Day 6 – Richmond to Yorktown – 101.7 miles - Success!

I always set two alarms. One for the time I need to get up, and one for 30 minutes before that. I hate the snooze button. The 5 or 10 more minutes that comes with a snooze is just a tease, but I love thinking I have 30 more minutes! I set the alarms for 6:00 and 6:30 on day 6, but when the first alarm went off I jumped up and couldn’t pack things quick enough. I was so excited about the day ahead. It was all I could do to wait until daylight to leave.

I hit the road about 6:00 and headed to the McDonald’s across the street for breakfast. I also wanted to see if there was anyone there I could verify my route with. Sure enough there was. I ate breakfast and was on my way.

Sue had told me the night before to “stay present and focus on the moment”. Good point. It’s so easy to cross the finish line before the race begins. I don’t know about anyone else, but I often have a day scripted out before it begins. I was thinking about rolling into Yorktown when her words came back to me. Focus. Stay present. Enjoy the ride. My sister texted saying encouraging me to enjoy every moment of this last day. Good stuff.

Now…I’m not excited about telling you all this next part. In fact, it’s just plain embarrassing. When I checked the map the night before, I thought I had 2 sections left and that the 3rd section was a detail map of Williamsburg. Each of those sections are approximately 30 miles. Based on that, I had it figured that I was less than 50 miles from Yorktown. Those of you that have access to a map and the ability to read it (unlike myself) can probably tell just by looking at it, that it is more than 50 miles from Richmond to Yorktown. I still don’t know what I was thinking. Ugh.

I got to Glendale and hit Route 5. I was 40 miles into the day and it was noon. It was then that I flipped to the 2nd section of the map and also checked the 3rd section. My heart sank. The 3rd section wasn’t a detail at all, but instead another full section. My first thought was of Sue. She was an hour into the trip to get me and under the impression that I would be finished between 3 and 3:00. I was looking at another 50 miles and 5 hours at a minimum. I called her immediately and left her a voicemail telling her that I was sorry and I would bust my butt to get there. I got back on the bike and off I went. It wasn’t long before I got a text from Sue saying not to worry and just be careful.

At noon it was already almost 100 degrees. I headed into Charles City and that’s when my feet started to burn. There really isn’t anything you can do when that happens, but I did find that dousing them with water was a temporary fix. However, what you then have is wet shoes and socks. At that point it’s a pick your poison kind of situation. I saw a sign that said 34 miles to Williamsburg. The traffic was heavy on Route 5 and I was glad to see an 8 mile bike path that paralleled the road. It was a welcome sight as it was a bit flatter and shaded. After being on Route 5 headed to Williamsburg for what seemed like 20 miles, I saw another sign that had the miles to Williamsburg, but I couldn’t make out the number. As I approached the sign I had a multitude of thoughts.

Please be less than 20 miles.
It would be great if it was single digits.
No…it can’t be single digits.
Is that a 3 or and 8?
18 miles?!?! I can’t do this.

It was about 3:00. I stopped the bike and called Sue again. I asked her if she would start to head toward me from Yorktown at 5:00 and take my gear. That would lighten the load and maybe speed up my last few miles. She was happy to do so and this did a couple of things. First, just talking to her renewed my attitude, gave me a bit of a second wind, and reminded me that I was almost there. Second, it gave me something to look forward to. I can do this for a while longer and then I will be free of the bags. Ok…push on. Pedal, pedal, pedal… I can do this.

I had to cross the Chickahominy River which is a long and tall bridge. At the top I considered just chucking the bike over the edge. Who could blame me? I would just tell people it jumped. Who wouldn’t? :)

I came across another bike path and was thrilled to see a sign saying there was a place to refill my water bottles. They even had free Popsicles. I took the time to stop and refill, but didn’t rest too long. By this time I was about 10 miles from Williamsburg. My feet were still burning, my hands were numb and the sun was insanely hot.

