6.28.2006
Kountry Flavor
Austin recorded these lunch conversations at the Kountry Kitchen Restaurant in Honaker, VA:
*Overheard conversation:
Man #1 (with "Jesus is my boss" hat, to the woman): Hey, you know what they make cole-slaw out of in China?
Woman (thinking, then): No
Man #1: Cabbage! (deep, throaty, 50 years of smoking cigarette laugh followed)
Man #2: I thought you said she went to college! (lots of said laughing)
We were not expecting that to stay so "clean."
*Partial conversation between Jon and the same group of people:
Man #2: So you seen many girls along the way?
Jon: There aren't many girls on the side of the road.
Man #2 (after throaty laughter from the rest of them): Ya doan haffa be mean tuh me!
Jon: I was just...
Man #2: No, that's all I have to say to you.
*Overheard conversation:
Man #1 (with "Jesus is my boss" hat, to the woman): Hey, you know what they make cole-slaw out of in China?
Woman (thinking, then): No
Man #1: Cabbage! (deep, throaty, 50 years of smoking cigarette laugh followed)
Man #2: I thought you said she went to college! (lots of said laughing)
We were not expecting that to stay so "clean."
*Partial conversation between Jon and the same group of people:
Man #2: So you seen many girls along the way?
Jon: There aren't many girls on the side of the road.
Man #2 (after throaty laughter from the rest of them): Ya doan haffa be mean tuh me!
Jon: I was just...
Man #2: No, that's all I have to say to you.
Day 8 - 67.65 miles
Abington, VA
We tried to wait out the heavy rain from the night before, but by 11:00 we just decided to ride through it. We rode most of the day "off route" in order to shave about 20 miles. Unfortunately we did it on some busier roads, and Jon paid the price by getting a stiff bump in the back from some moron driver who "di'n ee'en see ya therrr." (I'm fine, though, Mom).
We tried to wait out the heavy rain from the night before, but by 11:00 we just decided to ride through it. We rode most of the day "off route" in order to shave about 20 miles. Unfortunately we did it on some busier roads, and Jon paid the price by getting a stiff bump in the back from some moron driver who "di'n ee'en see ya therrr." (I'm fine, though, Mom).
By The Numbers - Week One
3294 - Highest elevation, in feet.
438 - Miles ridden.
86.25 - Longest day, in miles.
43.1/41.0 - Top Speed, m.p.h (Jon/Austin)
5 - "Share the Road" traffic signs.
4.05 - Most miles travelled without pedalling.
4 - Confederate flags seen.
1 - States visited.
0 - Deodorant applications (Austin).
438 - Miles ridden.
86.25 - Longest day, in miles.
43.1/41.0 - Top Speed, m.p.h (Jon/Austin)
5 - "Share the Road" traffic signs.
4.05 - Most miles travelled without pedalling.
4 - Confederate flags seen.
1 - States visited.
0 - Deodorant applications (Austin).
Day 7 - 66.83
Wytheville, VA
We got a really late start out of Brad and Ashley's because of t-storms and a big breakfast. It cleared up for a bit, but we got hit with some rainshowers again in the afternoon and all through the night. The faxed map from Aunt Mindy helped us get to the right town, but unfortunately we didn't have directions to the campsite we were looking for and probably logged an extra 10 miles looking for it. Luckily, they also offered a "monday night special," for campers who arrive late.
We got a really late start out of Brad and Ashley's because of t-storms and a big breakfast. It cleared up for a bit, but we got hit with some rainshowers again in the afternoon and all through the night. The faxed map from Aunt Mindy helped us get to the right town, but unfortunately we didn't have directions to the campsite we were looking for and probably logged an extra 10 miles looking for it. Luckily, they also offered a "monday night special," for campers who arrive late.
6.26.2006
Thank you, AUNT Mindy
Special thanks to Jon's Aunt Mindy. She's been extremely helpful in faxing and mailing our missing maps. We'd be lost without her help!
Proper Pronunciation
If you ever happen to pass through Bumpass, VA, PLEASE remember that it rhymes with "compass."
Comments
Comments have been opened up for anonymous posting. Keep 'em coming, keep 'em funny, but keep 'em clean - our moms do read this.
