to why are leaves not black? I understand the chlorophyll provides the green pigment, however if sunlight is attracted to black more than any other color, why not pull as much in to utilize for photosynthesis as possible? I'm assuming this might be too much light, however I'm not botany expert, just a lonely biology wanna be since I took the Economics route, however I'm going back! And one other thought, are there any plants that their leaves turn white in the fall? Just some random thoughts. I'm sure its all about balance!
Another couple of thoughts that came to mind today was about the conversation I had with a friend of mine just yesterday on relationships and the balance of the male and female. I often thought that a relationship would be best if 50/50 in give and take since, however I have shifted to a ?/? ratio of relationships of give and take. Let me explain, in times of need the male may need more from the female and vice versa. I think the best example that comes to mind is if one spouse has an illness, the other spouse has to pick up the slack so the ratio can be 80/20 or 20/80. The point I was trying to make the other day is that its not about the ratio of give and take, however its about the fact that there is a ratio and that is what matters. All relationships have so many different ratios it would be tough to narrow down exactly the perfect one for any relationship and to be honest you can't because its always changing. I was thinking about this today on my ride becuase when I'm 100% I like to think the power distribution between my right and left legs are equal, however now that one is a little under the weather the left is having to pick up a lot more of the work and I can tell. Just made me think today...
Rolling into mile 30 the leg is starting to wake and I'm a little upset to be honest, I have been hoping and praying that this was just a short term muscle strain or something that would be gone in a couple days, however I'm close to a week now and its still there! I know this is going to be a challenge to make it home as it really bothers me! I ride through it for another 20 miles or so and just really taking it easy! The mind is taken to the thoughts of what is going on in there, I sure do wish I had the education to understand the anatomy to a deeper level then I do, all in due time I suppose! I pull in for lunch and have a peanute butter wrap and some raisens I had left over, refill the bottles with water and press on. I figure by now I have close to 45 miles to where I would like to camp. I plan on making it to Troutville, VA as they are supposed to have free camping there at a park and I'm certain I can make it!
After leaving the store I stoped at I cruise on to Lexington, VA and really just pass through, Stonewall Jacksons house is here, however I really don't want to stop as going the pace I am I'll need all the sunlight I can get. Rolling out of town the rear tire blows and I'm thinking, man is this the tire issue I had this morning that I thought would make it a couple more days or is it something else. Sure enough the side wall is starting to wear through, so I change tire and patch the tube and I'm on my way. Less than five miles down the road a small puncture forces me to patch the rear tire again, I'm thinking what's going to happen next? After patching the second one I stroll on through the farm lands of western Virginia and really just take in the sights! The weather is warm now with bright blue skies, the wind is still blowing out of the North. I manage to make it Buchanon with really no problem, the leg has been in and out with pain since the 45 mile marker. I'm not sure what to think of it, the pain is always there, its just the intensity that comes and goes. If I was on flats I really don't think I would have an issue, however with the topography I have to cover I do have sharp pain at times.
Rolling out of Buchanon I run into two cyclist heading to Yorktown. Stop and chat with them for almost 30 minutes I would imagine, finally my interaction with people close to my age out doing the same thing. Stacie and another guy, I don't like using that phrase for his name, however I can't seem to remember it at the moment, the only reason I remember hers is becuase she game me a handmade card with her blog information on it. It was good to catch up and chat with some folks on the TransAm today, it has been so long since I have seen another cyclist let alone got to talk to them. This brought the spirits back up for sure, making me think I should just keep riding once back to Missouri, that is if the leg will allow. Odds are I'll do the right thing and take the time needed to let this leg completely heal up, I have so much more life to live and doing it on a bum leg does not sound appealing!
19 miles to Troutsville go by without a hitch! I pull into the park and the park manager approaches me and ask if I can set up at the other patio area, I said not a problem. After chatting with him for a bit I head to the grocery pick up some dinner, then head to the fire station to grab a quick shower (Park manager mention it), I figured I haven't had a shower or a shave in close to 6 days so I might as well take advantage while its here. After cleaning up I head over to eat up some dinner and wind down for the evening, another long day ahead of me tomorrow as I would like to be back in Missouri by Oct. 15th, however weather and leg permitting...
DAY 78: September 28th, 2010 (Route: Shed 605/603 to Afton, VA "Cookie Lady")
DAY 78: September 28th, 2010 (Route: Shed 605/603 to Afton, VA "Cookie Lady")
Technical Data:
Distance, miles: 61.49
Ride Time 5:11:19
Work, kJ: 2857
Average Power, watts: 151
Normalized Power, watts: 199
Average Speed, mph: 11.71
Forecast: Sunny Skies and 70's
Waking up in a shed is something, surrounded by trackers and the feel of the country I was looking forward to getting up! Lets face it, I slept last night on a shelve made to store fuel and other odds and ends. I one cool part about sleeping in the shed, it was full of holes on the sides, giving the apperance of sleeping under the stars, surrounded by all different rays of light that brought joy to my being as I woke. I woke up and put my runners on right away, as I had to go! The watermelon I ate last night sure did rehydrate me as I woke a couple times in the night to use the restroom (that of a tree outside). After doing the normal routine of getting things packed away into Bob I took some time just to look out at the open field and take it all in. Years from now I'll be thinking about that night I slept next to the Monstor VW Bug and the thoughts that filled my mind, on how much fun that must be! lol
Attaching the Bob to my Trek I start to roll the rig out to the gravel drive that leads into this santuary David will retire to some day. The peace and and tranquility this place provides, will provide the time to think. I can only imagine what its like to live off the land and to live where no one else does. To pick fresh vegetables, to hunt, and to fish on a daily basis eating off the land and just enjoying the peace and quiet of nature. He and his wife will definitely be happy here I certain of that. To sit under the Willow Tree in the hammock soaking in the sunshine of the summer months would do anyone wonders, to wash the stress of life away and to soak it all in, to think clearly about the world we live upon, pulled down by the gravitaional forces that we take for granted on a daily basis. What if, just what if...