I was back on the bike in no time and it wasn’t long until I hit the Colonial Parkway, which begins 8 miles outside of Williamsburg. This road is not a bikers best friend. It isn’t exactly cobblestone, but it is very bumpy and difficult to make good time on. Five miles from Williamsburg Sue found me. I can’t even begin to express how good it was to see her. She had the biggest ‘Big Gulp’ cup full of ice that you have ever seen! I have never tasted anything so good. I dumped my gear off and talked to her for about 5 minutes. I gave her everything. My bags, map, phone…everything. She said, “You’re almost there!” We talked and she said that she would stay with me. We talked about it and when she asked if I wanted her to go 5 or 10 miles ahead, I said 5. When I pulled back out onto the road, I felt like I was on a new bike. That gear weighed every bit of 20 pounds and what a difference the ride was without it. It also helped tremendously that I knew she would be there in 5 miles. Quite frankly, it kept me going.

What I didn’t realize is that I had to go through Colonial Williamsburg to get to Yorktown and there was a small detailed section on the map for how to get through it. Did I mention that was in 2 miles and I had just sent Sue 5 miles ahead…with my map…and my phone? Ugh… I knew it was Colonial Parkway all the way to Yorktown and just didn’t think about having to make any turns. As I took the first turn to get through and I saw a woman crossing the street. I stopped her and asked for directions. She said that sometimes she carried a map in her purse and sure enough she had one. She was able to point to where I needed to go and I was off again. I didn’t see any street signs and had a little trouble, but I saw two people running and they also helped. I must not have looked so good because they offered to run with me and just show me where to go. This whole thing only took about 10 minutes, but it felt much longer. Once I was back on track, I found Sue again. We had a laugh about me giving her everything and she gave me more water. I sent her another 5 miles ahead.

At this point I was at 90 miles for the day. The pain was becoming worse with every passing mile. There were also biting flies to contend with. They kept finding the slots in my helmet and biting me on the head. At 95 miles I saw Sue and pulled over for more water and a dose of encouragement. She told me that I had done the last 5.5 miles in 20 minutes. My only reply was, “That means I only have 20 minutes left.” She asked if I wanted to rest, but I knew better. Later she told me that it was all she could do not to physically stand in front of me and tell me to get off the bike. She said that I was looked worse each time she saw me. With about 5 miles left in the trip I hit the road one more time. I remember watching the odometer and counting off each tenth of a mile. 4.9…4.8…4.7…4.6… At 4.5 I thought, ok…I ride 4 and a half miles to work. I can do this. It’s almost over. At 1.7 Sue had started back for me and when she saw me she yelled, “You are there! Go girl! Go! Go! Go!” Each crank of the pedal brought excruciating pain. Back when I had first seen Sue, I dumped the rest of the water in the Camelback on my head and it drenched my shirt. It was still so hot that my shirt had now dried. I just pedaled. I kept thinking, as bad as you hurt right now, as soon as you get there the pain will stop. I didn’t dare let myself think about how good it would feel to take off my shoes or the joy of the a/c in the car. I just pedaled. Don’t stop…no matter what…pedal.

With three tenths of a mile left, I came to an intersection with 4 options and no signs. I unclipped and stood there. I saw Sue coming up the hill where she had asked for directions. The man had told her to take a hard left. There were two of those. She handed me the map and left me to check one out. When she returned in a minute she said there was a sign and pointed me in the right direction. I rode to her, handed her the map and took off. She got in the car and pulled around me. When she got a little ahead of me I saw her hand go out the window and her fist pump the air. I knew then that she had seen the monument. In a few more cranks of the wheel, I too saw it…and I wept. I wish I had the writing skills and vocabulary to really express what that moment was like. The pain stopped. It a split second I realized that I had made it and what an accomplishment it really was. All the miles and doubts and fears and hope…it all came down to this one moment. This finish line. It was the most amazing moment of my life.

I started to go ride to the car when Sue said, “Get your ass up to that monument!” I gladly did so. I picked that bike up and held it over my head while she took the picture. It was a phenomenal moment and one that I will never forget. And what a gift to share that moment with one of my dearest friends. It was more amazing than I ever imagined.

We walked to the car and she helped me get my shoes off, and we put the bike on the car. My feet were so swollen I didn’t think I would get my sandals on. My hands were also swollen and almost completely numb, and I had never felt better.