Day 6 - 86.25 miles
Long day with lots of beautiful rolling hills, lots of deer, and lots of cows. Ended up just short of our destination, but met a guy named Brad who offered to put us up in his beautiful house. He and his wife, Ashley, are probably the nicest people we've ever met. He's a sales rep for Petzl and 5.10 and she's getting her PhD from Virginia Tech in Health Psychiatry. We had a great time chatting with them last night and over breakfast at Gilly'z Restaurant in Blacksburg this morning. Unfortunately, Gilly'z were out of "the world's best grits" so we settled for eggs instead. The heavy downpours from last night seem to have subsided, so we think we're gonna hit the road soon.
6.24.2006
Good Blogging
There's lots of new posts since "Day 3 - Midday." Remember to read "up" for chronological order. We love getting your comments, keep them coming.
Day 6 - 51.96 miles
Lexington, VA
Though under our hoped for 75 mile per day average, we're confident we're doing fine because today was another very hard hill day (Austin calls it a "mountain day"). We expect to make up time in the upcoming flatlands. As one older gentleman in a Mineral, VA ice cream parlor told us, "Riding across Kansas will be like riding across this table." We actually had the energy to go further today, but were hit by another big storm, and decided to give ourselves our inaugural, once-a-week luxurious indulgence: we're staying at a Country Inns & Suites right off the highway with pool and, luckily for you, free internet. We feel like we're back in America, because we've been out in the country all day. We spent over 30 miles on the Blue Ridge Parkway, which overlooks the Shenandoah Valley (www.blueridgeparkway.org). Unfortunately some good overlooks were cloudy. With lush greens, chirping birds, and thick fog, we felt like we could be in a South American cloud-forest. We reached our highest altitude of the trip so far, and while the climbs were really tough and long (one of them was over 3 miles), we were rewarded with quick, windy, and fun downhills too.
Though under our hoped for 75 mile per day average, we're confident we're doing fine because today was another very hard hill day (Austin calls it a "mountain day"). We expect to make up time in the upcoming flatlands. As one older gentleman in a Mineral, VA ice cream parlor told us, "Riding across Kansas will be like riding across this table." We actually had the energy to go further today, but were hit by another big storm, and decided to give ourselves our inaugural, once-a-week luxurious indulgence: we're staying at a Country Inns & Suites right off the highway with pool and, luckily for you, free internet. We feel like we're back in America, because we've been out in the country all day. We spent over 30 miles on the Blue Ridge Parkway, which overlooks the Shenandoah Valley (www.blueridgeparkway.org). Unfortunately some good overlooks were cloudy. With lush greens, chirping birds, and thick fog, we felt like we could be in a South American cloud-forest. We reached our highest altitude of the trip so far, and while the climbs were really tough and long (one of them was over 3 miles), we were rewarded with quick, windy, and fun downhills too.
On the Trail
We were low on food.
We went hunting.
The thousand bullets we bought at the trading post served us much better than an extra wheel.
Hunting was easy because the animals kept running in straight lines in front of us.
We killed 784 pounds of meat, but could only carry 500 back to camp.
Bandits stole 60 pounds of food, 300 bullets, and an axel.
Jon got bitten by a rattle snake.
Austin got typhoid, so we lost a day.
We think we'll go hunting again first thing in the morning.
We went hunting.
The thousand bullets we bought at the trading post served us much better than an extra wheel.
Hunting was easy because the animals kept running in straight lines in front of us.
We killed 784 pounds of meat, but could only carry 500 back to camp.
Bandits stole 60 pounds of food, 300 bullets, and an axel.
Jon got bitten by a rattle snake.
Austin got typhoid, so we lost a day.
We think we'll go hunting again first thing in the morning.
