Make Way for the Kids

Tony woke me up around 7 as he was leaving for work and I begrudgingly hoisted my body out of the nest in Tony's  guest room. I didn't wanna leave this safe haven. Tony went to work and trusted me enough to lock up for him while he was gone. Like I said, Tony is thee man. 

I had some cereal and a glass of orange juice and I was out on the road around 830. It felt good to be out early. The heat had calmed down tremendously and there was a lovely breeze that cooled off my sweaty body. I biked through two small towns onto the eventual goal of Wytheville, (pronounced With-ville) another 50 miles or so. It would be in the town of Draper that I would run into a sourpuss by the name of Bruce.

Immediately, I didn't like him. The first sentence out of his mouth was, "You're heading west? Oh, the worst is yet to come." 

"Oh yeah Bruce? Fuck off", I thought to myself. 

Excuse my french but this guy took the wind right out of my sails. It wasn't two miles before that I started really getting giddy seeing how much milage I'd traversed for the day. I tried to tell him my "Ignorance is bliss"/"one day at a time" philosophy as he proceeded to give me a run-down of his whole shitty experience in the last 6 days. For the next 10 miles, the 62 year old's negative attitude had a dreary drag on my psyche. Now, don't get me wrong, I give the guy madd props for doing a portion of the trail (Kentucky to Yorktown) but don't go spoiling my day because you're old and cranky. Rant concluded.

I stopped shortly down the road at a restaurant for some pick-me-up food. It did the job but the Southern cooking left me bloated for a good hour or so before I could hit the road. While sitting idle recovering from my food coma, I rang the  Wytheville Community Center about camping for the night. The woman on the other end told me there was an event in the park tonight but afterward when it concluded around 11, I could camp out. Apparently, they're showing a movie so that should be fun.

I arrived in town around 630 after lackadasically making my way the last 15 miles. I stumbled upon the park by accident because I spotted the park swimming pool. It looked oh-so refreshing. I was a bit thrown off to hear Southern rap blaring from the speakers and seeing a bunch of small children dancing to the explicit lyrics. It was... weird. The pool turned out to be a private party so I spotted the nearest fast food joint and I'm currently eating there.

I need to start eating healthier.

Good evening, my friends.

                 Abandoned motel

         I dunno if this worked or not. Outside Wytheville

             Wythe County Poorhouse

More Incredibly Awesome People. Still No Axe Murderers.

I woke up incredibly early this morning around 8 to a horrible nightmare that had to do with my family wanting to send me away to China because of the immense shame I brought them. However, as I opened my eyes, I remembered I was still on the road. I remember looking over and seeing Garry's tent, then looking over again maybe 20 minutes later and he was gone. It was time for me to start the day.

Tom and Joe were also nowhere to be seen. It was nice being back on my own timetable. Around 9, children from the local school started flooding the park. They eyed me up curiously - especially when I went to brush my teeth in the water fountain. It reminded me of yesterday when two little girls walked up to Joe and asked, "Mr. Are you homeless?" And then questioned, "What would you do if an owl flew down and bit your tongue?" Joe and I had to give the kids credit for their creativity.

As I was packing up the last of my things, I surveyed the map. Today was a grueling climb up into mountainous terrain but there looked to be a shortcut straight to Christianburg. As if reading my mind, Cecil walked over to me and asked what I was looking at. I told him what I was thinking and he assured me the shortcut would be okay today due to low traffic and the day of the week. So, I took the shortcut

 Although "shorter", the ride was still about 50 miles long. A lot of that was next to interstates and... not biking roads. A big shout out to all the drivers who swiched lanes to avoid my ass today. Thanks for not sending me through the air! 

The goal for the day was Christianburg, VA where I would be staying with Tony whom I met on a website called "couchsurfing". He said he'd probably get off work around 530 so I took my time reaching the destination. I'm glad I did. Once again, the heat was sweltering, hard-to-breathe Virginia humidity. 

At one point biking along a backroad, I saw in the distance what looked like two bikers. Was it a mirage? Upon closer inspection, it was two female bikers whom I would introduce myself to. Enter Jess and Liz; two ladies who were out of college and had worked at a rehab facility. They were being melted by the heat as well. I stopped, chatted, and as I left, they followed. Very shortly after, I stopped to take a dip in a stream while they went ahead. I would run into them again further up the road and we would chat; very pleasant people.