We headed back to Roanoke and what took me 6 days to do on a bike, we did in 4 and a half hours. Afton Mountain was a breeze. We talked and laughed and each time we passed a sign with the number of miles to a town, I would tell her about what it was like there. I probably said, “I can’t believe I did it.” 100 times. But she was gracious, and kind, and just let me say it.

I want to thank you all. I could not have done this without the support of each and every one of you. What an adventure and experience this was! Thank you ALL for sharing in it with me! I look forward to our next adventure. Much love.

Day 5 – Lake Anna to Richmond – 61 miles

There was another beautiful sunrise this morning. I had passed a Subway about a mile up the road so I didn’t eat before I left the Inn. The pain in my legs was pretty intense as I pulled out of the driveway. I wasn’t sure how many miles I would be able to string together for the day. I stopped at a Subway where I ran into three men who helped with directions on how to get back onto my route. They saved me about 8 miles by knowing a shortcut. I was eternally grateful for that!

There was a good deal more civilization and places to stop throughout the day and that was a welcome site! I certainly learned a lesson from yesterday and stopped every time I had the opportunity. I stopped in a town called Pottiesville and took a nice break. They were kind enough to refill my water bottles and I sat on their porch for awhile. It was feeling pretty good in the shade and my sprits were high. I also stopped at a post office in Bumpass and shipped some unnecessary supplies home. Two pounds may not seem like a lot, but in this heat, every little bit helps.

I had just finished all of my water right outside of Ashland. There was a man getting his mail and I stopped to rest in the shade. We chit chatted a bit and talked about how hot it was. Only 102 today compared to yesterdays 105. I asked him how far to Ashland and he said about 4 miles. He asked if I had enough water and I told him that I had just run out, but 4 miles wasn’t far and I would get something there. He offered to refill my bottles and I didn’t argue. His name was Ben Hutchinson and he was a retired vet. He shared some of his experience from the war and told me that his wife had died a few years ago. He was so kind and I was eternally grateful for the water. That’s how this trip was…people just put in my path along the way right when I needed them. It was amazing really.

I was so glad that I had the water as the next 4 miles into Ashland was hilly and hot. Ashland was beautiful. I passed by the Randolph Macon College and it was a stunning campus. I stopped someone to ask where a good place to eat would be and he gave me the name of two but wasn’t sure if either would be open. It was 2:30 and apparently all the restaurants close at 2:00 and reopen at 5:00. I finally found a place called ‘Trackside Grill’. It was so perfect! My server was Brie and she not only brought me a giant glass of water, but a pitcher! I ordered a bacon cheeseburger and fries and they were amazing! Brie was super nice and it was a great experience. Brie…if you are reading this…Thank you!

I called Meredith from the restaurant and she hooked me up with hotel Reservations in Richmond. I still don’t know what I would have done without her. Thank you Meredith.

The hotel was about 12 miles away and the battery on my phone was super low. As I was packing up my gear to begin the trek to the hotel I spotted an office and decided to see if they could help me out. I walked in and met Vicky. I filled her in on the situation and told her the whole story. She was kind enough to print out the directions for the hotel and told me that the man they just hired there a couple of weeks ago was from Salem. Small world! Thank you Vicky! You were kind and helpful and I truly appreciate it!

I took off for the hotel. Ashland has a set of train tracks that run right through the town. I love to see train tracks because that means its going to be flat! The heat was still pretty intense and the tar in the road was sticky causing my tires to stick a bit. I was chased by a dog, but it wasn’t a scary dog. I was more afraid of the dog getting hit by a car than it hurting me. The directions were easy to follow and I was at the hotel in about an hour. I felt like I was on top of the world knowing that tomorrow was the last day! Looks like I’m going to make it after all!

I talked to my mom and she was glad to hear I was sounding better than yesterday. I also talked to Sue and we firmed up plans for pick up the next day. I don’t know who was more excited! It looked to me like I was less than 50 miles from Yorktown and I could hardly sleep I was so excited about the big day!

