A rainy rainy Monday

Today was a very miserable and tough ride.  It rained - poured rain - all day.  It was cold.  And the mountains were steep.  So, putting on my arm and leg warmers, and working (riding and walking) my way up the mountains I worked up a sweat.  Coming down the mountains - I was really cold.   By the time I stopped for lunch, my arm warmers were literally dripping water.

I passed some tornado damage today; you could easily see the path of the tornado up over the hillside..and everything in it's path snapped about 10' up.  Pretty incredible.

I did 71 miles today, and find myself staying in a nice quiet dry place - Dickinson First Presbyterian Church in Haysi, Virginia.  Thank you to Teaching Elder Daniel Jarstfer for his hospitality this evening. 

The guys I've been riding with - who have nicknamed me Grampa - go figure - rode on ahead to the next town, and hopefully we will catch up again tomorrow.  They asked if I minded them calling me Grampa - I told them no - cause I sure felt like one today!  Looking for some warm sunny days...hopefully soon.

tornado damage

Sunday, May 15 - Damascus, Virginia

Well, yesterday was a nice rest day, spent in Wytheville, Virginia.  Even got a haircut - even though I said I wasn't going to for the whole ride.  Ha - changed my mind.  I am sure my girlfriend will be glad I did!

Again, I want to thank Chief Goodman of the Radford Police Department, and Rev. Allan Wilder and his Kim for their gracious hospitality.  The guys I've been riding with arrived yesterday as well , and we all were hosted by the Wilders last night. 

Today I got up and got started early.  I was eager to reach Damascus.  This weekend in Damascus, Virginia is 'trail days 2011'.  It is basically a reunion of sorts for those (me included!) who completed a through hike of the Appalachian Trail.  Lots of things to do, lots of folks here.  I arrived here, after 61 miles, around 1:00, so I was able to enjoy some of the festivities  (including an awesome banana split!).   Nice bike shop here who kindly checked out my bike and adjusted a few things for me. 

I am staying at the same hostel here tonight where I stayed back in 2007 when I came through.  New owners, though, and enjoyed a nice visit with them this evening.   So, we are back on the road tomorrow, headed toward Kentucky -- should be arriving there early this week.

Thank you all for your interest; please help me raise funds for Livestrong by clicking on the 'benefitting livestrong ' logo at the top of this page.  Every small donation helps and is greatly appreciated.

Thank you Rev and Mrs. Wilder!

Mt. Rogers, Virginia

MMMM....Banana Split

Yes, I ate the whole thing! 

Friday 5/13

Wow, yesterday I did 92 miles, and today another 58 miles.  Last night, the guys I've been riding with headed up to Blacksburg, Virginia, but I headed to the Days Inn in Christianburg.  Got a good rest, and headed out this morning.  In Radford, I stopped into the police station, where the chief hooked me up with a pastor friend down in Wytheville.   Rev. and Mrs. Wilder have opened their home up to me for the next two nights.   Since it is supposed to rain tomorrow, I think tomorrow will be my first 'zero' day.

I want to thank the police in Radford - they took several of my flyers and let lots of folks know of my trek.

I've gone up and down alot of hills over the last few days.  I am now in Wytheville, Virginia -- Southwest of Radford VA, and NW of Greensboro, NC.  Completed about 430 miles (whooohoooo 10% done!)

Alot of turtles on the road, including this guy which I almost ran over.

Wildflowers along the road

The New River, Radford, Virginia

I've uploaded a few photos from the last couple of days.

Blue Ridge Mountains

Today is Day 6 - and the last few days have been some tough mountain riding!  These mountains are the hardest climbs on the whole trail, because the roads are so steep.  Today, coming down off the Blue Ridge Parkway into Vesuvius, Virginia - the steepest downhill on the trip.  And it was curvy, steep and there was a lot of braking going on!    The hills have been difficult riding, and my muscles are letting me know!

Yesterday we rode the Blue Ridge Parkway, spending the night last night near the southern entrance to Skyline Drive  (near Rockfish Gap).

I also wanted to remind everyone ...Tuesdays on this trip are "ITS ALL GOOD IN DELAWARE" Tuesdays!  I wore my All Good (IAG) riding jersey and remember this incredible group of folks back home who not only have supported me on this trip, but do so much good for so many people in Delaware.

Today, I also crossed over the Appalachian Trail...where I walked 4 years ago. 

I am meeting some great folks along the way...cancer survivors who encourage me, and others who are just good friendly people. 

So, tonight...a rest in Lexington, Virginia motel with a hot shower and a good meal.  Good night all!

It's All Good in Delaware!!

The Cookie Lady is legendary on the Trans Am

Theresa, Cancer Survivor - Whitehall, VA

The Appalachian Trail - Hey I've been here before!

Sandra, who donated to Livestrong in honor of her daughter.

Today was day 3 of my ride.  We have completed approximately 146 miles, and we find ourselves camping in the back yard of the Mineral Fire Company Firehouse in Mineral, Virginia.    Starting to find the foothillls of the mountains, and today was definitely the toughest day for me physically.   I am trying to keep up with these young kids I am riding with!  They have been great waiting for me and encouraging me too!

I have uploaded a couple of pictures, one of the guys I am riding with, and the other of our 'home' for the night.  Thank you Mineral Firefighters for your hospitality!

 The group of 6 riders who all left together...

Starting Time:  11:15 am.   A ride through Colonial Williamsburg, and after 45 miles, camping in the yard of Memorial United Methodist Church, Charles City, VA. 

Dipping the rear wheels into the York River, the traditional start of the Transamerica Route!

Arriving in Yorktown, Virginia

Arrived in Yorktown, Virginia.  I met with fellow riders at the Grace Episcopal Church in Historic Yorktown, Virginia.  This church has a nice home overlooking the beautiful James River, and its doors are open to riders who are beginning the TransAm trail.

Met several riders who are starting the trail tomorrow - Fred (retired police officer from New Zealand), Perry (student from Utah), Patrick (student from CA, also riding for a cause - Wounded Warriors), Corey from Las Vegas, and Graham and Matt, from the UK.  

We will be dipping our wheels in the James River tomorrow morning and heading  off...a short day tomorrow to get used to the bikes...pictures of the start will be posted tomorrow.  Can't wait to get started!