Apologies for the length of time between updates, getting to internet out in redneck country is proving to be more difficult than anticipated! We're currently in Whythville, Virginia, about to start our seventh consecutive day of riding.
After flying into DC the other day, we made fairly slow progress for a couple of days from the Maryland coast, mainly as this involved cycling a fair way in the wrong direction to get there, and then staying in DC for a night as well. Once we got into the countryside a bit more, we have managed to get a lot more miles in- 95 into Charlottesville, and another 86 into Wytheville yesterday. We have also entered the Appalachian mountains- really tough riding, but fantastic views from the top (when we got there!) Today should be the last of the big peaks (over 3000ft), and then the terrain gradually levels out until we reach the plains in Missouri and Kansas.
To recap the first week, we have managed:
Day 1: Beverly Beach, MD - Washington, DC (37 miles)
Day 2: Washington, DC - Prince William Forest Park, VA (55)
Day 3: Prince William - Charlottesville, VA (95)
Day 4: Charlottesville - Vesuvius, VA (72)
Day 5: Vesuvius - Catawba, VA (76)
Day 6: Catawba - Wytheville, VA (87)
About 425 miles so far, so pretty much on track to make into San Francisco on time!
(Today should be a slightly smaller day into Damascus, VA - roughly 60 miles)
It's definitely been a bit of an eye-opener into how tough this trip is going to be- already gone through three punctures and a crash in the first week, not to mention a broken pannier rack and very tired legs! We're all absolutely loving it though, the scenery has been stunning, and the people here are so incredibly friendly- always stopping to chat and wish us good luck.
We will hopefully get some photos up soon- perhaps when we have a bit more time and a speedier internet connection! We'll also update this again as soon as we can.
That's all for now- don't forget to keep those donations coming in here- not far to go to reach our fundraising target!
Missing y'all lots.
Sam, Hal & Dave
Best of luck! Heard about you guys from my family, whom I guess you all bumped into at a park in VA. Keep up the hard riding, and if you need places or info about Kansas or Oklahoma (if you go thorugh them) let me know!
ReplyDeleteJackie Slater