Day 4 – Charlottesville to Lake Anna – 72.33

This was my first solo day. I was excited about hitting the road and started out about 7:00 am. The sunrise was beautiful and I enjoyed a good breakfast at the Cavalier Inn. They even had scrambled eggs! It’s the little things…

I took a wrong turn right away down a big hill and said a couple of choice words before climbing back up and getting back on track. As I was heading out of town and going through the Interstate 64 exchange I hit a giant pothole and lost my taillight. I was thankful that my taillight was all I lost and I didn’t blow a tire, or worse.

I took the left onto 53 East and was on my way! Palmyra 18 miles…nothing to it.

I pedaled along on some shady roads and went through Monticello. It really is beautiful through there and I even passed a gorgeous vineyard. The hills weren’t too bad at all and things were moving pretty smooth. I eventually got to a little store and, while they didn’t have any ice, they were nice enough to let me fill by bottles up with some cold water. I talked to some old men outside who asked about my trip and then I was off again. I had no idea what was ahead…

The heat was intense. Even going downhill and getting a little wind felt more like a hairdryer than a breeze. It was so hot it was hard to breath. 105 was the heat index. I had heard about bikers getting ‘hot feet’, but never had the pleasure. About 20 miles into the day it felt like my toes and half of my feet were on fire. I had had never felt anything like that before. As I kept riding the roads became more and more rural. No more lines on the road, only the occasional house, and there was just one hill after another, after another. I continued checking the map thinking that I must surely come across a store or something soon. The further I went, the more worried I became. I was hungry and not making good time at all in the heat. I did not prepare for a day of biking without the opportunity of food or water. That was my mistake. I kept going and going. I started to feel a little panicked. Then I started to feel a LOT panicked. I was worried that I was going to pass out from the heat and no food. It had already been 6 hours since I had eaten and that’s a long time when you are on a bike.

It was 1:00 or so when I flagged down a car. I was hot, and tired and afraid. I asked the woman how close it was to Mineral. She said, “Oh honey…it’s every bit of 30 miles.” I was devastated. She asked if she could bring me something and I said I would be fine. She asked if I was sure because she would be happy to and I finally agreed. Determined is a great quality…stubborn, not so much. She brought me back water, a can of peaches, a mason jar of ice, and a loaf of homemade banana bread. It was the best banana bread I had ever eaten. She was so very kind. I will forever be grateful for her. Kitty was her name. After eating, I was able to get back on the bike and begin to face the next 30 miles.

The heat does funny things to you after you spend that much time in it. I was in my 9th hour on the bike and in the heat and I just didn’t know if I could make it. I wanted so bad to quit and just lay down in the shade, but I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to keep going if I did. I began doubting whether I was even going the right way. Thankfully right before I began to completely panic there was a sign showing me I was headed the right direction. Finally, after 10 hours on the road, I came to a convenience store. I was sunburned, exhausted, beaten, and absolutely done. Everything on me hurt. I called my friend Meredith and between her, Stacy & Steve, they were able to book a room for me at the Lighthouse Inn at Lake Anna. That was the good news, the bad news was it was 11 miles away. My mom called and when I called her back I was crying and said, “I’m calling you back because I know you are worried, but talking to me isn’t going to alleviate your fears.” I told her about the day and where I was and that I would call her soon. The heat had completely wiped me out. After I ate a few chicken fingers I got back on the bike and headed to the Inn. I thought to myself, I can’t make it. I just can’t do it. And then I thought…I can’t go 12 miles, but I can go 1.2 miles until the next turn. I would make the turn and think, I can go the 1.2 miles to the next turn. I kept breaking it down until I got there. I actually passed it by almost a mile, but I have never been so relieved to find a place in my whole life.

I spent 11 and a half hours on the bike and traveled 72.33 miles. My fingers and toes were starting to feel numb. I took a cold shower and went through the normal routine of packing up the bike and getting ready for the next day. I talked to several of my friends a family and was feeling tons better by the time I went to bed.

Day 3 - Waynesboro to Charlottesville - 39 miles

I woke up feeling great this morning! I was worried because I had felt so bad yesterday morning and I wasn't sure how Imy legs would be today. I couldn't believe how great I felt, even better than on day one! We left the hotel at 6:07 and today it was just Billie and I. I love a day that starts out a little cool. Then to top it off there were 4 miles of downhills and flats to get to the bottom of Afton. That's the good stuff!

