Virginia (part three)

The last stretch of Virginia was something that was on my mind before I started this trip. From what I gathered it was going to be the hardest part on the road, physically at least.  From Afton the climb started up towards the Blue Ridge Parkway. I expected this to be the toughest section, turns out it was the easiest day in the mountain range. As the days when on the climbs seem to increase in difficulty, I put it down to a decrease in my endurance and an increase in temperature rather than the terrain itself. Every up hill struggle was quickly forgotten once I got to see what views were on offer on the top, followed the fast and breezy down hill ride. As the days went by the landscape continued to leave me in awe.

View Virginia (part three) in a larger map

Virginia (part two)

Mineral was the first time I encountered other tourers. I was expecting this during the preceding days, I wasn't sure how I would feel about it after haveing the road to myself for the last couple of weeks. Part of me was looking forward to having the company and another part feared that it would distract me from the task at hand.

Turns out it was the nice change from making myself laugh about past encounters and silly nights out. Since then I have met more riders and we now seem to interweave and met at different points. There is a sense of community on the road now, but  I still enjoy the time I have to myself.

View Virginia (part two) in a larger map

Virginia (part one)

First day in Virginia was hot and slow, and I was still having difficulty dealing with the bike. All that was quickly forgotten about once I was introduced to the southern hospitiality. The pace in Virginia is a lot slower than any of the states I have visited so far. Everyone has time to stop and talk, sadly sometimes I don't.

Finding a place to set up my tent has become a lot simpler, which is easing some budget concerns I was having the last few weeks. It's only now that I'm becoming aware that I'm close to living the life of a hobo. I always liked the idea of the story tellers who used to travel around Ireland, telling their story for some food and board. I feel like I'm "singing for my supper" lately and I enjoy it. People have bought me lunch/beer and let me stay at their home just to hear the wheres and the whys. I still wonder if this would be the case if I didn't have a bicycle.

View Viriginia part one in a larger map