DAY 09
Radford, VA to Wytheville, VA
Our alarm was set for 9 am. We both couldn't and didn't sleep a wink past 8 o'clock. Taking yesterday afternoon and this morning off in an attempt at regaining some needed strength and rest was a gamble. By not taking a full rest day we'd be saving a day, while maximizing our time in the hotel. But will it be enough? We have a relaxing morning with free continental breakfast and mind numbing television.
Radford, VA to Wytheville, VA
Our alarm was set for 9 am. We both couldn't and didn't sleep a wink past 8 o'clock. Taking yesterday afternoon and this morning off in an attempt at regaining some needed strength and rest was a gamble. By not taking a full rest day we'd be saving a day, while maximizing our time in the hotel. But will it be enough? We have a relaxing morning with free continental breakfast and mind numbing television.
"No parents! We can do whatever we want! No parents!" This is a running joke Becky and I share. It may not make sense being that we're grown-ups, and have been for some time now. But in our minds we're still children. When we move to a new apartment (twice a year) or go on an adventure such as this, the first thing one of us says is "no parents!"
This is how we felt being on our own again, not having the other cyclists around. Don't get me wrong, it's great having that instant connection with someone. That shared experience which enriches everyone's adventure. And I am looking forward to seeing our friends again further down the road. However, for the moment being on our own again feels like our adventure has started anew.
This is how we felt being on our own again, not having the other cyclists around. Don't get me wrong, it's great having that instant connection with someone. That shared experience which enriches everyone's adventure. And I am looking forward to seeing our friends again further down the road. However, for the moment being on our own again feels like our adventure has started anew.
 |  A fist pumping kind of day! |
Halfway through our short 45 mile day into Wytheville, I'd have to say I feel great and that the gamble has paid off. Becky also seems to have a little extra pep in her pedal. In Draper we stop and chat with Thomas Hash, who runs a bike shop there and today is supporting a local race by providing refreshments and snacks. He is no exception to the out-of-their-way friendly Virginians who have shown us such hospitality in their state.
The scenery and weather today are ideal. There's a slight breeze with sunny skies and an occasional fluffy white cloud. The formidable mountains we crossed over three days ago have mellowed into soft rolling hills. We pass manicured wheat fields intermixed with dairy farms and old churches. Next to each church lies a fenced in cemetery. The openness of the land and the uniqueness of each headstone make the cemeteries an inviting place as opposed to a solemn one.
The scenery and weather today are ideal. There's a slight breeze with sunny skies and an occasional fluffy white cloud. The formidable mountains we crossed over three days ago have mellowed into soft rolling hills. We pass manicured wheat fields intermixed with dairy farms and old churches. Next to each church lies a fenced in cemetery. The openness of the land and the uniqueness of each headstone make the cemeteries an inviting place as opposed to a solemn one.
We roll into Wytheville around 5:30. Not bad considering we left after checkout at 11 am. It had been a great day, and to top it all off, free camping at a local park in town.
 Free camping at Elizabeth Brown Memorial Park |  Keith in the free shirt some nice guy have us! |
Stats:
Miles: 44.32
Average speed: 9.8 mph
Max speed: 35.9 mph
Miles: 44.32
Average speed: 9.8 mph
Max speed: 35.9 mph
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