Tuesday, August 7 - Near Charlottesville, VA

We have crossed the Appalachians!  I can now say that I have crossed over both mountain chains by bicycle, self contained.  Today's ride of 67 miles took us over the Blue Ridge or Old Appalachians.  This included 26 miles on the Blue Ridge Highway which was simple gorgeous no matter which side of the road that one looked.  Crossing the Old Appalachians was no easy feet as we had to pedal up a very steep, switchbacked road to the Blue Ridge Parkway.  This was a four mile climb with a change in elevation of over 2000 feet.  It more than doubled the distance of any of previous steep, switchbacked climbs.   It was appropriately named Vesuvius in honor of the small town at its base.

While we did not ascend Vesuvius as a group (this was because each of us ascended at our own pace) each of us - Kyle, Andrea and I - had to stop midway up the mountain side to catch our breadth.  This was a first for Kyle.  Vesuvius was simply a beast.  A river of sweat was flowing from my body throughout the ascent.  It felt great to reach the top and to do it with both my kids.  While there were still more long climbs on the Blue Ridge Parkway itself, they all paled in comparison to what we had just climbed.  Because of road construction, rough roads, and hairpin switchbacks, we had to be cautious on the descent.  Some loose gravel on the roadway almost took me out on a hairpin turn.  Fortunately, I was able to recovery.  My options were not good if I had not, an emergency room visit was likely the best alternative option.

As noted above, Andrea joined us for two days of riding following the wedding in Asheville, NC.  This seemed only fitting since she has been a major part of this entire blogpost.  She did not ride self-contained however, as our support vehicle for the past two days (my wife, Vicki) hauled her camping equipment and clothes.  As a point of clarification, Kyle and I traveled self-contained, as if no vehicle support existed.  Neither of us wanted to put an "*" behind the Vesuvius climb.

The other challenge today was that Kyle's bike developed a derailleur before the last major climb, which we were not able to fix ourselves.  While were were able to make it to our destination, I don't believe that we will be able to make it to Yorktown, VA without being repaired.  While Charlottesville, VA is within a 12 mile riding distance and does have several bike shops, we will lose a 1/2 day of riding to get the repairs made.  This will put Yorktown out of reach.  Given the driving logistics (Vicki would need to drive Andrea back to Raleigh, NC and then make a return trip for Kyle and I), the heavy traffic that we expect in the Tidewater area of VA (especially within the Historic Triangle), and the high humidity and temperatures expected over the next several days, we have decided to end our ride here.

While this is a disappointment, reaching Yorktown was my second to the goal.  Crossing the Appalachians was my first goal.  Since I'm now sitting at the highest elevation (around 500' ft) for the rest of the week,  I can honestly say that I accomplished my goal.  I now understand a little bit better how Andrea and Alex must have agonized over their decision to end their ride two years ago slightly short of where they wanted to bee.  However, to end it with Kyle, Andrea, and Vicki present truly feels good.  There will be another time for a coast-to-coast self contained bicycling adventure.