This was probably the longest day of my life. I left Mineral at 6am, with the goal of making it 93 miles to the cabin I had booked in Love, VA by nightfall. I made sure to carbo-load. I left a lot of time for resting. I brought along snacks for encounters with the wall.
For a while, things seemed to be going great. The morning 50 miles into Charlottesville was a lot less hilly than I’d feared. I managed to find a bike store after only half an hour of riding up and down the crazy-steep hills that Charlottesville is apparently built on. I had a fancy sandwich for lunch (mozzarella and prosciutto on some delicious baguette.) I made it 25 miles from Charlottesville with only one slightly painful climb.
Then I reached the bottom of the biggest climb yet. I’d already put in 75 miles. My legs were a little on the tired side, as you might imagine. This was a hill with switchbacks. Actually, it was the 1500 foot climb up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. I walked some of it, but eventually I made it to the Parkway. I was exhilarated. It felt like the top of the world.
Now, I knew I had 14 more miles to go before reaching my cabin. It was important to reach the cabin because that’s where I’d had my replacement tent poles mailed to. I didn’t think it would be a problem. 14 miles is nothing! How hilly could it be — I’d already done the climb…
Those were famous last words. About 10 of those 14 miles were decidedly uphill. 1000 more feet of uphill. I sweat; I cursed; I came pretty close to crying. I honestly considered just lying down by the side of the road. When I finally made it to the turn-off for my cabin, I whimpered, “I’m saved!” and got off my bike to kiss the ground. I have never been so exhausted. I barely managed to shower (I wouldn’t have if it hadn’t been so incredibly necessary.) I could hardly walk. I fell asleep in 20 seconds.
Final elevation: 2900 feet. I am so tough. It’s scary, but I hope I get tougher ’cause I think I’m gonna need it.
Posted by: sam