I would eventually make it to Tony's house at almost the same exact time he got home from work. Right upon arrival, he offered me some water. We meshed immediately. I found out he was born in Akron, Ohio and moved to Virginia to further study for his career as a doctor. Conversation came without any difficulty or strain and he was the nicest guy I could've ever imagined. I met his brother in law as well. Tony gave me a shower and started cooking spaghetti. Ahh, there was peppers, mushrooms, brussels sprouts, and sauce. I've never eaten so much. He even helped me to some candy and home-made dessert. The wife is out of town so it's just the boys. Currently, we're hanging out on the couch, eating candy, and watching Wallace & Gromit. 

Tony is thee man.

          Salem, VA Historical Museum

          Nice downhill just before Salem

           Very close to jumping in this

                    Sunset at Tony's

                            Tony!

Brain Melter

Garry and I both woke up around 9ish but he hit the road about an hour before me. We both said our farewells and acknowledged we might not see each other again. Maaaan, was it hot today. 25 miles down the road in Buchanan, the local bank had the temp. reading at 95*. Before Buchanan, I attempted to see the Natural Bridge.

It was $21 to look at a natural landmark made from Earth. It was downright wrong. I was so incredibly disappointed. On top of all that, the region milked the landmark for all it was worth, (more than $21) with hotels, zoos, gift shops, and museums for the thing. 

So eventually, before my brain melted inside of my skullcap, I got to Buchanan where I ran into Tom, Joe, and Garry. Joe told me that the Dutch couple had passed them coming into town, which I could not believe. We all determined that we were staying in the local park of Troutsville about 20 miles away from Buchanan.

Midway to Troutsville, I ran into the Dutch couple and shared a nice ride with them for a few miles before I ventured ahead. Upon arrival in Troutsville, the park manager Cecil gave us a rundown of the area and stated he could drive us into town if we wanted food. We did just that, but not before Garry and I hit the bar and had a nice, cold beer to cool ourselves down. The Fire Department across the street also let us use their shower. There's also a couple staying in the park who hadn't been in a town for 9 days while hiking the Appalachian Trail. They're entering month 9 on the trip. 

You meet some real characters on the road

                             No.

                Crossing Lee Parkway

      Ahhhh, nothing more rewarding.

Slight Detour

I woke up the latest as per usual around 930 to Tom and Joe preparing to takeoff. I think my apathetic morning blues rubbed off on Garry because he didn't get out until 1130. I left shortly after him and would pass him on the way to Lexington. 20 miles later, I stopped to survey my phone and where I was, thinking, "I should've been in Lexington by now". As i'm looking at it, I hear an Irish dialect yell from behind, "Don't stop now, we're nearly there!"

Garry and I pedaled a couple miles before we both felt pretty strongly we were off route (we both got lost...on the same day, at the same time). Doubling back was not fun at all. Eventually we made it back on track and into the city of Lexington. We stopped at a bike shop to see if we could fix some minor problems on our bikes (of course, we couldn't) and then asked where the nearest Subway was. We were fiending for a soda and cheap sub. Almost deliriously, we trudged the couple blocks there.

Garry and I spent most of the day replenishing ourselves from the merciless Virginia humidity. I gotta say, it's really nice having him around. Despite the fact I still like biking and doing all this solo, Garry and I have really hit it off. The guy is humorous, adventurous, lighthearted, and easy to talk to. We've had a great many conversations. Tonight, we're staying at a campground that's 3 miles from one of "the seven wonders of the world", Virginia's iconic "Natural Bridge". We'll see that tomorrow.

One of these days, Garry and I will split up but for now, it's nice having somebody to hangout and socialize with. Especially if it's a crazy, old Irish kook on a bike. He's in good company.

                Outside of Lexington.

          Some cool graffiti in Lexington

Stonewall Jackson's gravy: the man, the    myth, the legend.

In the Quivering Forest

Today... Absolutely amazing. I saw some of the most breathtaking sights that I have ever seen in my life. The feelings that pumped through my heart and coursed through my veins were of utter fantasy. I've never quite felt as spectacular or spiritual as I did today. The fact that I was able to share it with my friends Garry, Tom, and Joe made it that much more special. Today, I fucking conquered a mountain. 