I roll out on the country road and notice when I changed my tire last night I failed to seal the tube in the tire, I thought how fortunate I am to not have to change another tube! Usually when this happens at 120 psi you have a loud noise and have to start over, thank goodness for durable tubes! While I fix this the neighbors dogs welcome me with an endless array of barks, so many dogs! I think this individual had close to 10-12 dogs. I guess when you live out in the country and have the means to do so you can have as many pets as you wish. I think ones plenty, however I often think having two would be nice so he could have a dog to play with when I'm away. The dogs parking this early in the morning, awoke the owner who came outside yelling "Quiet", I thought "Sorry", however the sun was up so it was time to get the day started!
The roads were wet from the night rain, trees changing color, however still in the early stages. Feeling good, the game plan is to take it easy as I have a lot of climbing ahead of me and this leg is a major concern. I have no intentions of taking a greyhound bus home (where ever home is), the plan was to use my pedal power to get me across this country and that's what I plan on doing! If I have to rest I'll rest...
Enjoying the morning ride I have my sites set on a 60 mile day or so and ending at he first small climb that I will come across on this next 1000+ miles until I reach the garage I left from. Terrain is rolling and I'm feeling surprisingly great, the leg feels like there is power available, however I stick to the plan of taking it easy. Stopping for water I think this could be a great day of riding if the leg doesn't wake up and cause me any pain! All is good for the first 20-40 miles and I'm surprised to be honest, the last couple days have been so hard and now I'm feeling like a champ ready to rock, however I'm on a governor today, nothing over 200 watts unless I'm climbing, seated as much as possible.
The feeling I had the last couple of days is pain right above the knee cap, I say right, however its about 3-4 inches above and more medial so I'm thinking adductor magnus or gracilus (what my research has told me and talking with my friend in Tulsa). Feels like I have something in there cutting away at my muscle tissue, lots of pain on the downward stroke of the pedal, when force (load) is applied, and then again on the upward stroke.
Rolling along the country roads in Virginia I pass Presidents Monroe's and Hamilton's homes, I would say estates as the land and the house must be a site to see, I just road passed, however I figure I will be back someday to take in the history, but for now I'm making my own I kept thinking! I roll into Charlottsvilles, VA and figure its a great opportunity to rest the leg, update the blog and just relax, having ridden 40 miles already this morning I deserve some rest to ensure I have the strength to climb the upcoming hill. I really hate feeling like this as I have l climbed so much, and probably tougher climbs to be honest over the course of my trip and now I'm sounding like a broken record, o' poor me, I've come this far and now I'm hurt. Just keep pushing along you wuss and get the job finished that you started I keep thinking, its time to show yourself what you made of in a different light. Think about it, you can push yourself to the edge and back, however when it comes time to slow yourself your turning into this pitiful child, just rest and finish what you started! It's now or never and riding a greyhound bus home is "NOT" an option. No matter what you will finish this and you will finish with the strength you started with!
I pulled into a Marriott and figured I could get wi fi in the lounge, so this is what I did. I had a little bit of peanut butter and tortillas that I purchased a few days before and just relaxed and wrote. Taking nearly an hour and a half in the lounge I was ready to roll on down the road. While in the lounge I observed a lot of things, people coming and going, the clerk at the front desk just sitting there thinking, I was wondering what they were thinking as they were in such deep concentration, or they could have been sleeping for all I know. A young lady interviewing other young people. I asked what she was interviewing for and it was for Vanderbilt Law school, I thought how interesting. I'm assuming the Universtiy of Virginia that is right next door has a pre-law undergradute degree program, and here in the hotel is a recruiter trying to pick out the best and brightest of tomorrows future leaders of the World. I say the World as I think of the global economy, not just one domestic as the butterflies wings flap in the ever changing wind so does our economic situation, this those young minds sitting there must embrace if they want to succeed in the economic conditions that will present themselves in the near future. Embracing change is one trait all humans should embrace, and do so at a young age as its truely present at all moments we live.
The recruiter was young attractive blonde, Swedish if I'm remembering correctly and mentioned she used to ride all the time in Sweden. Since I have never traveled out of the country I must show my ignorace here, she mentioned you could ride every where and that the United States needs to embrace this idea as well, I had no disagreement here, however with the size of the two countries I would presume the cost would be very tough to do so, not that we don't want to, because I feel the need of change (did I really type that), change is going to happen whether we want it to or not. My ignorance is on what the infrastructure looks like over there, I feel another road trip coming on! All in the all conversation came to a pretty adbrupt end, with both agreeing that we need more cycling going on in the United States.
