Lost before we even get started!

It seemed like a good idea to go for a test ride this morning, to recce the route out of town and to check that everything had been tightened up correctly. A side benefit was to get back into riding on the right hand side of the road. We soon discovered that the map we have only has selected roads on it, with no obvious clue as to why they were the chosen few. This led to our first few extra miles. Second discovery was that the route instructions I had printed off Mapquest interpreted the word 'Highway' differently to other websites, meaning we were being led in a demented series of circles to get to where we wanted to go - more extra miles. Finally we got stuck in a tailback when an oversize motor home got itself stuck under a railway bridge, blocking the narrow road in both directions. Luckily we found out what the problem was and scooted down the outside of the queue to squeeze past before the entire queue started reversing to try and let him get out. Happy Days.

Our 5 mile jaunt turned into 20 with 1,000 ft of ascent! However to brighten my day we managed to pass yet another example of why some Americans appear to live in their cars - a drive through Library??!!  I thought a drive through lumber yard was pushing it, but this took the biscuit (or cookie was you would say over here).  We also liked the following sign in the window of the College Inn (on the campus of the University of Virginia): Weekend breakfast served here - Free delivery of beer, wine and ice cream.

Events we are sadly missing:

'Talking to Extraterrestials -how to communicate with Enlightened Beings'. Promises to help dissolve your cultural amnesia.

A course on Advaita (non-duality spirituality - keep up there!)

Heart/Math training - reduce stress by bringing your heart, mind and emotions into Coherence.

Angel Therapy - Akashic Records Readings, Reiki, Holistic Health Coaching. Sessions by e-mail, Skype, phone or in Rio

I lost the will to live even once never mind several times (see Past Life Regression sessions) half way down the first of three columns of these events.

Anyway enough rambling, we are off to World of Beer to set us up for the start of the cycle tour tomorrow. Hot and sunny again by the sound of things. Pictures are of cyclists refuelling and a cycle tool station we found for use by the general public in the centre of town - Mr Mayor take note!