Bike Virginia 2004 Shenandoah Odyssey

Previous | Newmarket | June 22, 2004 Next

Today was Century Day, but not for us. We debated about taking the 51 mile option or the 34 mile short option. The forecast was for rain starting at around noon, but by the time we arrived at the decision point for the 51 mile option, the skies were relatively clear so we decided to take the chance. Normally riding in the rain isn't a big deal once you become accustomed to it. However, on a recumbent without fenders, it seems that one is sprayed much more than on a regular bike. It is especially bad on some recumbents like the Tour Easy, where the front wheel seems to kick up water directly in ones face.

Rest stop at Shenandoah Vineyards

The first scenic stop was at the Meems Bottom covered bridge, said to be the longest covered bridge still in use in the U.S. There was a steep descent down to the bridge and we had to climb back out the same way to get back onto the route. The first rest stop was at Shenandoah Vineyards where I tasted their Cabernet and Ruby wines. It was difficult to appreciate the wine at 9:00 a.m. on an empty stomach. The stop was well-stocked with peanut butter sandwiches, cookies, drinks, etc.

The ride was scenic, although not as pretty as the first two days in the southern valley. Maybe the cloud cover had an effect. It did help to keep the temperature down, although it was very humid, more typical of summer in Virginia. While the route had much less elevation change than the first three days, 2200 climbing feet vs. an average of about 3600 climbing feet earlier, the route was not flat, with constant small climbs throughout the day.

A free lunch provided by Dominoes Pizza and Subway was served at the Union Methodist Church near Columbia Furnace, west of Woodstock. There was plenty of food and no lines, one advantage to taking the longer route. For those who took the shortest option, lunch was served back at the high school.

Between lunch and the last rest stop at Grace United Christian Church, I must have stopped 5 times to take pictures of the various small, white churches scattered along the route. Just as I would catch Kerie, another church would appear. I don't know why I am drawn to these churches. It's probably the simple design with few windows, a tall steeple, and the stark contrast of the dark midday shadows against the white building.

Rural churches along the route

We made it back to Tent City at Stonewall Jackson High School by around 2:00 where we locked our bikes in the tennis court and waited for the shuttle back to the motel. The crowd awaiting the buses was once again getting unruly when the motel bus hadn't shown up for over 30 minutes. To add to the stress, when we finally arrived at the motel, a sign was posted on the wall apologizing for the water being turned off in some of the rooms. When we discovered we had hot water, we wasted no time getting into the shower.

It was once again time to forage for food. We planned on walking down the hill to China Wok (it had no health code violations listed in last inspection period. It's a good thing we decided not to eat there, as they have been cited for several critical violations in the past two months according to the Lord Fairfax Health District Web site). The China Wok turned out to be a takeout joint, so we went next door to Tony's for OK Italian. On the walk home we stopped to watch an NCAA summer league ball game at the high school. The Valley Baseball League gives the college players, who have used aluminum bats throughout their careers, a chance to learn the game using wooden bats in preparation for possible careers in the major leagues. The Woodstock River Bandits were playing the New Market Rebels. It was relaxing, sitting back and enjoying the evening.

Tomorrow is the last day of the trip, the ride back to Bridgewater to our cars. According to the profile map, it will be a 46-mile day with some long climbs, ending on a short downhill.