One of the interviewees reminded me of someone out West.
Leaving the Mariott I continued down the highway heading to Afton, lots of rolling terrain which I love! I just wish the leg was willing to push the pace as I was mentally wanting to hit it, 60 miles is a great distance to cover, however I love to hit the century marker, just gives me a since of accomplishment! I think I just love the feeling of the muscles being sore, the ache, the twingyness of the muscles later in the evening, the feeling of doing something. I can get this is I really hit a 60 mile ride, however not at this pace I've been governored too.
Traffic is lite on these picturesque roads here in the Virginia, I love the colonial homes and the large plantation estates, makes for some breathtaking views. I can tell the mind is back, the last couple of days I have been in a poor pitiful state of mind, leaving me trapped in my thoughts of unproductiveness. I wonder how many other Americans live in this state of mind on a daily basis, trapped, unwilling to make the change to a more positive state of mind. If I can do it out here on my own, I know those that go through this can change, just talk with someone about it. I have made the desicion to adjust, slow the pace, allow the body to heal and live again in the moment that I have failed to do over the last couple of days. What has allowed me to change this thought process I ask? Where was the updraft that I needed the moment things were changing, was it someone I talked to, was it a sight I saw along the road, was it a thought of wanting to change?
Starting to climb I'm thinking of my right leg, I figured if my right leg stays pain free throughout the climb I'll be ready to go over the next couple of days if I ease into things. The plan is to take a couple days off at the "Cookie Lady's" place, a hostel for cyclist that are traveling on the TransAm route. The leg is starting to act up a little so I back off the pace more to make sure I can make it to the house without any pain, this would be a great confidence builder for the day if I was able to come out of this with a 4-5 days of rest with no serious injury, that's the goal as I cannot afford the time, money, or emtional turmoil that would come with yet another injury. For those of you that don't know, I have had 8 surgeries over the course of my young life and really would not like to have another! With the experience on the table that I have had, I know the emotional pain that accompanies the physical pain and this is what I fear the most, the down time, the thinking of not being able to come back, the feeling of lossing so much of who I am. I think about this however there will come a time when sacrifice will have to be made, a given up of something I love. When that day comes I hope I am mature enough to embrace it right way and not fight it, as life is way to short to look at things we cannot change. So many sit and fight the change, losing so many precious moments in life. Embrace the change at all cost, I know it hurts, however it must be done as you have only so few precious moments, this is what I thought about when I was going through those trials. Staring at the PT clinic ceiling of what it, what if I don't come back, what will I do, what will my dreams be? So many thoughts...
Climbing to the sign that reads "June Curry" Cookie Lady I think I made it and with little pain, now for a couple of days rest which I know my leg needs and I'll embrace it here at a famous stop on the TransAm route. I head up to get the keys from June and she greats me with a wonderful smile and worries of heading West this late in the season. I would say that June is in her 80's and doing well for her age, considering she is living on her own, however observing from our conversation which I recorded I think the heart attack a few years back is catching up to her. The thoughts she was sharing I was thinking how sad, such a vibrant soul that loves to share her live with those traveling across the country. June has been serving the cycling community for over 35 years now and its evident in the Cycling House!
I sit here now typing in the Cycling House that is a museum of the TransAm, so many thoughts going through the mind as I cherish this precious moment in my history that I am creating for myself. Thousands of postcards cover the walls, t-shirts, cycling memorabilla, and news paper articles of cycling make this place a special stop on the trip! I would say that more than 15,000 people have visited this place and all have either left or sent a piece of their journey back to this place, a true museum of the route history her at one place. Last couple to sign the log was 6 days ago, so happens it was the Australian couple I saw on the west coast, how cool would that have been to see them again on their journey.
As I rest for the next couple of days I hope to read and rest the leg, as the weather closes in for the winter I keep thinking about how nice it will be to have a bed I can call my own. One thing I really am missing on this trip are "FireSide Chats" with my good friend Jan in Colorado, thinking of the winter months makes me think of Colorado. I hope to have a fire place of my own someday where I can continue chats like these with all those I love, so many friends and family that I would enjoy just sitting and learning about! Off to sleep I go now, to get up and rest the next couple of days and just soack in the history here in Afton, VA, a quite little town nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Technical Data:
Distance, miles: 61.49
Ride Time 5:11:19
Work, kJ: 2857
Average Power, watts: 151
Normalized Power, watts: 199
Average Speed, mph: 11.71
Forecast: Sunny Skies and 70's
Waking up in a shed is something, surrounded by trackers and the feel of the country I was looking forward to getting up! Lets face it, I slept last night on a shelve made to store fuel and other odds and ends. I one cool part about sleeping in the shed, it was full of holes on the sides, giving the apperance of sleeping under the stars, surrounded by all different rays of light that brought joy to my being as I woke. I woke up and put my runners on right away, as I had to go! The watermelon I ate last night sure did rehydrate me as I woke a couple times in the night to use the restroom (that of a tree outside). After doing the normal routine of getting things packed away into Bob I took some time just to look out at the open field and take it all in. Years from now I'll be thinking about that night I slept next to the Monstor VW Bug and the thoughts that filled my mind, on how much fun that must be! lol
Attaching the Bob to my Trek I start to roll the rig out to the gravel drive that leads into this santuary David will retire to some day. The peace and and tranquility this place provides, will provide the time to think. I can only imagine what its like to live off the land and to live where no one else does. To pick fresh vegetables, to hunt, and to fish on a daily basis eating off the land and just enjoying the peace and quiet of nature. He and his wife will definitely be happy here I certain of that. To sit under the Willow Tree in the hammock soaking in the sunshine of the summer months would do anyone wonders, to wash the stress of life away and to soak it all in, to think clearly about the world we live upon, pulled down by the gravitaional forces that we take for granted on a daily basis. What if, just what if...