Day 4 - 48.5 miles
Afton, VA
We started the day with an unexpected visit to Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. The grounds, house, and history were all very impressive, unfortunately, our out-of-work actress tour guide wasn't. We rolled on to Charlottesville to pick up some spare tires and a new chain for Jon, who had previously had to take out two links on the side of the road thanks to a shifting problem that appeared after his New York City tune-up (he's never going to that bike shop again). We enjoyed the UVA campus, but couldn't spend any time off our bikes because we knew we'd have one tough hill before our rest site. Here's how Austin described the hill after we climbed it: "The last two miles into Afton are one consistently steep climb - probably the worst we'll do until the Rockies, we were told. It was treacherous: count the number of pedal strokes-, just make it to the next dashed line-, out of water-, quads already kill-, don't think you're gonna make it-, can't believe CO will be worse-treacherous." Luckily we reached the top before a big lightening storm and met June Curry, "The Cookie Lady." For 31 years (since the inaugural BikeCentennial ride) she's been opening her home to exhausted bikers like us. Her services have evolved from just a hose for water, to a plate of cookies, to "The Bike House." Every inch of wall space in the house displays biker memorabelia from the 13,000 guests she's hosted. From postcards to jerseys to bottles to bikes, she's got it all in there, from all over the world. Though all that stuff on the walls makes the house a little spooky, she's as big a part of biking across the US as any person ever could be (www.biketouring.net/rides/xcountry/curry.html).
We started the day with an unexpected visit to Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. The grounds, house, and history were all very impressive, unfortunately, our out-of-work actress tour guide wasn't. We rolled on to Charlottesville to pick up some spare tires and a new chain for Jon, who had previously had to take out two links on the side of the road thanks to a shifting problem that appeared after his New York City tune-up (he's never going to that bike shop again). We enjoyed the UVA campus, but couldn't spend any time off our bikes because we knew we'd have one tough hill before our rest site. Here's how Austin described the hill after we climbed it: "The last two miles into Afton are one consistently steep climb - probably the worst we'll do until the Rockies, we were told. It was treacherous: count the number of pedal strokes-, just make it to the next dashed line-, out of water-, quads already kill-, don't think you're gonna make it-, can't believe CO will be worse-treacherous." Luckily we reached the top before a big lightening storm and met June Curry, "The Cookie Lady." For 31 years (since the inaugural BikeCentennial ride) she's been opening her home to exhausted bikers like us. Her services have evolved from just a hose for water, to a plate of cookies, to "The Bike House." Every inch of wall space in the house displays biker memorabelia from the 13,000 guests she's hosted. From postcards to jerseys to bottles to bikes, she's got it all in there, from all over the world. Though all that stuff on the walls makes the house a little spooky, she's as big a part of biking across the US as any person ever could be (www.biketouring.net/rides/xcountry/curry.html).
Problems South of the Border
*Wednesday, Jon mysteriously woke up with the underside of his sleeping pad wet. His board shorts were dry, though. Still, Austin points out that they're "quick dry" material.
*Thursday, Austin was so saddle-sore, that he winced each time he farted.
*Thursday, Austin was so saddle-sore, that he winced each time he farted.
Chef Boyar-D'OH
(taken from Austin's journal)
We passed a church just a couple miles from Palmyra, so we turned around to ask if we could camp there. To turn, we enter a gravel patch. I go slowly and cautiously b/c it's gravel. All of a sudden, my wheel locks. I try once more to pedal, but no way - down I go, pretty hard. I'm quite confused about what happened. All of a sudden, Jon's laughing so hard he has a cramp and knot in his stomach. To my "What?" he just points. I look at my back tire, and wedged between the top of it and my panier rack is a can of Chef Boyardee Pepperoni Pizzaroli.
(Miraculously, the can had fallen off the back of the bike, been caught by the rotating back tire, travelled upwards without falling to the side, and was forced under the rack. Hardly reproduceable - picture coming soon)
We passed a church just a couple miles from Palmyra, so we turned around to ask if we could camp there. To turn, we enter a gravel patch. I go slowly and cautiously b/c it's gravel. All of a sudden, my wheel locks. I try once more to pedal, but no way - down I go, pretty hard. I'm quite confused about what happened. All of a sudden, Jon's laughing so hard he has a cramp and knot in his stomach. To my "What?" he just points. I look at my back tire, and wedged between the top of it and my panier rack is a can of Chef Boyardee Pepperoni Pizzaroli.
(Miraculously, the can had fallen off the back of the bike, been caught by the rotating back tire, travelled upwards without falling to the side, and was forced under the rack. Hardly reproduceable - picture coming soon)
Day 3 - 73.56 miles
Palmyra, VA
After writing a Day 3 midday post, we left the library to find out that the heat index was 105. We thought we'd push through all our miles regardless, but were forced to take one last break at Cooper Vineyards for a free wine tasting (coopervineyards.com). Three of the eight wines we tasted were "award winning," so we bought a bottle of red, which we enjoyed with some Chef Boyardee in a church that graciously helped us out at the last minute. We're loving the southern hospitality. Especially Austin: he was allowed to use the mattress from the church's preschool crib under his sleeping bag. Jon wasn't sure if it was an oversized pillow or an undersized bed.
