After yesterday’s ride, I opted to forgo writing an entry and instead chose to go to a bar with the group. The traumatization of the day was still too fresh and I did not want to relive the ride by writing about it. But now that it’s a new morning, I finally feel comfortable talking about it. Okay, it wasn’t that bad, but boy was it a doozy. It started out with a breakfast made by yours truly and the other Keane of the trip, Katherine (pancakes, eggs, oatmeal), then we set out for the road.
The first 15 miles were rolling and tough, but doable because it was still morning and relatively cool. Once the sun and heat let us know they were there, the intensity level went up. We’re still considered “in the foothills” of the Appalachians, however, it feels like we forged through the entire mountain. We went up so many hills where I was in my lowest gear and I still felt like I was working insanely hard. I’m terrified to see what the actual mountains are going to have in store for us. Sheena and I stuck together, taking frequent breaks, particularly after long uphills in the sun. We stopped at a high school to dry our tents out and to enjoy the AC. The principal of the school warned us about an upcoming road that was treacherous and that we were crazy for trying to ride on. She said she wouldn’t even drive on it in her car. She explained to us an alternate route, however, it would add 3 miles into the trip. At that point, 3 miles was an marathon so we opted to take our chances. It was really reassuring how much this woman warned us.
We were chased by a few more dogs today, however, pepper spray was not needed. Cousin Keane told us a handy trick – slow down and stop, the fun of the chase will end and the dog will go away. It worked. Brains obviously run in the Keane clan’s genes. We also whipped out the GPS more frequently if we were 100% positive about the route. We did not want what happened to Sheena yesterday to happen again 😳.
Leading into Charlottesville, we were riding on a road named Rolling Rd. It was very appropriately named due to the amount of rolling hills. Up and down for miles. Sheena thought a different name would be more appropriate, however, due to the PG content of this blog, her creative name has to be omitted. After surviving Rolling Rd, we reached the one the principal warned us about – Rt 53. At first it was fine with a relatively small shoulder. After a short while that shoulder disappeared into a 5 ft ditch and traffic started piling up behind us. Because it was so windy and hilly, here were many blind curves that made it dangerous to pass. That, along with the very likely possibility that one jerk of the handlebars will leave you very unhappy in a ditch, was extremely unnerving. We stopped at the side when we could to let cars pass, but that required getting back on the bike on a hill. Not fun. Sheena chose to walk her bike up, but I kept trudging on. One hill, right by Monticello, I will never forget. It was so steep and long that I had my first break down. Though I kept it together and didn’t cry, I just wanted to get off my stupid bike and throw it in traffic. I came across a bridge and stayed under it until Sheena came. We sat under it for a good 30 min, contemplating why we were putting ourselves through this torture. But those feelings of defeat gave way to laughs, because what else are you going to do in a situation like that but grin and bear it. 53 gave way to a bonafide highway, at which point I thought screw it I’m taking the first right to get off this death trap. Turns out it was the correct turn! My impeccable sense of direction triumphs again. After getting off that road, we knew we only had 2.5 miles to go, so Sheena and I went to the first bar we came across to decompress.
When we finally rolled into camp, it was reassuring to know that other riders had the same experiences as us. We were not the only ones dying on the hills and traumatized by the windy death roads. We all survived unscathed, though some more bruised.
We have an off day today in Charlottesville. It is much needed not only to rest weary legs, but also to mentally prepare for what’s coming ahead. Looking at the elevation changes on the map, it makes what we did the last couple days look like a cake walk. I’m planning on going to the post office to ship back non essential items to make the trek a little lighter. We are also going to do laundry, hit up a bike shop, and trip to find a spot with wifi to finally watch Game of Thrones (though Facebook already spoiled it for me). Looking forward to the relaxation!
Sheena’s Corner: I hate Virginia. It is not for lovers.
Which would hurt less? Getting hit by a truck going slow, or a car going fast? My phone is not charging, so I am using it for emergency only until I get it fixed. If I die, Emilie will mention it in Sheena’s corner on that day’s entry
Total miles (unclear, different people got different numbers): 49-53 miles
Max MPH: 38.3 (it was awesome)
Emilie Bikes and Hikes 