I roll out on the country road and notice when I changed my tire last night I failed to seal the tube in the tire, I thought how fortunate I am to not have to change another tube! Usually when this happens at 120 psi you have a loud noise and have to start over, thank goodness for durable tubes! While I fix this the neighbors dogs welcome me with an endless array of barks, so many dogs! I think this individual had close to 10-12 dogs. I guess when you live out in the country and have the means to do so you can have as many pets as you wish. I think ones plenty, however I often think having two would be nice so he could have a dog to play with when I'm away. The dogs parking this early in the morning, awoke the owner who came outside yelling "Quiet", I thought "Sorry", however the sun was up so it was time to get the day started!
The roads were wet from the night rain, trees changing color, however still in the early stages. Feeling good, the game plan is to take it easy as I have a lot of climbing ahead of me and this leg is a major concern. I have no intentions of taking a greyhound bus home (where ever home is), the plan was to use my pedal power to get me across this country and that's what I plan on doing! If I have to rest I'll rest...
Enjoying the morning ride I have my sites set on a 60 mile day or so and ending at he first small climb that I will come across on this next 1000+ miles until I reach the garage I left from. Terrain is rolling and I'm feeling surprisingly great, the leg feels like there is power available, however I stick to the plan of taking it easy. Stopping for water I think this could be a great day of riding if the leg doesn't wake up and cause me any pain! All is good for the first 20-40 miles and I'm surprised to be honest, the last couple days have been so hard and now I'm feeling like a champ ready to rock, however I'm on a governor today, nothing over 200 watts unless I'm climbing, seated as much as possible.
The feeling I had the last couple of days is pain right above the knee cap, I say right, however its about 3-4 inches above and more medial so I'm thinking adductor magnus or gracilus (what my research has told me and talking with my friend in Tulsa). Feels like I have something in there cutting away at my muscle tissue, lots of pain on the downward stroke of the pedal, when force (load) is applied, and then again on the upward stroke.
Rolling along the country roads in Virginia I pass Presidents Monroe's and Hamilton's homes, I would say estates as the land and the house must be a site to see, I just road passed, however I figure I will be back someday to take in the history, but for now I'm making my own I kept thinking! I roll into Charlottsvilles, VA and figure its a great opportunity to rest the leg, update the blog and just relax, having ridden 40 miles already this morning I deserve some rest to ensure I have the strength to climb the upcoming hill. I really hate feeling like this as I have l climbed so much, and probably tougher climbs to be honest over the course of my trip and now I'm sounding like a broken record, o' poor me, I've come this far and now I'm hurt. Just keep pushing along you wuss and get the job finished that you started I keep thinking, its time to show yourself what you made of in a different light. Think about it, you can push yourself to the edge and back, however when it comes time to slow yourself your turning into this pitiful child, just rest and finish what you started! It's now or never and riding a greyhound bus home is "NOT" an option. No matter what you will finish this and you will finish with the strength you started with!
I pulled into a Marriott and figured I could get wi fi in the lounge, so this is what I did. I had a little bit of peanut butter and tortillas that I purchased a few days before and just relaxed and wrote. Taking nearly an hour and a half in the lounge I was ready to roll on down the road. While in the lounge I observed a lot of things, people coming and going, the clerk at the front desk just sitting there thinking, I was wondering what they were thinking as they were in such deep concentration, or they could have been sleeping for all I know. A young lady interviewing other young people. I asked what she was interviewing for and it was for Vanderbilt Law school, I thought how interesting. I'm assuming the Universtiy of Virginia that is right next door has a pre-law undergradute degree program, and here in the hotel is a recruiter trying to pick out the best and brightest of tomorrows future leaders of the World. I say the World as I think of the global economy, not just one domestic as the butterflies wings flap in the ever changing wind so does our economic situation, this those young minds sitting there must embrace if they want to succeed in the economic conditions that will present themselves in the near future. Embracing change is one trait all humans should embrace, and do so at a young age as its truely present at all moments we live.
The recruiter was young attractive blonde, Swedish if I'm remembering correctly and mentioned she used to ride all the time in Sweden. Since I have never traveled out of the country I must show my ignorace here, she mentioned you could ride every where and that the United States needs to embrace this idea as well, I had no disagreement here, however with the size of the two countries I would presume the cost would be very tough to do so, not that we don't want to, because I feel the need of change (did I really type that), change is going to happen whether we want it to or not. My ignorance is on what the infrastructure looks like over there, I feel another road trip coming on! All in the all conversation came to a pretty adbrupt end, with both agreeing that we need more cycling going on in the United States.
