We have been talking about this day since Oregon. The climb from Vesuvius to the Blue Ridge Parkway is a classic ride, known to all cycling experts like Tod. It was tough as advertised. We climbed 1,500 ft in 3.5 miles or an overall slope of 9%. The Parkway was hilly too but the views more than compensated. The Shenandoah Valley is 1,800 ft below the Parkway and is beautifully scenic. When we descended from the Parkway we officially left the mountains for good. This is a very happy day.
Tonight though we have been watching the weather for the rest of the week and have decided to alter our plans to avoid exposing guest riders and PKU kids to rain and gusting winds. A Noreaster is forecast for the east coast starting on Thursday and lasting through Saturday. We will cover the last 170 miles over the next two days to avoid the brunt of this weather. So we should pull into Yorktown Thursday afternoon at a time impossible to judge due to the weather - rain and gusting winds. We will miss seeing several dear friends and several PKU families. We apologize for this but feel safety is paramount. I’ll update how our change in plans is going tomorrow night.
We were in the saddle for 4 hrs and 51 mins and climbed 4,350 ft. The weather was cool and partly cloudy.
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This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 at 6:48 pm and is filed under See All of Dick & Jim's Posts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
You guys are awesome! Climbing 1500 feet in 3.5 miles. Thanks for including us all in your adventure via the great pics and commentary. And just when we thought the challenge of tough hills and dodging coal trucks were behind you, a Nor’easter blows in. Well don’t let a Nor’easter blow you guys around. Drop into the nearest diner for another pie and milkshake. You won’t be able to get away such overendulgence much longer. Enjoy it while you can.
Jeb
I have driven that beautiful ride only last year and remember it fondly for the glorious views of mountains cascading into the hazy skies. Sorry about the Noreaster, although as I recall, you have had almost no rain for the whole ride. Best of luck on your sprint to the coast.
Go Dickie Go
Wanted to see you arrive on the East Coast but I have a pin in my foot and can’t drive a car yet. I think this is a wonderful thing you are doing. Dick and I hope to see you and Ginny while you are in the area. Robert’s in-laws live in Tabb and are going to try and be there. They are Bob and Joanne Yorks. Jeanette’s class is so excited about what you are doing for Tia. Good Luck and Godspeed.
Joanie Michaux
Good luck as you push to the finish! Like Odysseus, put wax in your ears as you pass nearby the Horey household and its siren-like call to come in for a glass of wine. You will be overserved and the trip will come to a grinding halt. Push on. Godspeed. rhs
Well, thanks alot for finishing…yeah, I’m being sarcastic…I looked forward to those blogs every day…the scenic pictures…history lessons…nope, no more of that now…you just had to finish didn’t you…actually, I guess you had to, being that you reached the ocean and all…No, wait…I have an idea!! Turn left and go up to Maine, and then turn around and head all the way down to Florida, yeah, and that would form a giant T on the map, and you can tell Tia, that her grandpa and Jim made a giant T in honor of her name…how about that, c’mon whadda ya say guys!!??? Yes, a bit selfish of me, but think about all of the additional donations! Ok, maybe you guys are a bit tired at this point…fully understand…as it was/almost is an INCREDIBLE feat…I’m sure you guys are proud as we all are out here in the peanut gallery…To a great finish…rain or no rain! All the best, Jordan. Hey Slater, very funny comments!!
Papa and Sassy are so proud of you!!! Way to go. Is anyone hiring a bag piper to greet you at the finish line? I certainly hope so!! Bob is back in Philly at a trial so I guess he will be sharing the noreaster with you all.
Thank you once again for this fabulous effort on behalf of Tia and all others. You are one fabulous Pops!!!!
Lots of Love and congratulations
This is so exciting! You guys have inspired us all!! Love and huge congratulations, Ginny
Congratulations guys. What an amazing feat. I wish I could be there to see you dip the tires in Yorktown but look forward to seeing you here this weekend.
This is awesome that you have made such a memorable journey! Please let us know where and when(as close as possible)you will be arriving. Since I live in the area, a little nor’easterner won’t stop the action!
Blessings,
Paige
YAY! You guys are SOOOOO close!! Congratulations! Your perseverance is so inspiring! As usual, I can’t wait to see you
Love,
Savannah