We had an amazing day today! There were 10 major climbs that took us over the Appalachian range and we were rewarded with great scenery all along the way. We started off in the fog, which made for some spooky descending, but the sun soon burned it off and we had perfect weather all day. Today’s course took us on US route 33 for most of the day, but this section of the highway was two-lane, quiet and very mountainous. I highly recommend it if anyone is considering a road trip in this area by bike or car.
We passed a couple of milestones today, including a sign marking the “Eastern Continental Divide”, followed by another informing us that we were entering the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This is significant because our destination in just two days is on Chesapeake Bay, rather than the actual Atlantic ocean. We also entered Virginia, the final state of our tour, and we did so in fine style. The Virginia state border was located at the top of the longest, steepest and final major climb of the day, after which we descended through the George Washington National Forest and rolling Virginia countryside. Tomorrow, we’ll climb out of the Shenandoah Valley to cross the Blue Ridge at Skyline Drive, which will then be our final obstacle prior to reaching Williamsburg. So we will have crossed the Cascades, the Big Horn, the Black Hills and Badlands, the Missouri, Mississippi, and Ohio rivers and now the eastern mountain ranges of this huge country.
By the way, downtown Harrisonburg is charming and funky. I had a great post-ride smoothie at the smoothie bar inside a bike shop and I saw many interesting restaurants. It is the home of James Madison University, which may account for the hip vibe. Of course, our Best Western was out by the interstate, adjacent to an enormous complex of Walmart, Home Depot, and dozens of other such establishments. At least there was a Waffle House, which I had to go to in case this was my last chance. I had an omelet, grits, toast, hash browns and a waffle for dessert, then went over to Walmart for a small frozen parfait and an orange. I’ll still be hungry in the morning, I’m sure.
Today’s pictures:
- Eastern Continental Divide
- Virginia border, top of final climb
- Shenandoah Mountain, at Virginia state line
- long descent through National Forest
- county courthouse, downtown Harrisonburg
- Waffle House, just like any other
- my breakfast for dinner