One of the interviewees reminded me of someone out West.
Leaving the Mariott I continued down the highway heading to Afton, lots of rolling terrain which I love! I just wish the leg was willing to push the pace as I was mentally wanting to hit it, 60 miles is a great distance to cover, however I love to hit the century marker, just gives me a since of accomplishment! I think I just love the feeling of the muscles being sore, the ache, the twingyness of the muscles later in the evening, the feeling of doing something. I can get this is I really hit a 60 mile ride, however not at this pace I've been governored too.
Traffic is lite on these picturesque roads here in the Virginia, I love the colonial homes and the large plantation estates, makes for some breathtaking views. I can tell the mind is back, the last couple of days I have been in a poor pitiful state of mind, leaving me trapped in my thoughts of unproductiveness. I wonder how many other Americans live in this state of mind on a daily basis, trapped, unwilling to make the change to a more positive state of mind. If I can do it out here on my own, I know those that go through this can change, just talk with someone about it. I have made the desicion to adjust, slow the pace, allow the body to heal and live again in the moment that I have failed to do over the last couple of days. What has allowed me to change this thought process I ask? Where was the updraft that I needed the moment things were changing, was it someone I talked to, was it a sight I saw along the road, was it a thought of wanting to change?
Starting to climb I'm thinking of my right leg, I figured if my right leg stays pain free throughout the climb I'll be ready to go over the next couple of days if I ease into things. The plan is to take a couple days off at the "Cookie Lady's" place, a hostel for cyclist that are traveling on the TransAm route. The leg is starting to act up a little so I back off the pace more to make sure I can make it to the house without any pain, this would be a great confidence builder for the day if I was able to come out of this with a 4-5 days of rest with no serious injury, that's the goal as I cannot afford the time, money, or emtional turmoil that would come with yet another injury. For those of you that don't know, I have had 8 surgeries over the course of my young life and really would not like to have another! With the experience on the table that I have had, I know the emotional pain that accompanies the physical pain and this is what I fear the most, the down time, the thinking of not being able to come back, the feeling of lossing so much of who I am. I think about this however there will come a time when sacrifice will have to be made, a given up of something I love. When that day comes I hope I am mature enough to embrace it right way and not fight it, as life is way to short to look at things we cannot change. So many sit and fight the change, losing so many precious moments in life. Embrace the change at all cost, I know it hurts, however it must be done as you have only so few precious moments, this is what I thought about when I was going through those trials. Staring at the PT clinic ceiling of what it, what if I don't come back, what will I do, what will my dreams be? So many thoughts...
Climbing to the sign that reads "June Curry" Cookie Lady I think I made it and with little pain, now for a couple of days rest which I know my leg needs and I'll embrace it here at a famous stop on the TransAm route. I head up to get the keys from June and she greats me with a wonderful smile and worries of heading West this late in the season. I would say that June is in her 80's and doing well for her age, considering she is living on her own, however observing from our conversation which I recorded I think the heart attack a few years back is catching up to her. The thoughts she was sharing I was thinking how sad, such a vibrant soul that loves to share her live with those traveling across the country. June has been serving the cycling community for over 35 years now and its evident in the Cycling House!
I sit here now typing in the Cycling House that is a museum of the TransAm, so many thoughts going through the mind as I cherish this precious moment in my history that I am creating for myself. Thousands of postcards cover the walls, t-shirts, cycling memorabilla, and news paper articles of cycling make this place a special stop on the trip! I would say that more than 15,000 people have visited this place and all have either left or sent a piece of their journey back to this place, a true museum of the route history her at one place. Last couple to sign the log was 6 days ago, so happens it was the Australian couple I saw on the west coast, how cool would that have been to see them again on their journey.
As I rest for the next couple of days I hope to read and rest the leg, as the weather closes in for the winter I keep thinking about how nice it will be to have a bed I can call my own. One thing I really am missing on this trip are "FireSide Chats" with my good friend Jan in Colorado, thinking of the winter months makes me think of Colorado. I hope to have a fire place of my own someday where I can continue chats like these with all those I love, so many friends and family that I would enjoy just sitting and learning about! Off to sleep I go now, to get up and rest the next couple of days and just soack in the history here in Afton, VA, a quite little town nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Day 77: September 27th, 2010 (Route: Mechanicsville, VA to Highway Intersection 605/603 VA)
Day 77: September 27th, 2010 (Route: Mechanicsville, VA to Highway Intersection 605/603 VA)
Technical Data
Distance, miles: 61.71
Ride time 4:46:06
Work, kJ: 2395
Average Power, watts: 139
Normalized Power, watts: 183
Average Speed, mph: 12.87
Forecast - 50-65 and raining, rained all day long! Nice rain at times, then some heavy down pours...
Last night I had so many dreams. Dreams all over the board too, I would dream then wake up, then fall sleep dream some more, this went on a couple more times, when I finally woke up all I wanted to do was fall back a sleep and continue to dream. All of the dreams were interesting, from playing baseball to dance under the moon light. What a night I thought when I woke up. The night before really wasn't all that different from any other night besides I had more vegetables then I have had since Raleigh.
