Full Day 1
Western Mass to Virginia
Waking up Thursday morning we had decided to sip some coffee from my parent’s house and hit the road without eating first. With the thermometer reading 35 degrees we knew we’d be hard pressed to ride more than an hour or two before we’d need to stop and warm up.
Riding route 20 at home is always one of my highlights and this ride didn’t disappoint. The overlooks had that settled fog that you can’t help but feel you lucky to not be trapped in. Until you descend towards Lebanon, NY but at that time I hadn’t really considered our fate since we were captured in the beauty of the landscape.
We continued to descend looking for the exit at route 22. At first the fog began light and wispy and before long we were fully engulfed in what felt like a freezing fog. The temp climbing at this point upwards of 39 degrees. Still cold, now visibility had dropped to about 5 feet. We keep pace to the highway and wished the sun would appear sooner so we could shake off the wet and cold.
About 1.5 hours into morning 1 day 2 of the ride we settled on a stop on the new York state throughway and settled for some coffee and breakfast. (Starbucks, in New York the first of many). We reluctantly dressed again for the voyage and could see the fog lifting and the sun emerging.
Onward we pressed into New York state. Highway riding once again with Virginia being tonight’s destination.
We continued on the highway without much to note and found ourselves in Penns. Time for a quick gas stop about 150 miles in. At this time we stocked up on lip balm and stretched a bit and started to settle into the highway groove. I accidently took us north instead of south and thankfully Justin put us back on course. I’m sure I’m not alone in being able to completely screw up directions although the gps is clearly showing the way.
Nothing much to note on the highway expect being in awe of Penns pretty landscape. Longing for roads off the highway but knowing the schedule won’t support anything but a few hundred miles highway travel. A nice lunch stop at the cracker barrel and were starting to get the feel of carrying our equipment through restaurants and such. Bags on the bike were full so the tankbag holding my wallet and ipad and gps needed to stay by my side. Of course the bike has a way to lock the helmets if you’re creative and bring the equipment needed (think just small loop of wire rope) but I had no such devices and leaving my gear to be walked off with wasn’t in my plans. Everything by our sides we enjoyed our longer than planned lunch.
Again on the road we found our way into Maryland. I had no idea we’d be passing through Maryland and in this state it happened for the first time. A fellow rider 3 lanes away coming the other direction on the highway, lifted his hand out to wave to a fellow biker. Never in my life have I seen anything like this. And it happened a few more times as we headed south. Fantastic. These guys get it.
Rachel hinted at the thought of a break and I foolishly veered off the highway ready to embrace a stretch break. Figured I’d find gas easy enough. Sadly that adventure took way too much time. Finally I found a gas station about 30 minutes off course and suddenly we found ourselves crossing the Potomac and at a beautiful crossing. Sadly no chance to stop and take photo (unfortunately the common theme of this trip).
We continued south dodging road alligators as we rode (rode alligators are tractor trailer tires that have exploded and left debris on the roadway). Counted about 2 dozen. Watched Justin just miss getting cut off by a truck with trailer attached. Thankfully he didn’t really notice it happened and we continued south to Virginia. We were getting closer the Blue Ridge parkway and what would promise to be filled with more turns then today’s mostly highway adventure.
Just past sunset the temperature had dropped back in to the high 50’s and we decided we’d find a place near the start of the Blue Ridge parkway and settled into a best western.
An exhausting full day of riding, saddle time about 6 hours with total travel time about 11 hours. Not a bad first day. Dinner was dull, the dreamed of hot tub non-existent and the so called heated pool a solid 60 degree salt water disappointment. We were however happy to be on our way and knowing tomorrow would bring Justin’s dream of riding the Blue Ridge a reality.
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