So far 1,877 78,000 6 17:12
Today started with sunrise atop Mt. Mena at the Queen Wilhelmina Lodge. An interesting place with lots of history see here: http://www.queenwilhelmina.com/history/default.aspx . The parking lot breakfast special today was omelets to order. That and the traditional oatmeal loaded with cranberries, pecans, sliced bananas and strawberries and yogurt make a great way to start the day. So after yesterday's vista laden challenge what was in store for us today. Well, more of the same. The first twelve miles was the last section on the Talimina Parkway. The parkway was completed in the 60's and connected two truck trails constructed by the CCC in the 30's. And like the Blue Ridge Parkway, its out of the way, but oh so scenic. That makes it perfect for cycling.
So today's ride. The first section was on the Talimina Parkway with the steep ups and downs as yesterday, then we descended into the town of Mena and began following route 8, a state road with little traffic and no shoulders. Not a bad ride, but the road surface was chip and seal which makes for a jarring ride. The roads we've ridden have been spectacular, so when I find fault with one its a surprise. And I'm amazed that we've travelled over half the country and with few exceptions, the roads have been quiet and very rideable, and very scenic too.
The rest stop at mile 33 had a surprise. No melon or grapes! But we did have fresh apples - McIntosh. Other goodies at the rest stop include: Gatorade, Hammer gel and other products, licorice (red and black), crackers, energy bars, bananas, beef jerky and potato chips. Many of these things are salty on purpose: to help replace salts and to stimulate thirst so enough water is consumed by the riders. I'm eating a lot of licorice, chips and jerky which aren't normally part of my diet, but look good after riding 30 miles at 9:00 in the morning. Strange, huh?
Our lunch stop on route 8 featured grilled cheese sandwiches made to order. I had mine with ham and tomato, a side of salad, carrot cake for dessert and washed down with ginger ale and V8. Fuel the ride. After lunch we made a quick right turn onto country roads with great pavement that passed through an Army Corps of Engineers wildlife management area composed mostly of pine forest. Great roads and shade from the afternoon sun. A great relief from the chip seal roads of earlier today. And the scenery was magnificent. I love the smell of pine straw and shaded, cool pine forest. Here's the view from the lodge last night/ this morning:
And then we got back into cattle country:
And De Soto showed up to give a history lesson:
And some nice shots along the route, including one of Paul shooting the rider (me):
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