I woke up thinking that I would be back to normal with my leg and that things would be okay, however once down the stairs I could tell it was going to be a rough day. I'm hoping at this point that the ride will be a nice one, wind at my back while the legs feel strong. I crawl out of bed, do the normal hygeine routine and collect my things. Head down stairs and greet the Mackey's. Sons are getting ready for school while Carol works in the kitchen, not sure where Clyde, assuming getting ready for work. Its close to 6:45 at this point and I'm really anxious to see how the leg is going to feel after another day of rest. I gladly accept some breakfast, cereal and some grape juice (can't remember the last time I had grape juice). While eating breakfast I write in the cycling log that Carol brings me. Most host families have some time of journel to write in to log all the cyclist over time that have stayed at their house. I think is a great way to record all the people they have helped out throughout their time hosting. There is something about hosting that brings joy. I know once I settle somewhere, hopefully on a major cycling route I'll be able to host.
After breakfast I back my things and look outside and its raining, not a hard rain, more like a mist. I plan on riding today no matter what the weather, I'm really getting the feeling of wanting to be through since the leg started acting up a couple days ago. I'm sure this attitude/thoughts is only because of the leg, otherwise I was ready to hit the road and ride like I have been riding for the last 70+ days. Since its raining I decide to finish the last few pages I couldn't get through last night. Everybody has left now except Carol, she mentions she is going with the neighbor for a walk. I said okay and turn back to the book, I figure if I finish it I can send it back to Uncle Steve so it won't get ruined, since it was raining out I figured I might see a lot more rain over the next couple weeks so best be safe and just mail it back and finish it now.
I finish the book right when Carol finished her walk, so I packed things up and get ready to depart. She wanted me to stay until she finished her walk so she could snap a few photos of me before I headed out on my journey. Before doing so, she loaded me up with a few granola bars, some raisens, and some roasted soy beans. I gladly accepted anything she was going to offer as I know I have close to 1000+ miles to go. I'm not sure how many I have, all I know is that I'm in the middle of Virginia and I'm heading to Missouri a couple states over and I'm sure I'll burn any calories she wants to send with me. After saying our good byes I head out into the lite rain!
I figured it would rain a little then ease up, however it only started to rain harder the longer the ride went. Rolling out of the neighborhood I was excited to be back on the bike, however the rain was not something I looked forward too. I thought to myself this is going to be a mental challenge today, starting in the rain and finishing in the rain is what will probably happen. The mind was solid and really wanting to get to the next camp ground early to allow the leg to rest. Riding out I didn't feel anything, however I new it was going to be a tough day.
Through Ashland then Coatesville, I'm cruising at a low intensity and making sure I watch the power, watching the power should allow me to log in more miles with this leg. So I continue to ride and I'm feeling pretty good the first 20-25 miles and thinking the rest really helped then it hit me. AT mile 35 the quad woke up and said no more, I stopped and rested on the side of the highway for a little bit. These roads here in VA are really not highways, more country rural roads that are great for riding! Narrow and lined with beautiful tress and I really enjoy, just wish the weather was more forgiving so I could enjoy the day. The wind picked up, could sense the dark skies closing in, then it hit me. Hard rain, I figured, I'm soaked by now so why stop, might as well keep on riding.
Mentally I'm starting to break, I keep thinking about having to quit becuase of an overuse injury. I keep think, great all I want to do is finish what I started. Over the last couple of years I have started so many things and things have either been taken from me or I had to walk away, this trip on the other hand is something I do not want to walk away from. This trip is to prove to myself that I have what it takes, to build the confidence and to start back fresh upon my return. I can't quit, there is not stopping me, even if I have to pedal the remainder of this trip with my left leg!
Continuing on I'm fighting not to stop then I do pull over about mile 60 and think what the hell is going on. My friends want me to take it easy and I know I should, I'm not going to do anything stupid, however I just don't want to quit. I'm an intelligent young man and I know what needs to be done. I need to 1) rest as this is the only way to allow myself to get back to 100%. I've put my body through the ringer the last couple of months with a few more weeks to go, so the plan going forward is to listen to the body. It the body says stop I'll stop, however I'm not going to give up on this trip. If I have to hike back I'll do that, I can walk with no pain its just the pedal stroke that gets me, and walking up stairs. So I'll take some rest when I get it and take it easy on the bike, coast on the downhills and pedal as easy as I can going up hill, however this is the pain generator and with the hills coming up I'm not sure what I'm going to do. I'll figure it out though!
I continue to ride and the thoughts are pretty much just thinking of the rain, though the leaves look great I'm trying to keep the water out of my eyes by just focusing on the ride I don't really notice much of what else is going on. Right at about mile 60 I pull off and check the distance from where I would like to get for the night, it appears the long distance days may have come to an end, this I mentally must accept even though it pisses me off. Survival mode is what I must go to now, meaning get home at all means possible using any physical way possible, pedal with one leg, walk my rig home, what ever else comes to mind. I'm not going to quit, as I am not a quitter!
