Day 39 (6/5/22): Climb Week is Over!

Start:                  Damascus, VA

End:                    Fort Chiswell, VA

 Mileage:             70 miles

Elevation:           4,872 feet

When I outlined the route prior to leaving, I knew this past week was going to have the most climbing of any other—by far.  I don’t think I cracked 30,000 feet in any other prior 7-day period.  I did over 35,000 this past week.  No surprise.  KY and VA are the biggest challenges.  And while there’s still climbing to do, I’m super excited to be through this phase.

Today’s ride didn’t have the total gains of the past few rides, but it did start right off with a 2,500 foot climb over 25 miles.  A lot of cyclists I’ve met on the trip who were headed eastbound warned me about how difficult this ascent would be, but I actually found the 1,000 foot ascents from yesterday and Friday more challenging.  I started early to take advantage of what really felt like crisp autumn weather (temperatures in the low 50s just before 7 a.m.) and found the grade steady, but not as steep as some other climbs.  It didn’t hurt that most of the climb was along a stream through gorgeous forests.  Again there was a dreamy breeze that made the ride sound good in addition to looking and smelling great.  Once the climb was over, I went back to undulation in country that was nice, but not fantastic. 

My bike computer is mocking me.  It has a feature where it automatically pauses when the bike stops.  Sometimes on a steep grade when you’re going really slow, it goes into this mode.  There’s a little sound (in a minor key) and a big message that flashes on the screen.  It’s demoralizing, and we’ve had words numerous times.

Speaking of having words, I should acknowledge that I talk to all of the animals that I pass.  Nothing too deep.  Just a nice “hello cow/horse/goat/donkey”, and I also let them know what mile I’m on for the day.  They don’t seem to care much, and since they’re not answering back, I don’t think there’s any need to worry about my mental state.

What am I Grateful for Today?

It’s all about me today.  (Hey, it’s my blog.)

I am grateful that the heaviest period of climbing has been completed, but I’m even more glad I was able to successfully make it up every hill I encountered. My knees get a little sore at the end of the day, but it’s really a great sense of accomplishment.  Can’t get too cocky though, I likely have a 6,000 footer tomorrow.

Now for the important one.  Tish will be here in about 30 minutes after a week apart.