Tag: Bicycle

Blue Ridge Parkway Bike Ride – More Day 2

Leeds Manor Road skirting Naked Mountain on the ride to Front Royal easily had the steepest climbs of the day. The slopes on Skyline drive were easily
conquered. I rode through two downpours on Skyline Drive; one soon after the start and one toward the end. Two more deer on Skyline bringing the day’s total to 18. The best wildlife sighting happened near SD mile marker 25. I was silently cruising down a mountain when a black bear ran into the road about a 150 ft in front of me. Since I was going fast, I was quickly closing the gap between myself and the bear. The bear stopped just as he crossed into the opposite lane. Just enough time to wonder whether I should brake or just keep going. The bear finally noticed me and ran off the other side of the road just before I zipped by. I rode nearly 68 miles and climbed over 18,600 feet today. It didn’t seem like that much climbing. Maybe my GPS lied. I heard a loud springy sounding pop in my wheel. A spoke had broken. I called the nearest bike shop which was about 100 miles away. He was out of town on Tuesday so I would have to get there tomorrow. With the extra miles today, I will need to do a 75-80 mile day tomorrow. This means I have to finish Skyline Drive tomorrow. At Elk Bottoms there is a grill. I had A grilled Portobello sandwich and sweet potatoe fries.

Near the end of the day a screw popped out of my pannier rack causing it to move freely and rub against the wheel. This appeared to be a show stopper (hitchhike time), but I took off one of my water bottle holders and was able to use that screw to make the repair. By then it was getting late. Again i was having trouble finding a suitable place to camp. I wasted energy pushing my bike up a steep trail in search of a campsite. I rode on and eventually found a spot that works okay. A little slope and some undergrowth, but my tarp squeezes in. No signal to call home. Too bad. I had a signal most of the day and didn’t call.

It rained during the night. More lightening than rain and I stayed dry. I was up at 5 AM. A tame dear stalked my camp looking for a handout. Shortly after 6 AM I had finished oatmeal and coffee and was on my bike. By 8:30 AM I was eating my 2nd breakfast of 2 eggs and French toast. Met several a thru hikers including Curmudgeon during my tuna salad lunch. Wildlife included a beautiful turkey gobble. On the bike you hear all of the birds. Early morning the drive has very light traffic making the ride peaceful. Blooming flowers includes Trillium, Wild Azaela, Mt Laurel, Foxglove, Buttercups, and Virginia Cornflower. Rode 75 miles and finished up Skyline Dr.. Tonight I am staying at the Lutheran Church hostel in Waynesboro. The bike spoke has been repaired and I have a new rear tire. The 2nd water bottle holder has been put back onto the bike. My stomach is bulging with AYCE Chinese food, salmon, and sushi. Ready to go.

Photos : Gas price on Skyline Drive
My Chinese Fortune
Riding Skyline Drive

The mosquitoes went away once the temperatures dropped and I slept well in my hammock. I packed and rode my bike a few miles into Helen, GA where I found the Subway. I was planning on an egg sandwich and hot coffee, but Subway did not open until 9 AM. Since it was just after 7 AM, I ate an egg white vegetable omelet, grits, toast, and coffee at the Huddle House. I picked up a pack of fig newtons at the gas station and was soon pedaling my way toward Hog Pen Gap. I detoured at the turnoff for Dukes Creek falls, but chose not to hike to the falls. I also bypassed the Raven Cliffs trail. The climb was tough. I had to stand up on the pedals through entire sections of the steepest road grade. I was drenched with sweat on the climbs and freezing on the descents. I put on my jacket for the final long descent.

On the other side, I turned right onto Craig Gap Road to explore a quiet country a little. The countryside was beautiful, but dogs were allowed to run free on this road. I soon came up on a large dog and I stopped to consider whether I should pass. The dog ran off about a half a mile farther down the road. I went on and soon came up on a hill overlooking the dog’s home where 2 large dogs were relaxing in the yard. I was about 200 yards away. I stopped, but the dogs noticed and started running for me. This little side trip was off my route and I didn’t need to go this way so I chose to avoid the dogs. I turned around and headed away from the dogs at normal speed thinking that they would never catch up from 200 yards out. I was surprised to find that one of the dogs had caught with me. With the dog snapping at my heels I geared it up and went to sprint speed. It must have looked pretty funny to see a cowardly bicyclist being chased down the deserted country roads by a dog J.

I stopped at Sunrise Grocery on Highway 9 for an ice cream cone and water refill before climbing Neals Gap. There was more recent tornado damage on the south side of Neals Gap. Trees were snapped off and splintered over a wide area. Like Unicoi Gap, the tornado only hit isolated wooded areas.

I learned a few things from this preparation ride. Bring long fingered biking gloves. I also added a number of other small items to my packing list. It can be cold in the mountains in the early morning. I will also need to pack more food. The ride went very well and I had 90% of what I needed. I rode about 41 miles the first day and 43 miles the 2nd day. On the 2nd day I finished some steep climbs without too much trouble. I will need to be able to do the same for 50 miles per day over 2 weeks. With a slow and relaxing pace and frequent breaks I managed to carry a heavy load without wearing down my body.