Today was very challenging day besting the previous two. In the first 45
miles, which was our mileage total, we had for major climbs, two of which
were more challenging than yesterday's. One of the climbs was so long and
steep that it bested me and caused me to walk about 700 yards before I
could regather myself to remount the bike and make it to the summit. The
sweat was rolling off of me like a spring waterfall. While this climb
challenged Kyle greatly, it did not best him.
We did not make it to my planned destination today. We fell 25 miles
short. It was a combination of the hills, heat, humidity and the fact that
the original destination was merely a spot in the road - no services of any
kind and no designated camping.
At the top of the 4th big climb in the early afternoon heat, we decided to
call it a day at this large park jointly operated by the states of KY and
VA. As it turned out we made a wise decision. We barely were able to get
our tent up before it started raining. Forward intelligence from a park
ranger indicated the route that we would have been on had at least 45
minutes of rain. Rain even interrupted our camp dinner which we sought
refuge in the ten to eat. In fact as I write this post Kyle and I are
sitting in the tent waiting out a heavy downpour and counting the leaks.
Oh the joy of bike touring.
As we leave KY, I will fondly remember the friendliness of its people and
its countless unfriendly, charging dogs. I can't say that I will miss the
hills.
The next two will present an even greater challenge. Several monster
climbs await while the temperatures are forecasted to be in the 90's.
Given the current rain, I suspect that the humidity will also spike. None
of this is a good omen for my bottom side which already has been chafed in
many areas. Whose idea was it to do this ride in the hottest time of the
year? I suspect all of this is why, we've yet to see any other cyclists.
Dick
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