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!
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