I was quick to note yesterday evening that I didn't feel like sharing much but I feel different today. I stayed at June Curry's house last night in the backyard with Garry, Joe and Tom. Garry met me there about 2 hours before Joe and Tom would arrive so we bought a beer and food for delivery. Joe and Tom made use of the rice and were kind enough to share their ramen noodles/tuna with Garry and I's insatiable hunger. It was a delightful evening spent socializing and chatting inside the famous "Cookie Lady's" house. 

The woman was renowned amongst pedaler's for her kindness to cyclists by allowing them to stay and eat in her house. However, she passed away in July 2012. It was eerie to be in her house with so much history. In fact, a guy by the name of Ralph came by the old house to find his card he left in the 80's, when he was on the trail. Current owner Hope Moore allowed us to camp on the grouds.

So, the next morning Garry, Tom, and Joe would leave the house in Afton ahead of me at 10 and 11 respectively. I would say  I left around 1130. Today was hyped up as one the hardest and most grueling routes of the TransAmerican Trail: The Blue Ridge Parkway. The trip began middway up Afton Mountain and ended at Vesuvias. Elevation in the mountain peaked around 3600 feet. Some of the lookout points were just stunning. Absolutely magnificent views pf tiny homes, cars that looked like ants, and a field of vision that stretched for hunderds of miles. The views totally rewarded the effort needed to ascend these mountains. It was tiring. 

Halfway through the trip, I ran into Tom and Joe at the Humpback Rocks Visitor's Center. I explored the old history of the parkway and how it took over 200 years for the first settlers to get this far west. Around one of the lookout points in 20 Minute Lookout point, I ran into Garry.   We decided to do the whole segmet to our current position, the town of Vesuvius. The 3 mile descent down into the town was thrilling. Bike speed was reaching (I'm estimating here) 25-30 mph, at least. The entire 3 miles was just a winding, howizontal drop down the mountain. Finally, I came buzzing into Vesuvius. Looking at my map in the church parking lot, a man drove in as well.

Enter Rick Shemehorn, known as a "trail angel". This guy was incredible. He said he heard the dogs barking because of the bike, and said I could camp behind the church. Stating there were others descending the mountain, he offered to drive back to notify the others of the place to sleep. Rick and I got Garry, Tom, and Joe just entering Vesuvius. Then, the guy offers to drive all of us into Lexington because he needs groceries. We got Chinese Buffet! Went to Walmart! And got a tour of Virginia Military Institute and the town of Lexington! The man was truly an angel. After all of this, he invited us back into his home to wash our clothes and have showers. 

We got back to camp no more than an hour ago and today has been amazing. This trip has been amazing. People are amazing. I'm excited for tomorrow; what I'll see, who I'll meet, and how I'll feel. My body likes me again, I believe. Little aches, and the muscles are adjusting nicely. 

I had one of the best days of my life today. Bold statement.

          Pictures don't do it justice. 

One segment of the Blue Ridge Parkway. 

              Virginia Military Institute

Rick is in there, rather poor picture. He's driving

    Garry, Joe, and Tom unpacking after the trip.

Brief

Today was one of my favorite days so far. Leisurely pace, an awesome new companion, beautiful weather, and a night of socializing amongst friends. I'm tired and don't particularly feel like going through the details of today so I'm not going to. Another reason is because of how personal today felt. I want to be selfish and keep the interactions of tonight to myself and the group that they took place with. 

It is a wonderful evening. It was a glorious day. If the sun rises tomorrow, than a smile shall form with it. 

Good night.

Breakfast at the hostel: cooked grits, two pieces of toast, and a banana. 

              Downtown Charlottesville

      Homemade yogurt made from fresh picked strawberries.

Current camping area at "The Cookie Lady's" house. Look up June Curry.

   Garry from Ireland who met up with me to camp in Afton, VA.

I do need to bring up 4 more incredible human beings that I met at the hostel just so I don't forget them and there is a place where they're history is recorded.

Kathy: Absolutely brimming with adventure, joy, excitement and life. She was biking a short segment known as the Skyline Drive an we talked allll night. She was so pleasant to speak with and took a real genuine interest in my life, activities and interests. She was a teacher back home and an absolute health nut. Wonderful woman.

Bill: Fellow from New York in town for his cousin's wedding. A very smart guy, we had an interestingly long conversation about the effects of smoking and addiction. We woke up and had breakfast at the same time, discussing numerous topics and picking each other's minds.

