I woke up to light rain, and dutifully put on a lightweight rain jacket. I am not sure that was a great idea, because it was really warm, so I ended up just as drenched as I would have if I hadn’t. Maybe even wetter. This isn’t the cold Pacific Northwest rain I am used to!
By the time I got out of the Charlottesville city traffic, the rain had stopped, but the sun wasn’t yet out, which was perfect for the first big climbing day of the tour.
The climb on the Blue Ridge Parkway is spectacular. The roads are beautifully paved (no shoulders, though, of course) and were lightly traveled on a weekday.
Riding a 110-120 pound bike uphill is taking some adjustment. It is geared well for it (the granny gear combination is 26×36 with 26″ wheels), but balancing at slow speeds is challenging. A couple times I almost tipped over. I am being extra careful, but I am sure it will be second nature by the time I get past the Ozarks.
Once again, I am staying indoors, in a little cabin in Love, VA. There was a USFS Campground a couple miles from the road, but I think I am a little wary after my last camping detour that ended up a 27 mile distraction. At any rate, I needed to wash clothes, and Keith, the owner, let me use their washer and dryer, so that saves a trip at some point.
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