Then the climb began. I kept telling myself that it was only 2 and half miles. I ride almost 5 miles to work...this is half that. Up we went. Billie was way ahead of me, but I just focused on my ride and took my time. I think I like it more when people are ahead of me because it forces me to not focus on them and just concentrate on my ride. We climed that mountain in 30 minutes. It was unbelieveable! It hurt, it was a long climb, and my muscles were screaming, but it was amazing! I kept thinking about all the people who were thinking about the climb this morning and who were rooting for me. I swear I could feel you all pushing me up the mountain. As I got to the top and looked back at the magnificent view I thought...well now, would you look at that...just look at what we did...and how far we've come. Yep...my sister was right. The road I am on has very little to do with geography. Then I cried, ate homemade chocolate and started down the mountain.

Three miles down...talk about getting the blood going! That wind felt like it passed right through me filling me up and renewing my strength as I went. I have never felt more alive than I did while we were flying down that mountain "hoopin' and hollerin'" as we went! The biggest smile you have ever seen spread from ear to ear! When we hit the bottom, it was 8:40.

The next 10 miles or so were very nice rolling hills and flat stretches. So relaxing and beautiful. The smells of morning were fantastic.

Coming into Charlottesville, there was a bit of climbing to do, but the heat was the real kicker. The heat index was 97 here and no shade to be found. We stopped at a grocery store where we met JD and I said goodbye. They wished me luck and JD gave me directions for heading out of town.

The first thing I did when I left them was get off of the route. I just took a wrong turn, but of course that turn was a half mile downhill which means I just had to turn around and pedal uphill again. I asked a 928 year old woman if she knew how to get to the Cavalier Inn and I have included our conversation below:

Me: Hi. I'm sorry to bother you, but do you know where the Cavalier Hotel is?
Precious lady: I believe that is right by where the Red Lobster used to be.
Me: ........sigh.......blink...Thank you. :)

I have found that people do not know distance. People also do not know what flat is. I have heard countless times..."Oh yeah, it's pretty much flat when you get to that intersection".

No...it isn't...ever. This is going to be great comedy someday.

I was planning on heading to Zion Crossroads, but it worked out that I just stayed in Charlottesville. The pieces of that fell right into place and this is exactly where I needed to be tonight.

I ate a most excellent burger, fabulous fries and a salad for dinner. I'm sunburned and sleepy, but very happy.

Tomorrow, I will be riding to almost Richmond. If I'm feeling really good I'd like to make the ride all the way in. It's 71 miles, but there aren't any mountains left from here to the coast and I have all day. That's the plan at least.

Much love...and thank you!

Day 2 - Buena Vista to Waynesboro - 42.80 miles

The day started out pouring down rain, but it didn't last long. By the time I arrived at the Hardee's to meet JD and Billie it had stopped. We had a big breakfast and went over the route for the day. JD took the van to Vesuvius and headed back toward us, while Billie and I left from Hardees and toward Vesuvius. The ride started out on a 2.5 mile road that wasn't steep enough to call a hill, but a weird incline that was in between gears. My muscles were screaming and aching and I was really worried about how I was going to make it through the day. Billie was way ahead of me and I saw that she had stopped. I pulled over and we decided that it couuldn't go up forever. Sure enough in another 100 yards there was the best downhill EVER! :) It seemed to go on forever and I hit 42 mph. The next 8 miles were a beautiful ride.

It ran right beside a river and was shaded and just perfect. On our first break we ran into the first members in an Adventure Cycling tour. They stopped and talked to us while we rested and that's where we met JD. There were two other small climbs, that I had to walk some of, but I made it. On the way down from the second climb I saw two cows standing in the road. At first I just saw that they were two big animals and my initial thought was...I did NOT bring enough pepper spray. The sheriff was riding by and stopped when he saw me. He said that he didn't know who the cows belonged to. There were about 6 total. I assured him that they were not mine. Knowing that Vesuvius was just a few miles ahead, I started to tell him that if he felt the need to put me in that air conditioned car and take me up the mountain and question me...I would have no choice but to comply.