Rachel & Nate: This couple came into the hostel after I fell asleep but we found lots of common ground at breakfast. We chatted history all morning and the richness of Charlottesville's historic past. Delightful people, very interesting.

Aight, that's enough typing on this tiny keypad. I'll write with more detail tomorrow evening. Night all.

It's Getting Hilly

So, I went and drank a few beers with Rick last night. We sat outside his restaurant and watched these poor, drunk souls sing country karaoke across the parking lot. It was different. Rick offered a room in his house to me as he was closing the store and I accepted. His house was a mansion ad I avoided the cold, frigid evening outside. 

The next morning, Rick drove me back to his restaurant and he made me a steak&egg sandwich. Feeling ready for the road, I thanked Rick for his kindness, went back to the firehouse, and looked over my map. 

Setting a goal for Charlottesville, I called the number of a hostel and reserved a spot. Telling the woman on the phone I was cycling from Mineral, she made an off comment that would haunt me for the rest of the day. She said, "Oh, biking from Mineral usually takes me 2 and a half hours. It's not bad at all". So, with a pip in my step, I furthered my expectations to another 20 miles past Charlottesville and canceled the reservation. The woman was a no good liar. 

3 hours later, I was huffing and puffing my weary body up a 2 mile hill that would be followed by another hill, and another. Charlottesville was still 20 miles away. The words of the woman haunted my every thought. Her voice echoed in my head. Did she have the gluteal muscles of a powerlifter? The core of Xena the Warrior Princess? The lungs of an olympic swimmer? I don't know but something tells me she was full of it.

So anyway, eventually I made it to Charlottesville. Today wasn't bad, it was just trying. The weather was absolutely magnificent. I've finally been able to stop sweating toward the point of leaving a trail of liquid behind me with the weather in the mid 50's.

 Also, I stopped at a vineyard that was having a wine tasting event. There was a small dirt road and sign that I almost didn't see. I decided as a fresh 21 year old, wine tasting was something to try. Expecting to be the only person there, I pedaled down the old path where I was greeted by a man waving me eagerly in. Turns out, it was a huge event supporting the SPCA and there were about 50 cars in the parking lot. I got a free wine tasting excursion because I was biking. It was awesome!

I almost forgot to mention that there are cicadas everywhere. They come out every 17 years and their buzzing in the forests is almost deafening. Also, the other day I was riding with my head down, watching the white line when I noticed a small otter that I almost hit. It scared the hell out of me. I laughed as I continued riding. Another animal moment that happened today that I found pretty funny was a butterfly that was wavering toward me. I had to spit and for the hell of it, I attempted to hit this butterfly. The second my saliva left my mouth, the butterfly changed direction and slapped directly into my right cheek; it stunned me. As I came back from the shock I started laughing because of the ironic hilarity of it. 

So yeah, I'm in a hostel in Charlottesville. Chillin. Peace.

Rick's dogs Chance and Sandy, plus his crazy birds.

                   The man himself.

       Wine tasting at Cooper vineyards.

                 Blue Ridge Mountains

They Call Me Mowgli

I woke up this morning to the pitter-pattering of rain on my tent. It didn't stop for two hours. By the time I finally got all my shit together (usually takes an hour to pack all the gear onto the bike) it was 12 in the afternoon... Woof. However, cool story. I'm setting one of the last things on my bike and I hear, "Ralph!". I look behind me and the twins from the day before are setting up camp a few yards away! Small world! I ran over to the brothers and firstly, got their official names: Joe & Tom. Coolest guys. They had woken up at 6 (0.o) and were just coming in for the day. We had a really pleasant conversation and then I was back on the road again.

Since the campground I stayed at was off the trail, I had to retrace my steps about 5 miles until I was back on some back roads. Not long onto the path, I stumbled across an odd site. One horse was laying sprawled out in its pen with another horse laying behind it. Fearing it was hurt, I biked closer. Both horses sprang to life and appeared frightened. However, after coaxing the one with some grass, I gained their confidence. I've never been that close to a horse before! Man, you can see their anatomy rippling through their bodies and they appeared to be staring right into my soul, it was crazy! As I'm petting them, I see a car, which appeared to be the owner coming down the dirt road. Fearfully, I took a step back and awaited to explain myself. Turns out I didn't have to. The man and his young daughter drove on by, both giving friendly waves. It was pretty cool.

