Still, we arrived safe in Charlottesville the home of the Virginia University started by Thomas Jefferson in the early 1800's. The original buildings are World Heritage listed and still house students today. Beautiful setting. We also went "down town" which is an historic area with pedestrian access only and many shops, restaurants and bars to browse. Well worth a longer visit but we have 2 days to finish ...
Kevin, our host at the Esceola Mill B&B, treated us to a fantastic cooked breakfast. Unfortunately we had to climb our last serious hill as the heart starter for the day - 700m vertical climb over 6km at well over 10% grade for the majority of the way up. The breakfast stayed down. We then rode onto the Blue Ridge Parkway a magnificent smooth road sued by tourists only running along the Blue Mountain Ridge (duhh...). Very little traffic, rolling hills and great views on both sides. It made up for the ugly start. Unfortunately when we came down from the ridge our chosen path was having road works and we had to resort to the main highway with lots of traffic and very little shoulder. A great day downgraded to a 7. Still, we arrived safe in Charlottesville the home of the Virginia University started by Thomas Jefferson in the early 1800's. The original buildings are World Heritage listed and still house students today. Beautiful setting. We also went "down town" which is an historic area with pedestrian access only and many shops, restaurants and bars to browse. Well worth a longer visit but we have 2 days to finish ...
4 Comments
Emily D
17/7/2015 03:24:30 am
Sounds lovely!
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Ned
17/7/2015 05:12:36 pm
I keep doing the drought dance. I cannot believe the amount of bad weather the team has dodged. Must be good Karma! Only a couple more. Start thinking about what you are going to do for ride withdrawals.
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Dale
17/7/2015 10:30:58 pm
I agree,Ned. How will they come down from the high of this amazing achievement?? Perth and hills will feel so tame after the great US of A trek. Xx
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Dale
17/7/2015 10:46:28 pm
Getting confused here!! We are in the shadow of the Italian Vesuvius at Pompeii and Naples!! How is that for coincidence/karma? Our world is vast yet stunningly close with modern communication. Keep those wheels turning. Xx Dale
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The ChallengeTo celebrate Wheelchairs for Kids 30,000th wheelchair, a team of nine people including Trish O'Reilly, CEO of AAMIG will be riding the 6,600km TransAmerica Trail starting in Florence, Oregon on 11 May 2015 and finishing the challenge in Yorktown, Virginia on 19 July 2015. This cycle challenge is about raising awareness of this inspiring charity. To donate, please visit: https://give.everydayhero.com/au/aamig-challenge Archives |