At the bottom of Vesuvius we got to the van and took another break. I will tell you now, that we loaded the bikes up on the van and drove the mile out of the valley. It was CRAZY steep and I couldn't do it. I figure if I ride one mile in a car out of the 300, I can live with that.

The ride into Greenville was a dream. The rolling hills were smooth and easy and the view was spectacular. I was very slow, but it was such a relaxing ride I didn't even mind. Turns out that overpacked was an understatment. We stopped for lunch at Subway in Greenville.

I did a much better job of resting, eating, and just taking care of myself in general. I tried to give myself a break and just relax and pedal and not worry about my speed. I stopped and took pictures when I wanted and I just took in the sounds around me. The river, birds, the wind... it was amazing.

We got into Waynesboro about 3:00 this afternoon. We are at the foot of Afton mountain and I'm looking forward to facing the mountain in the morning with fresh legs.

When I saw the sign showing 5 miles from our destination, I was overwhelmed once again. I can't believe that this is happening and that I have made it through day 2. The whole thing is still so surreal. I've dreamed and planned about this trip for so long and now that's its here, and really happening.

I was sitting in my hotel room (a most fantastic room at that) when I received a text from my friend Meredith. She was asking where I was and I updated her. The next message that came through was a picture of the hotel...from the parking lot with a caption that said, "Surprise"! I couldn't believe it! She and another friend Stacy had come all the way from Roanoke to visit and cheer me on! I was blown away... Apparently, they had been scheming all day on Facebook, but I hadn't even checked my page.

There was a time when I had one friend...and I didn't even treat that person well. I was selfish and self consumed and miserable. Today, two friends rode 100 miles just to show me they cared. They also brought homemade chocolates. I was bombarded with encouraging texts and Facebook posts on my personal wall as well as the riding for a reason wall. How does one get from that miserable person to here? I don't really know, but I wouldn't trade a second of this life for any of the old. Thank you. Thank you all for being a part of my life, this journey and another day.

Salem to Buena Vista - 61.70 miles

What a beginning! I was headed up Kessler Mill road on the bike path when I saw a turtle walking along. A nice reminder that slow and steady wins the race. Just what I needed. :)

I had the biggest dumbest smile on my face for the longest time. And it was a relaxing ride all the way to Troutville where I stopped for a snickers and an energy drink. Note to self...don't do that again. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and 17 miles of riding without food wasn't smart. Lesson learned. As I was getting ready to pull out of the convenience store, a little irritated with myself, I heard a bicycle bell. Am I hallucinating? No! It was a man named Craig who was working his way from Oregon to New Jersey. He was on his 21st tour and New Jersey is the only state he hasn't ridden in (except for Hawaii). He was so nice and I enjoyed talking to him. We rode together for about 3 minutes...after 21 tours, he was a bit faster than me. He passed by and yelled, "I'm impressed and proud!" Again...just what I needed.

I met my friend JD as I was leaving Troutville. No way I was making it to Buchanan by 9:00 as planned, but he was in no hurry. We stopped at Greenwood Restaurant for breakfast. The waitress must be familiar with bikers coming through. She had a glass of water waiting when I walked in the door. Very cool!

JD and I rode for awhile from Buchanan until almost Natural Bridge. We split up and he rode back to his car and met me at a gas station. I was beat. I hadn't eaten properly and I was completely exhausted. It wasn't pretty. He asked if I wanted a ride to Buena Vista, but I declined. We were sitting and talking about tomorrow's route and 3 other bikers came up. This brought the total to 11 total! One of them was from England and this was their first cross country trip. We parted ways and I headed on alone. About a mile down the road I began thinking that I had made a terrible mistake by not accepting the ride. I was 43 miles into the trip and not feeling well at all. I was frustrated that I was moving so slow. I walked up some hills and I will tell you that I didn't think they would end! I would get up and hill, fly down the other side, and there was another hill. I had to break it down and just focus on the task at hand. One hill, one crank of the pedal, one minute at a time. It’s funny though, every time I stopped and checked my phone there were tons of messages. Each one making the next piece of the ride seem possible. I can’t thank you all enough for your words and good thoughts.