After checking the map and eating a little I decide its time to push on, still raining I start to ride and the rear is flat. I must have ran over something when I stopped. I'm thinking what a time to have a flat, the days just get more interesting. I use the spare tube in the blow out bag and figure this will be the quickest, then I notice it has a hole. No luck today for me, I take the time and patch it making sure not to get the area wet with ran. Many cars passing now, wondering if anyone is going to stop and just check, its not like I would accept a ride but I figured just out of courtesy. I get the tire changed and a couple people stop, I wave one lady on. The guy in the truck turned around and I talked with him for a bit. I asked him if there was a place to camp within the next 20 miles or so, I figured it was now 3PM and if I could find some type of cover I would be set. I was soaked by this time, however BoB had a dry change of clothes in his belly for me!
David, the driver of the truck mentioned a shed about five miles down the road. I said that will work, I've been riding in the rain for over 5 hours, feeling like its a snails pace because of my quad causing me troubles. I know the forecast called for rain all day with thunderstorms in the late evening and night so I was in for it if I camped out, which was okay. I'm on an adventure, however its still tough to swallow mentally with this leg issue (I don't want to use the word injured as that would mean throwing in the towel). We arrive at David's place, off the major route a couple of miles and its plush, its a shed, but I'm thinking its dry and its out of the wind and perfect for tonight.
David showed me his place, this is his rental. Not too shabby I'm thinking, 160 acres and its a rental. Open fields, areas to hunt, a pond to fish in, and a garden to pick fresh vegetables from along with a small watermelon patch. He allows me to eat what I can find and I'm gladly going to accept, a watermelon sounds great right about now. Once he heads out I head down to the pond where the watermelons are and pick one, figure I'll rehydrate with this fresh melon and have a great dinner in the shed. After eating 3/4 of the watermelon I sit down to read and just sit in the moment in the shed, something I haven't been able to do the last couple of days due to the thoughts I have been having with this quad/thigh issue.
Sitting in the moment I observe. This shed has a John Deer trackor, a souped up Beetle that sits about eight feet tall, some chairs, a bath tub (yes for bathing), and some other lawn equipment. The things that really intrigued me were the spiders, the field mice, the small snakes crawling around (counted two of these). At this moment I have my bed roll on the floor, however once I saw the snake up on the platform I decide I'm going to sleep up off the ground as to not get too close with the critters as dark closes in. The rain is beginning to fall, the water droplets pelting the tin roof, and continues into the night. I drift off thinking and praying that my leg will be strong enough to pedal me back to where I started this journey...
Technical Data
Distance, miles: 61.71
Ride time 4:46:06
Work, kJ: 2395
Average Power, watts: 139
Normalized Power, watts: 183
Average Speed, mph: 12.87
Forecast - 50-65 and raining, rained all day long! Nice rain at times, then some heavy down pours...
Last night I had so many dreams. Dreams all over the board too, I would dream then wake up, then fall sleep dream some more, this went on a couple more times, when I finally woke up all I wanted to do was fall back a sleep and continue to dream. All of the dreams were interesting, from playing baseball to dance under the moon light. What a night I thought when I woke up. The night before really wasn't all that different from any other night besides I had more vegetables then I have had since Raleigh.
I woke up thinking that I would be back to normal with my leg and that things would be okay, however once down the stairs I could tell it was going to be a rough day. I'm hoping at this point that the ride will be a nice one, wind at my back while the legs feel strong. I crawl out of bed, do the normal hygeine routine and collect my things. Head down stairs and greet the Mackey's. Sons are getting ready for school while Carol works in the kitchen, not sure where Clyde, assuming getting ready for work. Its close to 6:45 at this point and I'm really anxious to see how the leg is going to feel after another day of rest. I gladly accept some breakfast, cereal and some grape juice (can't remember the last time I had grape juice). While eating breakfast I write in the cycling log that Carol brings me. Most host families have some time of journel to write in to log all the cyclist over time that have stayed at their house. I think is a great way to record all the people they have helped out throughout their time hosting. There is something about hosting that brings joy. I know once I settle somewhere, hopefully on a major cycling route I'll be able to host.
After breakfast I back my things and look outside and its raining, not a hard rain, more like a mist. I plan on riding today no matter what the weather, I'm really getting the feeling of wanting to be through since the leg started acting up a couple days ago. I'm sure this attitude/thoughts is only because of the leg, otherwise I was ready to hit the road and ride like I have been riding for the last 70+ days. Since its raining I decide to finish the last few pages I couldn't get through last night. Everybody has left now except Carol, she mentions she is going with the neighbor for a walk. I said okay and turn back to the book, I figure if I finish it I can send it back to Uncle Steve so it won't get ruined, since it was raining out I figured I might see a lot more rain over the next couple weeks so best be safe and just mail it back and finish it now.
I finish the book right when Carol finished her walk, so I packed things up and get ready to depart. She wanted me to stay until she finished her walk so she could snap a few photos of me before I headed out on my journey. Before doing so, she loaded me up with a few granola bars, some raisens, and some roasted soy beans. I gladly accepted anything she was going to offer as I know I have close to 1000+ miles to go. I'm not sure how many I have, all I know is that I'm in the middle of Virginia and I'm heading to Missouri a couple states over and I'm sure I'll burn any calories she wants to send with me. After saying our good byes I head out into the lite rain!
