June 5 Crossing America

Vesuvius, VA – Trotsville, VA, Distance 66 miles.

Oh yea!  If only the ride across America could be like the first 14 miles of today’s ride from
Vesuvius.  Almost all was on a slight down grade, smooth pavement only two vehicles and two deer crossed our path.  Trish and I are riding together today as we come closest to having the same pace on flatter roads.  Of course we still had some good hills to climb but ride was enjoyable for the most part.

Just before riding into our lunch stop town Buchanan I saw a sign announcing there was a cable bridge in town crossing the Looney River, like that name, and decided I was going to ride across it.  Great meeting spot our Van was waiting just across the Big Looney river bridge and beside and running perpendicular to the road bridge was the cable bridge.  I
asked George and Amanda if anyone had ridden across it.  No one had so I announced I was going to ride across it and headed back to the bridge.
Turned on my helmet camera to film the escapade, never know it might turn into more of an adventure than planned.   Entering the cable bridge was on a fairly steep off-camber to the right, I was going about 10mph over the bridge.   Got such a rush from the crossing I decided to turn around and go back over it instead of taking the road.  It wasn’t until after I walked back to the bridge saw a sign “Pedestrians Only”.  Opps, sorry about that town folk of Buchanan, I’m bad.   My other surprise was the bridge swayed quite a bit, thought I just had poor balance when I rode across on my bike.  Well, I have it all on video and hope to have on this blog sooner than later.

After my adrenalin fix for the day went to the Copper Top Bar and Grill for lunch.  It was a “Biker Bar”, no not our kind of bike but they accepted us in our funny looking spandex
outfits.  We did stress out the barkeep/waitress with our all at once ordering and special non-menu requests but she mellowed out once the food was served and the tips came in.  Upon leaving the bar we discovered they had a singing duo outside on the lawn so of course had to stop and listen to them for a while and enjoy another beer or two.  To my dismay as we were leaving I discovered my S-Works had a broken spoke.  No wonder I was working so hard trying to stay up with Trish on the downhills.   I’m guessing I broke the spoke about 10 miles before Buckhana as I heard a pop and clank but then nothing.  Did I
ever mention I’m a mechanical moron?  Most folks would have the common sense to stop and check their bike when they heard a mysterious noise but not me, if the bike doesn’t throw me off and break down I keep charging ahead.  What a dope, I am.  Well, had to call Bridget to bring me Spirit to ride the rest of the day.  The good of it all, got to enjoy more of the good music and have a couple more beers.  Beer makes riding easier, me bad again.

Near the end of today’s ride we crossed a Railroad track which was not on our map which gave me pause to consider if I had missed a turn.  Since I was riding with Trish she
got out her iPhone and checked her GPS coordinates.  She almost went ballistic as she said we were over 6 miles off course.  I said no way, I had been checking each intersection and the State Route number we’re looking we did not pass.  Thus, I said told her I’d check with the folks at the home we were in front of.  The old gentleman who I spoke with assured me
our road was about another mile down the road in the direction we were heading.  Trish still wasn’t sure but I assured her between the local guy and myself I knew we were going the right direction.  Why the RR crossing wasn’t on the map had to be a map error.  Sure
enough we made it to Trotsville, though it was few miles longer than what the map had listed.  Always nice to have to ride an extra 5 or 6 miles further than expected.   Right, forget it the Old Guy doesn’t want to go a foot further then necessary.  After we arrived in Trotsville, Trish told me she had the GPS upside down when she first checked it.  Once we were moving she realized we were on the right track.

Our overnight is in a field behind a fire station.  The department allowed us to use their
showers which was most welcome after two days without such.  I also got lucky to be able to make my first blog posts from here as the fire chief came along as I was working on it and gave me the password for their internet connection.  Thus, you all got to read my first 4 days of blogs.  It does appear blogging is going to be a real challenge as we travel back roads and stay in small communities or wide spots in the road most nights.  I promise to do my best to keep you all posted of my mis-adventures.

That’s about it for today.   Goodnight and good tidings wherever you are!

Frank “The Old Guy on a Bicycle”.

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