As I passed Jellystone Park in Natural Bridge, heading into Glasgow, I started to get my rhythm back. I stopped for some food and more Gatorade and was beginning to feel like a person again. The smile was back and I was feeling a bit more hopeful.
I took a road by the river after Glasgow and that was when everything turned around. She shade from the trees and the beautiful sunshine was amazing! The ride was smooth and I was feeling accomplished and really beginning to believe that I was going to make it! I was only 9 miles away...and by the way, it was the longest...9...miles...ever! :)

I know that many of the people who care about me believed I could do this from the start. I wasn't so sure. I still wasn't sure even when I started out this morning.

As I turned the corner onto the street where my dad lives, I was almost overwhelmed with emotion. I was so happy! I was blown away that I had made it! The physical aspect of this first day was trying, there's no doubt, but the real battle was a mental one. I learned some valuable lessons about how to take care of myself and I hope by doing so, I will have a better stand against the battle tomorrow.

I'm leaving here at 7:00 and hope to make it to Charlottesville. I’m going to work to get over Afton Mountain, and if I do that, I will feel good about the day. Much love.

Q & A:

Here we are in the final days before the trip. It’s gotten here so quickly! People have been asking me a ton of questions lately and I thought I would try to answer some of them today.

Q: Why in the world are you doing this?
A: My initial goal when I began all of this was to cross the country…but even I knew that was too big of a step right away. That’s still a dream, but it’s a long way down the road. I thought that a trip across the state would be an excellent short term goal.

Q: Are you going alone?
A: Not for the whole trip. I have a friend (JD) who has crossed the country before and he is going to come along for a few days. He won’t be biking the whole way. He will be meeting me and riding for awhile, then turning around and going back to his van. He is also going to give me the option of riding up Vesuvius in a van and not on the bike. It’s a 4 mile climb that is VERY steep. I will probably take him up on this offer. This isn’t a race, or a competition. I want to have fun. I also want to live through the event. :)

Q: How long will it take?
A: My intention is to be there on Wednesday, June 1st, and that is 6 days.

Q: How many miles are you going to ride a day?
A: I’m planning on 50-60 miles a day until I get over Afton Mountain. Then I will be able to up the miles to 70-80 a day. I’m just going to take my time and enjoy the journey. If I want to stop and at tourist sites, then I will. I have all day, every day to ride.

Q: Are you camping?
A: No, I’m staying in hotels. All of the gear to get started in touring was expensive and I just didn’t have the extra funds to get the camping gear. I will pick that stuff up over time. Next time I hope to do some camping.

Q: I see you out on the roads all the time. I wanted to blow the horn, but I was afraid I would scare you. Is it ok?
A: Absolutely! People are always blowing the horn when they pass me. It's a little beep of encouragement. I would like it if people didn't lay on the horn though. :)

Q: Can I text you while your on your trip?
A: Again...absolutely! I may not get to return them all, but I will do my best! Any words of encouragement are welcome. Thanks!

If you have any additional questions, please either comment here or go to the “Riding for a Reason” community page on Facebook. I’m happy to answer any questions you have.

I'm leaving at 6:00 am on Friday. I can't wait to begin this adventure!

Single Digits

Well, it’s official…we are now in the single digits of the countdown! First, let me say that I am so grateful for the support and encouragement so many have shown over the last several weeks, and really since this whole thing started! I’m touched by how many have stopped to offer words of kindness. I can’t tell you how much it means to me. Thank you.

I also wanted to post the link to the new ‘Riding for a Reason’ Facebook page. For every person that ‘likes’ the page, I will donate a nickel to a local charity. This quarter (April, May and June) is dedicated to the Roanoke women’s shelter. I will also post the link to donate to that if you are interested.

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Riding-for-a-Reason/160783397317484

https://secure20.salvationarmy.org/donation.jsp

If you donate, be sure to enter Turning Point under specific use. I’m pleased to say that this week I received the first outside donation to the quarterly endeavor. Last year a friend donated to the cause when she hit her 1,000 mile mark for the year! Thank you all!