So I biked on, stopping every now and again to eat, drink or check some stuff out. I visited Patrick Henry's home in Scotchtown who is notorious for "Give me liberty or give me death!". After that, I stopped on the outskirts of a private housing area to eat a powerbar. As I'm finishing up, I look down the road of this residence, and I kid you not, 5 to 6 dogs are hurriedly pacing their way toward me. What did I do? Panic? Hell no, I took a picture and held my hand out to show I meant no harm. Only one wasn't afraid of me. The other three stayed back, and one was a mean guy who was showing off his rather large canines. So after this, I hit the road again. 

30 miles or so later, I reached Mineral, VA where the volunteer fire department allows bikers to camp in the backyard. I met two more bikers and a very outspoken italian restaurant owner from Long Island; more on him later. However, the two other bikers were Naren (originally from Bangalore, India) and Alberto (originally from Peru) from the Silicon Valley. We had a lovely conversation about the trip, ourselves, and the future. They're really smart and cool guys. Naren went to West Virginia, Pittsburgh's rival school so that was something to talk about too. They just went to sleep and are waking up at 530 (again o.0). Maybe, eventually, I'll get on that schedule but for now... Is where my Italian friend comes in. 

I had a really good meatball hoagie from this guy (gotta get his name, will update when I do) and he talked about how he soaks the bread in milk, which I probably shouldn't be telling you because it's a secret. Anyway, tonight is the local school's graduation and he invited me back to the restaurant tonight for some beers, so hey, what the hell. I'm weary to have too many because of the bike ride tomorrow but I'm going to indulge in some refreshments. 

So, the guy's name is Rick and he offered to have me crash at his house. That's the plan.

Until tomorrow.

              Just a kewl picture.

                        These guys.

The one leading the way was nice. The one next to him, not so much. There's more on the right behind the bushes.

 

Steady as She Goes

I left the church late in the afternoon today because of an early downpour that lasted a good hour and a half. As I finally went outside to get the last of my things on my bike, a car pulled up with a woman who was unlocking the door to go in. I greeted her with a smile and just as I got ready to leave, I saw two bikers coming down the road weighed down with things. The two 25 year old twins greeted me with a smile and told me their names... Which I immediately forgot. One was named James, I know that. They were staying at the church for the rest of the day. I started gushing about how much they were going to enjoy themselves. We had a nice little conversation and I learned they had met the same Dutch couple I had. I said goodbye and pedaled across the parking lot. In the distance, two more bikers pedaled into view.

Immediately, I knew it was my Dutch friends. I could see Willam squinting and leaning forward for a better look and it made me smile to hear him cheer my name as he pulled closer. They had left at 9 that morning (it was now 1) and waited out the rain in one of the Richmond battlefield areas. I traveled with them for a mere 2 miles or so before  they stopped for liquids. With sorrow, we said goodbye as we both thought it would be the last time we would see each other but... ya never know. 

It was a very scenic and historical bike ride through forests and small suburban neighborhoods. All over the road were memento's of the Union's invasion and attempt to capture the Confederate capital of Richmond in 1862. However, General Lee would beat back Mcclellan's forces and the Union army would not be back into the area until 1864. It was interesting stuff.

So, as with most days, I just biked and listened to music... And I loved it. It's funny to finally be able to tell people I'm going to California and they don't think I'm crazy because they know about the trail. However, as I found out at a rest stop, some people still think I'm "doggawn fuckin crazy". So eh, whatever.

Going to try to get up earlier than I have been tomorrow. Goodnight.

 

       My Friends from the Netherlands

          One of the numerous battlefields

  Idk if you can read it but this guy was killed right around the church I had stayed the night before about 20 miles back down the road.

 

    Waited out another downpour here. 

I'm in Heaven

I'm currently in Glendale, VA at the Willis First United Methodist Church. I have the whole building to myself and Pastor Mark told me to help myself in the kitchen. I got a sleeping bag in the bible study room and Veggie Tales on the tube. It don't get no betta.

I biked out of Williamsburg this morning around 11 and went down the Colonial Parkway. No further than 5 miles on the road, I noticed two people on bikes bogged down with bags 0.o; Friends! I rang my little bell and pulled up alongside them. It was Willam and Ellie from the Netherlands beginning the TransAmerican trail at the ripe ages of 67. Willam and I conversed for miles before they pulled off to head into Jamestown. They both had been principals in the Netherlands and he had grown up in Rotterdam. It wasn't their first biking adventure; these two were seasoned veterans.I don't think his wife knew much english for I only heard her speak in Dutch. They were lovely people though, I hope I run into them again. 

