Well....today was not the smoothest of days, but we got accomplished what we needed...mileage to make up for yesterday. There were positives like nice roads, cool weather, and no mechanical issues. There were negatives like miscommunication (causing a separation of riders for a few miles) and high stress levels for Kim as she got lost or off course a few times. But, in the end...we are at our planned destination of Christianburg, Virgina. We are staying in a Quality Inn, thanks to the generosity of Bobby's parents. A big thank you goes out to Robert and Vicki Wiltshire!!!!!
All of the other states on this route could take a lesson from Virginia. We have had the easiest time navigating the roads thanks to the signage placed on their roads. Every so often, a sign appears to ensure you are still on course and at all turns there have been signs so far.....although, these signs might have caused our separation today. I made a turn in Wytheville at a bike sign and then waited for the Kyle and Bobby to make the turn. I was over the top of a hill, so we could not see each other. When I did not see them, and they missed the sign, I figured they were lost. In the meantime, they asked directions, got themselves to another sign, and kept going on route. I, on the other hand stayed in Wytheville, trying to locate them. By the time we contacted each other, they were 10 miles down the road from me.
(I must break in for a moment with a note from my wife. When she was proof reading this for me, she commented...."You talk about all of the great signage and then go on to explain how I got lost. People are going to think I am an idiot." Just to clarify the situation: Kim got lost while off of our route. Now she doesn't look so bad, does she?)
Our goal for tomorrow is another 90 mile day. If we get that done, it should take some of the stress of off us for getting in the needed mileage for Friday's finish date. Of course, anything can happen between now and then, but I will feel pretty good if we get tomorrow's mileage accomplished. The entire trip has been made with no mileage amounts written in stone. Now, all of a sudden, when you have to get in the mileage, it adds a little stress. I am glad that we were so flexible throughout the whole trip.
Well...within luck, I will be writing tomorrow from Lexington, Virginia. If so, we will be under the 300 mile to go mark. We are getting close.......
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