Ok, there’s the business out of the way.

Enjoy the rest of your week!

14 Days!

Two weeks from today I will be on the road to the beach! Woohoo! Last night I bought what I hope to be the final major pieces for the trip. A tire pump, camelback, another pair of biking shorts, and two water bottles.

It’s funny how all of this has just fallen in to place in the last week or so. Wednesday night I went to Lowes to find some kind of fastener for my bike bag. I’ve been using bungee cords, but I was worried about them for the long trip. The guy that helped me really took the time to talk to me about what I was looking for and we searched all over that store for something that may help. Finally he said, “I know what you need, but we don’t sell them here.” Then he walked out to his own truck and gave me to army surplus straps that will be perfect! I tried to give him money, but he wouldn’t take it. How nice is that?!?!

Yesterday I did an interview for an article in the newsletter where I work. It was really neat to share the story again. I’m hopeful that people enjoy following along as much as I enjoy making the trip. And if nothing else, I’m hopeful that it inspires at least one person to try something new.

My sister told me yesterday, “Just remember…where you are going on the road trip may have nothing to do with geography”. I’m finding that to be more and more true everyday. This trip is becoming less about the final destination and more about the adventure and the lessons learned in the journey. I’m learning a great deal about myself and that I’m capable of much more than I expected. I can’t wait to see where this ride leads!

Quicksand

It’s amazing how I let my thoughts get the best of me. I start to doubt my preparedness, my ability, and my heart, and the next thing you know the fear creeps in. Then I get stuck in the fear, and the more I fight it without taking action, the worse it gets and the deeper I sink…like quicksand. It started with my thinking about the climbs on the upcoming trip and wondering if I was capable of making them.

So I took some action. I got up and went on a ride. Every time I came to the end of a road where I had an option of going uphill or not, I took the hill. Little by little, crank by crank, I made them all. Now, I didn’t break any land speed records, but I got to the top. I’ll tell you some good stuff too…there is nothing like the ride down after a trip to the top.

I also started laying out the supplies for the trip. I now have a dining room table filled with the equipment I will need. I love seeing it there. It motivates me. Only a few more items left on the list. It’s really coming together now.

I added the handlebar bag this weekend as well. My friend helped me redo my brakes so that the lines go through the brackets and don’t hinder my braking ability. Pretty important for the ride down the mountain.  Then he helped me mount the headlight back on that I broke while attaching the bag.

It looks like a great week for riding here in the Star City… I look forward to making another trip to the top of Mill Mountain this week as well.

25 Days...

Wow…where did the last year go? I can’t believe how quickly it went! It seems like just yesterday that I was picking up my ‘birthday’ bike and now I’m about to embark on a 350 mile journey to the coast. I must tell you that I really didn’t think it would happen. Sure I’ve talked about it to anyone that would listen, but in the back of my head I had serious doubts.

Nevertheless, here I am. The bike has been purchased; all of the necessary spare equipment is in hand, the route plotted, and the date set. That’s the easy part. The challenge is more mental than anything.

I bounce between believing beyond a shadow of a doubt that I can do this, to believing beyond a shadow of a doubt there is no way I can. I go from thinking I’m crazy for even trying to thinking, I’ll never know if I don’t try. I don’t want to wake up one morning thinking about the things I never did. I would much rather relive the memories of actually doing them. Win or lose. Make it or not.

If I have to walk up some of the mountains, so be it. If I have to rest for a day, that’s ok too. This is my journey and I can take my time, set my pace, and enjoy the trip.

I look forward to the opportunity and to sharing it with those who would like to follow it.

Come on Spring!

Wow...it's been awhile! Four months and 2 days until the bike trip. I'm sooooo looking forward to the warmer weather so I can get back out on the bike. I'm really looking forward to the trip, but I'm also nervous. I don't want to slow anyone up which is why I have been working so hard at the gym! I also have a friend, Logan, who is going to work with me very soon on riding to the Mill Mountain Star. That will be excellent training! Posts will be coming more frequently now... I appreciate everyones support! :)