DAY 05
Charlottesville, VA to Afton, VA
We left Charlottesville with a low mileage but extreme elevation day ahead. Only 29 miles to Afton, with roughly 3500 feet of elevation gain. The five of us started together again, however, it didn't take long before Lauren and Eric disappeared over the horizon. The day started with moderate hills leaving the town, when we took our first of four lengthy breaks. At a country store, old men sat on the porch and gossiped like little schoolgirls. They laughed, waved and hollered at every car that drove by. In return every car smiled and had a wisecrack to throw their way as well. What an existence, like a place lost in time.
We continued only to be halted by a fresh fruit stand. I yelled to Becky "No fruit for you!" But of course we got fruit... And cider... And donuts. The man working there was very friendly and interested in our adventure. He allowed me to ride my bike through the peach orchard. Oh yeah!
Charlottesville, VA to Afton, VA
We left Charlottesville with a low mileage but extreme elevation day ahead. Only 29 miles to Afton, with roughly 3500 feet of elevation gain. The five of us started together again, however, it didn't take long before Lauren and Eric disappeared over the horizon. The day started with moderate hills leaving the town, when we took our first of four lengthy breaks. At a country store, old men sat on the porch and gossiped like little schoolgirls. They laughed, waved and hollered at every car that drove by. In return every car smiled and had a wisecrack to throw their way as well. What an existence, like a place lost in time.
We continued only to be halted by a fresh fruit stand. I yelled to Becky "No fruit for you!" But of course we got fruit... And cider... And donuts. The man working there was very friendly and interested in our adventure. He allowed me to ride my bike through the peach orchard. Oh yeah!
 |  |
Getting prepped for the climb up to Afton with Eric and Lauren
Returning to the grind for no more than a mile, we spot Lauren's bike along the side of the road. Break number three at a quaint antique store. From here to Afton is the bulk of the elevation gain. The five of us sat on the porch discussing the status of our sore muscles and the torture to come. Thirty minutes later we summon the courage to attempt the hill. This is the first day I would say we were in legitimate hills. Beautiful rolling hills with vibrant green new leaves on every tree.
We sat at the post office. The cool pavement in the shade was a welcoming reprieve from the sweltering sun. Break number four. The hill was steep, very steep. A few hairpin turns were signed 10 mph for cars. My legs had been racing, while the bike computer only registered 3.5 mph. I could walk faster than this, but wasn't going to. Somewhere behind me I knew Becky was walking. She had proclaimed from the start that she had no shame in walking. Good for her I thought, she'll probably end up passing me anyway.
We sat at the post office. The cool pavement in the shade was a welcoming reprieve from the sweltering sun. Break number four. The hill was steep, very steep. A few hairpin turns were signed 10 mph for cars. My legs had been racing, while the bike computer only registered 3.5 mph. I could walk faster than this, but wasn't going to. Somewhere behind me I knew Becky was walking. She had proclaimed from the start that she had no shame in walking. Good for her I thought, she'll probably end up passing me anyway.
Finally made it to Afton!
Just a block up the road from the post office and our final break of the day, lay the cookie lady's house. This would be our resting place for the evening. The Cookie Lady (June Curry) had been hosting cyclists since the inception of the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail in '76. Her house was decorated ceiling to floor with cycling memorabilia and thousands upon thousands of postcards sent to her by thankful cyclists. Unfortunately June passed away in 2012. To carry on her legacy her neighbor Hope Wood has acquired her property and continues to allow cyclists to stay in the house. Hope was a wonderful host, and there were even cookies in the pantry!
The Cookie Lady's house!
Stats:
Miles: 29.21
Average speed: 8.8 mph
Max speed: 33.3 mph
Miles: 29.21
Average speed: 8.8 mph
Max speed: 33.3 mph
RSS Feed