Heat and Hills...am I headed to Hell?

June 2nd, 2009

-Off I go... destination somewhere between Richmond and Lexington, VA. I started this journey heading west along the James River, a route I have come quite familiar with while "training" for this trip. There may be no better ride than along the shaded roads of the south side of the James. This is actually a part of US Bike Route 1, the 2700 mile Atlantic Coast Bicycle route that heads North-South starting in Acadia National Park in Maine and ending in Key West, FL. I quickly realize that I should have paid some more attention to the weather report on this early June day. The hottest day of the year thus far around 93 degrees. I found out the hard way that there is nothing quite like riding 65 miles in that kind of heat pulling a 40 lb trailer.
The first 20 miles went by rather quickly, relatively flat or downhill terrain, cooler temperatures, and much less traffic. I stopped for the first time at a small gas station to get some Gatorade and get out of the sun for a few minutes. I got to talking with a nice old gentleman outside the station sitting a picnic table about where I was headed. He told me I reminded of him in his youth. I told him I doubted his thighs looked this good in tights. He agreed, laughed and then left shaking his head.
I stopped a little further down the road a country store and grill just west of Powhatan, VA, to grab some lunch. This place was classic. All the tables inside were packed with local retirees with their coffee, newspapers and remnants of lunch. As I opened the door, the record screeched. The only thing more uncomfortable than wearing bike shorts and a helmet is walking into unfamiliar territory, sweating profusely, wearing bike shorts and a helmet. I sat quietly in the corner, wiping down with a towel and trying to actually catch my breath. After I ordered, the waitress asked how far I was going, and I described to her my trip. Everyone in the restaurant turned their heads and started asking questions and telling their old stories of glory days past. By the time I left, I had all the wishes of support I could need for a trip like this.
The afternoon was slightly different. Not long after lunch the long ascents up into the hills and mountains of Virginia began. As did the cramps. As did the exhaustion. As did the bugs. The remaining miles were marked by extremely slow climbs and fast descents. For the first time I began to wonder what I was getting myself into. Surely if these small hills were getting to me, what would the Blue Ridge or the Rockies do. Oh well, westward ho.
I stopped for the night at a small motel at Sprouse's Corner, VA. All I wanted was an ice cold shower and to be able to walk without crippling leg cramps. I got a cold shower. The cramps did not stop.

Lessons Learned -
Lesson #1 - Always look at the weather before you leave.
Lesson #2 - Travel early, rest, then travel again late.

4200+ miles of highway await. The Appalachian Mountains, the Great Plains, the Rockies and the West Coast all before me. Virginia, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon the states I will explore. It is beginning to feel a little bit overwhelming. But tomorrow I embark on a trip that most people would never even consider. Just myself, my bike and my trailer, cruising off into the sunset.

What am I thinking?

Oh well, tomorrow AM I push off, Day 1 of my journey across the country. I will do my best to keep this updated as often as possible with my pictures, stories and experiences from this trip. Wish me luck.