The ride out if Charlottesville has been fondly renamed Doomsday. Not only was this our longest ride yet (86 miles), but it was 75% uphill through the Appalachian mountains with some really steep climbs. What could possibly make this ride worse, you ask? Terrential rain.
Only 10 riders were able to finish this ride, because the climbs were so steep and the weather was so bad. Fog was so thick we were convinced we were inside of a cloud, and the rain soaked us through in the first few miles so we were frozen for the rest of the ride.
I began to wish for hills instead of descents because the descents were so painful. The rain felt like nails pelting into your face as you're racing down a hill at 30 mph, and the wind forced you into a hypothermic state of misery. The climbs at least warmed your body up, even if they did rip apart your legs. The only way to get through this day was to make the best of it and laugh at how horrible it was, Liz and I pretended we were at a water park because at that point we were just swimming.
Only 10 riders were able to finish this ride, because the climbs were so steep and the weather was so bad. Fog was so thick we were convinced we were inside of a cloud, and the rain soaked us through in the first few miles so we were frozen for the rest of the ride.
I began to wish for hills instead of descents because the descents were so painful. The rain felt like nails pelting into your face as you're racing down a hill at 30 mph, and the wind forced you into a hypothermic state of misery. The climbs at least warmed your body up, even if they did rip apart your legs. The only way to get through this day was to make the best of it and laugh at how horrible it was, Liz and I pretended we were at a water park because at that point we were just swimming.
Liz and I about 15 miles from the host: looking rough
Lexington to Marlinton, West Virginia
We crossed out first state line! This ride was gorgeous, despite the rain (we're convinced it will rain until Oregon), as we rode next to a river through the hills of West Virginia. We stopped and got in the river for a bit and skipped rocks, inbetween some pretty tough climbs.
We ran into a man who biked across the country with his son for his 60th birthday, and he told us we were cheating for bringing a trailer. He was really nice though and assured us we only had one more mountain to climb before Marlinton. He was kind of right- with the exception of the hill that the host site sat upon which was a huge bummer because we were beat by the time we got there.
We crossed out first state line! This ride was gorgeous, despite the rain (we're convinced it will rain until Oregon), as we rode next to a river through the hills of West Virginia. We stopped and got in the river for a bit and skipped rocks, inbetween some pretty tough climbs.
We ran into a man who biked across the country with his son for his 60th birthday, and he told us we were cheating for bringing a trailer. He was really nice though and assured us we only had one more mountain to climb before Marlinton. He was kind of right- with the exception of the hill that the host site sat upon which was a huge bummer because we were beat by the time we got there.
Crossing our first state line!
Marlinton WV to Summersville WV
The mountains continue. To start the day off, we encountered a 9 mile climb in the rain, which was totally worth the incredible view at the top. We reached an elevation of 4545 ft, our highest mountain yet! This ride was also gorgeous even though it was pretty tough, especially considering it was our third 70+ mile ride in a row through Appalachia.
Sweep challenge was to take the best planking photo, for which we took runner up:
The mountains continue. To start the day off, we encountered a 9 mile climb in the rain, which was totally worth the incredible view at the top. We reached an elevation of 4545 ft, our highest mountain yet! This ride was also gorgeous even though it was pretty tough, especially considering it was our third 70+ mile ride in a row through Appalachia.
Sweep challenge was to take the best planking photo, for which we took runner up:
Ben, Jake, Lauren and I planking the day away
Tally:
GatoRAGE: gallons
Rain soaked belongings: all of them. Convinced my clothes will never be dry
Mountains climbed: uncountable. Probably in the billions.
States: 2!
Miles: over 500
Bears seen: 1-2 (I'm skeptical)
GatoRAGE: gallons
Rain soaked belongings: all of them. Convinced my clothes will never be dry
Mountains climbed: uncountable. Probably in the billions.
States: 2!
Miles: over 500
Bears seen: 1-2 (I'm skeptical)
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