I figured it would rain a little then ease up, however it only started to rain harder the longer the ride went. Rolling out of the neighborhood I was excited to be back on the bike, however the rain was not something I looked forward too. I thought to myself this is going to be a mental challenge today, starting in the rain and finishing in the rain is what will probably happen. The mind was solid and really wanting to get to the next camp ground early to allow the leg to rest. Riding out I didn't feel anything, however I new it was going to be a tough day.
Through Ashland then Coatesville, I'm cruising at a low intensity and making sure I watch the power, watching the power should allow me to log in more miles with this leg. So I continue to ride and I'm feeling pretty good the first 20-25 miles and thinking the rest really helped then it hit me. AT mile 35 the quad woke up and said no more, I stopped and rested on the side of the highway for a little bit. These roads here in VA are really not highways, more country rural roads that are great for riding! Narrow and lined with beautiful tress and I really enjoy, just wish the weather was more forgiving so I could enjoy the day. The wind picked up, could sense the dark skies closing in, then it hit me. Hard rain, I figured, I'm soaked by now so why stop, might as well keep on riding.
Mentally I'm starting to break, I keep thinking about having to quit becuase of an overuse injury. I keep think, great all I want to do is finish what I started. Over the last couple of years I have started so many things and things have either been taken from me or I had to walk away, this trip on the other hand is something I do not want to walk away from. This trip is to prove to myself that I have what it takes, to build the confidence and to start back fresh upon my return. I can't quit, there is not stopping me, even if I have to pedal the remainder of this trip with my left leg!
Continuing on I'm fighting not to stop then I do pull over about mile 60 and think what the hell is going on. My friends want me to take it easy and I know I should, I'm not going to do anything stupid, however I just don't want to quit. I'm an intelligent young man and I know what needs to be done. I need to 1) rest as this is the only way to allow myself to get back to 100%. I've put my body through the ringer the last couple of months with a few more weeks to go, so the plan going forward is to listen to the body. It the body says stop I'll stop, however I'm not going to give up on this trip. If I have to hike back I'll do that, I can walk with no pain its just the pedal stroke that gets me, and walking up stairs. So I'll take some rest when I get it and take it easy on the bike, coast on the downhills and pedal as easy as I can going up hill, however this is the pain generator and with the hills coming up I'm not sure what I'm going to do. I'll figure it out though!
I continue to ride and the thoughts are pretty much just thinking of the rain, though the leaves look great I'm trying to keep the water out of my eyes by just focusing on the ride I don't really notice much of what else is going on. Right at about mile 60 I pull off and check the distance from where I would like to get for the night, it appears the long distance days may have come to an end, this I mentally must accept even though it pisses me off. Survival mode is what I must go to now, meaning get home at all means possible using any physical way possible, pedal with one leg, walk my rig home, what ever else comes to mind. I'm not going to quit, as I am not a quitter!
After checking the map and eating a little I decide its time to push on, still raining I start to ride and the rear is flat. I must have ran over something when I stopped. I'm thinking what a time to have a flat, the days just get more interesting. I use the spare tube in the blow out bag and figure this will be the quickest, then I notice it has a hole. No luck today for me, I take the time and patch it making sure not to get the area wet with ran. Many cars passing now, wondering if anyone is going to stop and just check, its not like I would accept a ride but I figured just out of courtesy. I get the tire changed and a couple people stop, I wave one lady on. The guy in the truck turned around and I talked with him for a bit. I asked him if there was a place to camp within the next 20 miles or so, I figured it was now 3PM and if I could find some type of cover I would be set. I was soaked by this time, however BoB had a dry change of clothes in his belly for me!
David, the driver of the truck mentioned a shed about five miles down the road. I said that will work, I've been riding in the rain for over 5 hours, feeling like its a snails pace because of my quad causing me troubles. I know the forecast called for rain all day with thunderstorms in the late evening and night so I was in for it if I camped out, which was okay. I'm on an adventure, however its still tough to swallow mentally with this leg issue (I don't want to use the word injured as that would mean throwing in the towel). We arrive at David's place, off the major route a couple of miles and its plush, its a shed, but I'm thinking its dry and its out of the wind and perfect for tonight.
David showed me his place, this is his rental. Not too shabby I'm thinking, 160 acres and its a rental. Open fields, areas to hunt, a pond to fish in, and a garden to pick fresh vegetables from along with a small watermelon patch. He allows me to eat what I can find and I'm gladly going to accept, a watermelon sounds great right about now. Once he heads out I head down to the pond where the watermelons are and pick one, figure I'll rehydrate with this fresh melon and have a great dinner in the shed. After eating 3/4 of the watermelon I sit down to read and just sit in the moment in the shed, something I haven't been able to do the last couple of days due to the thoughts I have been having with this quad/thigh issue.
Sitting in the moment I observe. This shed has a John Deer trackor, a souped up Beetle that sits about eight feet tall, some chairs, a bath tub (yes for bathing), and some other lawn equipment. The things that really intrigued me were the spiders, the field mice, the small snakes crawling around (counted two of these). At this moment I have my bed roll on the floor, however once I saw the snake up on the platform I decide I'm going to sleep up off the ground as to not get too close with the critters as dark closes in. The rain is beginning to fall, the water droplets pelting the tin roof, and continues into the night. I drift off thinking and praying that my leg will be strong enough to pedal me back to where I started this journey...
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