After writing a Day 3 midday post, we left the library to find out that the heat index was 105. We thought we'd push through all our miles regardless, but were forced to take one last break at Cooper Vineyards for a free wine tasting (coopervineyards.com). Three of the eight wines we tasted were "award winning," so we bought a bottle of red, which we enjoyed with some Chef Boyardee in a church that graciously helped us out at the last minute. We're loving the southern hospitality. Especially Austin: he was allowed to use the mattress from the church's preschool crib under his sleeping bag. Jon wasn't sure if it was an oversized pillow or an undersized bed.
6.22.2006
Day 3 - Midday
(Glendale to Palmyra, VA)
We got to camp early last night, which was nice because there was a pool to swim in and already some laundry to be done. We tested our stove for the first time and although Jon burned the rice, we were full and got to bed by 9:00. We started early in order to try to find a place to watch the US v. Ghana game, but then we realized we're "in the middle of nowhere, Virginia," according to a lady at the general store, who was also very proud of her town having one traffic light (another man giving us directions told us we were "in the boonies and nobody here cares about soccer anyways" - awesome). We just split a rack of BBQ ribs in Mineral, VA and are letting the afternoon sun burn off while we check email in the small public library.
We got to camp early last night, which was nice because there was a pool to swim in and already some laundry to be done. We tested our stove for the first time and although Jon burned the rice, we were full and got to bed by 9:00. We started early in order to try to find a place to watch the US v. Ghana game, but then we realized we're "in the middle of nowhere, Virginia," according to a lady at the general store, who was also very proud of her town having one traffic light (another man giving us directions told us we were "in the boonies and nobody here cares about soccer anyways" - awesome). We just split a rack of BBQ ribs in Mineral, VA and are letting the afternoon sun burn off while we check email in the small public library.
6.21.2006
Day 2 - 42.21 miles
Glendale, VA to Ashland, VA
Last night's campsite was great. A gracious church put us up in their air conditioned, carpeted, old barn. We listened to the Heat win the NBA finals on a dingy radio. After a very late start due to yesterday's long ride, we are in Mechanicsville in a library and will soon be off to Ashland. It will be a short day because the next campsite is another 50 miles away.
Last night's campsite was great. A gracious church put us up in their air conditioned, carpeted, old barn. We listened to the Heat win the NBA finals on a dingy radio. After a very late start due to yesterday's long ride, we are in Mechanicsville in a library and will soon be off to Ashland. It will be a short day because the next campsite is another 50 miles away.
6.20.2006
Day 1 - 68.63 miles
(Yorktown, VA to Glendale, VA)
First, a special thanks to our friend Josh for driving a long way to Virginia so we could camp out "for free" near Yorktown. After dipping our back tires in the Atlantic, we started riding. First stop, colonial Williamsburg. Then, riding in the hot summer sun (summer starts a day early down here), getting hot and having decided to park under the next big tree, we came upon an oasis. For the next two hours, we swam in a pool, napped on lounge chairs, and talked on our cell phones. Although eight weeks at the Charles City public pool was tempting, we pulled ourselves away from our heavenly find, rode another forty miles, and now are completely pooped.
First, a special thanks to our friend Josh for driving a long way to Virginia so we could camp out "for free" near Yorktown. After dipping our back tires in the Atlantic, we started riding. First stop, colonial Williamsburg. Then, riding in the hot summer sun (summer starts a day early down here), getting hot and having decided to park under the next big tree, we came upon an oasis. For the next two hours, we swam in a pool, napped on lounge chairs, and talked on our cell phones. Although eight weeks at the Charles City public pool was tempting, we pulled ourselves away from our heavenly find, rode another forty miles, and now are completely pooped.
6.18.2006
Travel Troubles
Though Jon's flight back from Costa Rica was delayed for nine hours and he's currently stuck in Miami, he should be able to meet up with Austin in Virginia to start riding Monday evening as planned. We're both really excited and hope you all check the blog for updates as we go.