After stopping at a glassblowing place in historic Jamestown to grab a bite to eat. I hopped onto the Capital Trail, which is a work in progress for TransAmerican bikers so they can stay off the highway. However, cyclists still have to use the highway... Which made me a tad uneasy with no shoulder but alas, all went well. 

More or less, I was on that road all day stopping occasionally to eat and drink. Ohh maan, I almost forgot to mention (i'm tired) how humid and hot it was today. I literally tried to bike in the shade whenever I could. I consumed copiooouusss amounts of liquids today. I don't know if anyone knows how much I sweat but today was outta control. No worries though, I'm staying hydrated. Buying another water bottle tomorrow as well. 

I also need to mention that when I got to the church around 6, there were two ladies knitting who were more than happy to show me around. The real treat though was the choir practice that went on about an hour later. They're joke was that they spend more time laughing than singing but man, they're singing soothed my soul. And the laugher, that was contagious as well.

Well alright, one of my favorite Veggie Tales moments is coming up so I'm going to curl up and enjoy that. Adios. 

    Ahh, the lovely Colonial Williamsburg

       Around Jamestown. Today, it certainly didn't look like the death trap of starvation and diseases that it was in 1607.

                          Capital Trail

  My favorite: the Willis First United   Methodist Church

So It Begins

I made it to the beginning of the TransAmerican Trail today, which starts in Yorktown, VA. Twas a grand day.

I woke up this morning around 8 but stayed in bed accidentally until 1030. It was the first night I left the rain canopy off and waking up, all my senses tingled, especially  my sight which finally could see the sun as opposed to being toasted inside of the rain cover. 

When I finally got out of the tent, I called a phone number of a couple named Susan & Joe who drive bikers across the Hampton Tunnel because you can't bike it. The only problem was that I had read about her on an old forum dating back to 2007 so I didn't even know if she still lived in the house. As the phone rang, a message machine picked up stating it was still Joe and Susan's house. However, did they still drive cyclists? If not, I would have to attempt to hitchhike again. 

About 45 seconds into my voicemail and just as I was concluding my situation, an out of breath voice hurriedly answered the phone. It was Susan to save the day and tell me she would be more than happy to drive me. All I had to do was cycle the 10 miles to her house. Awesome! I was on my way.

Almost immediately out of the gate, I felt something wrong with my bike. The chain would become stuck every time I stopped pedaling so I pedaled down to the nearest "bike store" (hardware store that worked on bikes). Again, I met the most kind and helpful man by the name of Ron. He gave me a free bottle of WD40 (which the bike shop noted never to use... Oops) and tried to help decipher the problem. I had a broken spoke and the chain had become so clogged with grime and dirt that it would become stuck. The WD40 did fix the problem so Ron was still the man. I still had to fix the spoke though so I looked up the nearest bike shop on my Iphone (this device... No words) which was 10 miles down the road directly before the tunnel I had to cross. 

The bike shop guys were the coolest! Devin and Michael told me they'd fix the spoke and check out the rest of it. I ensured I had time to take a dip in the Chesapeake and set off to get wet. Virginia is incredibly humid. The Chesapeake was incredibly warm. I was incredibly replenished.

When I got back to the bike shop, I learned there were several things wrong with the bike (which honestly relieved me because the gears have been sketchy most of the ride) and I'd have to wait another hour. As I waited, Susan showed up! We chatted like old friends and I learned she had traveled the same route across the country a few years ago. Her enthusiasm and excitement recalling the trip was contagious! I started to really begin to get hyped up. Actually, the guy Devin had also biked the route but started in the West. Upon learning this, I asked him, "How was it?" He looked me dead in the eyes and said, "It was the best thing I've ever done in my life". Excitement bar raised! 

So eventually, Susan took me over the bridge and tunnel... AND the extra 10-16 miles to Yorktown where the trail begins. I can't even express my gratitude toward her for the conversation and how she went completely out of her way to help me. She even borrowed her father's truck to fit my bike in. The woman has a heart of gold!

