All I can say is Wow! I'm not going to tell you that my legs aren't heavy or that I'm not tired, but it was a fabulous day. One of my best days ever on a bike. After yesterday's rain and the broken shift cable, we were hoping for a better day-and we got it.
We woke to a few clouds but a much warmer day. After a big breakfast at Roadies, Rhonda drove us back North on the Parkway to the spot, mp234, where she picked us up in the rain yesterday. The sun was out and Jason and I both felt much better than yesterday. It was windy but after we warmed up it became clear that we were going to make great time and have a great day. Most of the wind was a tailwind or crosswind. Most importantly around every turn was another beautiful view. Almost no cars and smooth as silk asphalt. The Parkway was very pastoral yesterday with may farms and more rollers. Today it was becoming much steeper with fewer farms. The 25 miles back to Glendale Springs was so pretty I also didn't mind the hills. Rhonda kept leap frogging with us and I kept eating so we kept rolling. The climbs kept coming and we stopped for several great pictures. Jason was climbing much better today so for the most part I just tried to hold his wheel or would just let him go and he would drop back down to pick me up again before the next climb.
As the climbs increased the descents also became faster and longer. Screaming down the Parkway at 40mph is pretty fun. There are few technical turns and not many potholes. The only thing that made me nervous at all was the sun/shade chances on the road. We kept up the work and the miles rolled by. As we slowly gained elevation the views increased. It warmed up to the low 60s and the arm warmers came off. Jason noticed his cleats were about worn out so we pushed on with snacks (a large cinamon bun for me) and in stopped Blowing Rock for a late lunch and a trip to a bike shop. We made it there by 2pm and had 60 miles. Rhonda picked us up and we had lunch at a Subway in Blowing Rock. We then headed into Boone and made a quick stop at Magic Cycles. They had one set of the perfect cleats for Jason. This is turning out to be a Parkway tour of bike shops which is cool by me. Magic Cycles, like Main Street Cycles, is a great shop. After that we had a nice tour of App, which is getting pretty big and is impressive. Rhonda called Laura Lampley and after dropping us back at the Parkway, was able to visit with Elizabeth at Moses Cone. Elizabeth was very surprised when she showed up to chat.
Back on the road we had a few lesser climbs, but soon began the real climb of the day up to the Viaduct. The grade was not horible, but it seemed to go on forever. By now it was approaching 5 and the sun was getting low. Soon in the distance we could see Grandfather. He is one big dude so I was more respectful today. I think the Viaduct is one of the, if not the, prettiest roads in the country. Today was perfect with clear skies and views which seemed to go on forever. Only problem we had was sharing the views with more cars than we have seen all week. After reaching the apex Jason powered us down the other side of Grandfather and Rhonda picked us up where 221 crosses the Parkway.
We had a nice drive to the Cheese in the Subaru. Tomorrow she will take us back to the same spot, mp305, and we will ride an easy 30 miles back to the Cheese. Best of all we had a great meal of pizza, salad, beer, and dessert. It will be good to have 2 nights here and alittle extra rest before the high mountains. Still today will be hard to beat, 74.9 miles, 8400 feet of climbing, and all with good food, good company, and perfect weather on the most beautiful roads in the country.
Hoping for more of the same,
Mike
Keep it going!!!
ReplyDeleteDavid