Anyway yesterday dawned misty and distinctly chilly, to the point that we actually wore jackets for the first half hour or so, although it is fair to say that we also made the earliest start of the trip. We started off through a deserted Lexington and were soon on the equally deserted Plank Road, a delightful wooded road alongside a stream. Sun was up and we had welcome shade eventually popping out on Route 11 after about 20 miles. Route 11 at this point runs parallel to the Interstate, going to the same place, so again it was virtually traffic free and we rolled down to Arcadia (which consists of a filling station and nothing else) in time for a drink and something to eat before heading up towards the Blue Ridge Parkway. Again we had chosen a quiet route so off we went on Jennings Creek Road, initially dropping to cross the Shenandoah River, then gradually ascending alongside the creek. Hardly a car to be seen (we soon found out why!), the sun was shining, the creek was gurgling along and all was right with the world.
After 6 miles we came to our turn, off the 614 and on to the 618, McFalls Creek Road - the word 'road' to be used advisedly. This road was not surfaced and the smooth Tarmac we turned off ended in the middle of nowhere two miles further on. We now had over 4 miles of climb on a deteriorating road, twisting round hairpins on loose gravel (washed off in places), ruts and ridges and deep holes where streams had poured across in winter. On a mountain bike it would have been tough - on a drop handle bar, fully laden road bike it was a nightmare. The only thing that would have been worse was going down! We did actually make it without having to get off and push, but we didn't dare stop as I doubt we could have got going again. Hilly as the Blue Ridge Parkway was it was a dream compared to this.
Lovely ride along the Parkway with lunch near the high point of the day, in the company of a group looking for migrating hawks, which use the thermals round the ridge to pick up favourable winds. Fast descent to Roanoke, then a hideously busy 8 miles into town, where for once we are staying near the centre. 66 miles and 4,000 + feet of ascent. Not moving on tomorrow so decided to sample the local beer and wine in this 'party' town - everything is relative. The policeman on his bike supervising the 'crowds' was seen in the bar and later eating ice cream, so I suspect it never got too out of hand - he certainly wouldn't have been running to catch anyone.
Tonight I will tell you about the Mechanic's new found skill in pancake making and some of the wonderful characters we have met - it was worth having our tour cancelled for the fun of being able to chat to these people. Meanwhile start practising with the balls and dustbins (old fashioned ones, not wheelie bins) it will be an Olympic sport before you know it.
We are now going out to 'Carpe the heck out of this 
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