Day #2 Peaks of Otter to Meadows of Dan

Well I have never posted anything, but I've followed the best, that's you Stephen, so here it goes.

We arrived at the Peaks last night late after our battle up Apple Mountain.  Unfortunately we did not have a room. Who made all the reservations for this trip anyway?  After a few nervous minutes we got the last room.  We took quick showers then had a glass of wine and a great meal with Dave and Kim Phemister.  They live in Lynchburg and came up for the evening.  It was great to see them and we  had a long conversation after dinner.  Kim left us with many goodies for the ride.  Looking forward to seeing them again.

This am we  had an early breakfast at the Peaks and left for the Meadows of Dan about 9am.  Mary Evelyn and David Sellars drove up so David could lead us out for the first part of the ride today.  It was cool but warmer than yesterday.  David stayed with us for the first 35 miles.  He is great company and a super strong rider.  Yesterday he was racing cyclocross in Richmond and today he pulled us all the way to Roanoke Mountain and entertained us as well.

After a quick refuel from Rhonda, Jason and I headed out on our own.  The pace slowed, but it was warming and a beautiful day on the parkway.  The views were marvelous.  We continued to make pretty good time until lunch.  Rhonda had stopped in Roanoke and had lunch ready for us on a beautiful overpass.  Warm sun and good food.  We were about 55 miles into the ride and getting tired.  Jason ate too much and I was just showing wear.  Just after getting back on the bike it started to cloud up.  The miles sure went slowly going uphill and quickly going down.  Fortunately this part of the Parkway is almost pastoral with many farms and climbing.  The last climb was up Rocky Knob.  It went on for way longer than we had hoped and by the peak I was talking to the local cows. At the top of the climb it started to rain.  The weather sure changes quickly up here.  Luckily we found a shelter at the top.  It was only 5 miles from our hotel, but we had no cell service so we had to wait it out.  We met three interesting guys on Harley's who tried to make a move on Jason, but otherwise very pleasant.  Eventually it stopped so we went on to the hotel.  Once my phone had service it sent Rhonda my text and she came to get us.  By then we were close so we just rode on to the barn.

So 90 miles down today.  Great weather until the rain, a great lead out from David, and a great meal at the Woodberry Inn.  Before I close I'll thank Susan for the great food, Aunt Shirley for taking such good care of us, and Rhonda for being a perfect sag.  We have two more days until we reach the Cheese, then we'll hit the big Mts.  Get ready for that because Stephen Janes is going to join us!
Mike