Day 17 - Oxford, NC to Crewe, VA - 70 miles, 3100 feet ascent
Quote of the day: Michael Meier: “That was our last 70-mile day.” Dan Murphy [immediately]: “Probably forever!”
Greetings from the Commonwealth of Virginia. The last few days have been the list of the lasts and today marks our final 70-mile ride and our final day in North Carolina. We left the Tar Heel state behind with a fond farewell and enjoyed a blue bird cycling day, easily the best weather of the trip and probably everyone’s favorite ride so far—some sights, some thrills, and more than a few hills. Our capstone 70-miler ushered us north in style with rolling hills, smooth roads, and minimal traffic. We tackled seven climbs which were seven more than depicted with our mapping software adding 3,091 feet to our total effort.
We had not one cloud in the sky throughout the day. Friday’s breezy but otherwise glorious weather stands in stark contrast to the gnarly nor’easter weather from last week. The morning started in chilly disbelief with the National Weather Service reporting temps in the high thirties. By the time we shoved off on our ride the temperature had reached the predicted forties and continued to climb throughout the morning. Riding in temps like this requires layering. As we progress further along the route, the sun climbs higher, we generate warmth, and eventually we start peeling layers and stuffing pockets or tossing items in one of the support vehicles. Insulated long finger gloves gave way to fingerless riding gloves. Sunscreen replaced sleeves and jackets.
We identified yet another mystery plant—tobacco and noted birds ranging from bald eagles to emus, to turkeys. Fun fact: turkeys CAN fly when properly motivated. Kerr (still rhymes with “car”) Dam was a highlight and a prelude to our first stop. We enjoyed a stunning view of Lake Kerr and the turning leaves along its shores. This trip has started to journey into the Autumn foliage. Yesterday’s few examples of turning leaves foretold a Fall season now in full effect. We concluded our day at the Backroads Bar & Grill with Crewe Mayor Brenda Payne as oour guest for dinner. (She also owns the motel where we are staying.)
Tomorrow we continue our march to Richmond. To date we have ridden 944 miles and tomorrow’s 52-mile ride will put us just shy of the thousand-mile mark. Today’s climb took us to 20,938 feet or an approximate cruising altitude for a P-3 Orion. Can’t wait to get back on the road tomorrow, but first sleep, and tomorrow—WAFFLES! Life on the road is great, it’s great to be in Virginia and approaching the finish line. See you in Annapolis.