From Yorktown, I biked on down to Williamsburg where I found a nice motel for a very reasonable price. More importantly, I met Ray who immediately took to treating me with immense kindness and generosity. We had a nice conversation before he gave me one of the nicer rooms off by itself and he gave me a card to keep in touch. 

There's a lot of great people in this world. I look forward to meeting more of them. 

Good night all.

            Dippin in da Chesapeake.

                          Susan!

      Yorktown, Va aka "The Beginning"

      Colonial Parkway was beautiful. 

Not My Favorite Day

I woke up today feeling much better. I popped some advil, packed up my gear, got a salad (nutritional error 1) and hit the road. Before I left though, I thanked the owner John for discounting me both nights, always greeting me as a friend, and heeding to my bedridden self. The man was awesome.

So I hit the road and traveled onto Seaside Rd. that ran parallel to the major highway. I thought I would find food somewhere, I was terribly wrong. However, I did meet a lovely woman named Cheryl at a church where I stopped to get water and she got me ice and walked me around the building. Later on this godforsaken road shortly before I thought I might start hallucinating, I met two gratuitous ladies who gave me these knockoff gatorade pouches when I was looking for water. These things gave me the strength to make it to the next Mcdonalds about 5 miles down the road.

After Mickey D's, I learned I was only a few miles away from the tunnel so I geared up and headed down the highway until I was 3 miles away. Parking my bike against a sign for the toll, I went hobo status with a cardboard sign reading "will pay toll". I don't think the orange marker was visible. After waiting for half an hour, and even dancing with the sign for a bit, I decided I was done. So I called the police. Yes, because people should pick me up. No, because the Chesapeke Bay Bridge has their own police force and they take bikers over the bridge.

I met the coolest guy named Earnie who told me all about his family, and especially his daughter that he was working hard to put into graduate school.  We had a really really cool conversarion for the 20 mile ride. After the bridge, I biked to First Landing State Park where I am now.

Excuse me though, I need to pass out. 

   John provided the Southern hospitality.

        Forgot to mention, I entered an old abandoned high school built in 1934. Central Hign School in Acomac (?) County.

   Entering the state park over the bridge.

Kink in the Armor

I feel like utter horse shit. As soon as I settled into the motel last night, I noticed I was much more achey than usual and likely had a fever. I tried remaining optimistic but sleep never came.

I vomited several times last night and now am just trying to rest up for tomorrow. The weather here is pretty awful so I suppose it's not the end of the  world missing a day. 

Also, my immune system is getting better than yours. Next time this bug attempts to come back, my white blood cells are gonna be like, "Hey man, you look really familiar". The bug will respond, "Nope, just passing through, Ralph knows me". And within the time it takes for me to take a bite of sammich, the bug will be toast. So yeah, i'm down with the sickness.

Anyway...

Hoping for a speedy recovery, wish me luck! 

Virginia

Ugh, hurting right now. Today was... Miserable? Exciting? Wet. It rained ALL day from the time I got on my bike until the time I stepped into this motel (yeeaahh, thought i might reward myself). 

2 hours into the ride, I stopped at a nice looking sandwich shop on a corner. Shivering, I went in and ordered a hot ham & cheese sandwich. The ladies in there advocated heading east some 20 miles and getting a "nice, warm hotel with television and a shower". They had me fully convinced. The only problem was that it was 20 miles off my path. The next hotel closest on my path was 50 miles south. So, I elected to go south.

I must say, whatever was in that ham and cheese brightened my spirits. Mostly though, the people are who get me rejuvenated. On the road, passing cars always give a friendly wave. It's encouraging to see that even people in vehicles respect somebody biking in the rain with a shitload of stuff. People sitting on their porches always give a friendly nod or wave. Even the horses and birds I pass by seem to be intrigued. Actually, horses are terrified of the little classic bell on my bike.

Also, just from biking and staring at the white line in front of me, I made a mental (strangely philosophical) note of the grass overtaking the road. No matter how permanent or divine we believe the human purpose to be, the earth does not care. It will disintegrate and break down all things we create. It's naive to believe the earth is here for our consumption. We are here because of the earth. If we continue to do damage to it then quite simply, it will "get tired". Anyway, that's enough of my torrent. 

The weather out here only appears to be getting worse :/. Gonna see how I should prepare for tomorrow.

Thanks for reading!

          One of countless wheat fields

    Ham and cheese with 2 lovely ladies

          My safe haven for the evening