Rosedale to Breaks, VA

We found another library along the route! We are at Haysi, a very small town about 7 miles away from our destination today-Breaks. Last night we stayed at another church which apparently 'went out of business' recently, but they still allowed us to stay. After I had had set up our sleeping mats and bags on the plush red carpet near the alter, Robin was concerned that we should not be sleeping there and shouls probably set up in one of the little grotty rooms upstairs filled with dirt and spiders. My reply was 'I am sleeping here, you crack on!'. Well, a few minutes later 10 more people joined us on the alter!!

It was mine and Robin's turn to cook last night. It seemed to go down well- Chilli Con carne and Rice with a lovely side salad and Banannas and custard for after! Phew, don't have to do that again for another week.

Today we have a relatively short day, just 42 miles but the route is still very hilly and apparently does not stop until we get to Illinois so I shouls just stop moaning about it! We apparently have another 7 mile climb coming before we reach our camp for tonight - Breaks Interstate park, where I've been told there is a visitor centre where we can be presented with a pin for biking the whole distance of Virginia. Sounds good but have another 9 states still to go!

We have been bumping into alot of cyclists along the route. This time of year is full of people doing the TransAm, lots unsupported. Last night we met 2 lads, one of which was from the UK. They stayed at the church with us and we were also invited them to eat mine and Robin's delicious meal, which they appreciated as did not have any food with them. We are quite priviledged having a van with us, I cannot imagine doing it without, it is hard enough already!

Anyway better be going as we need to climb that hill!!

If you fancy a peek at fellow members of our group photos and thoughts...

- Jeff's http://manismyasssore.blogspot.com/
- John and Dawn's http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/6886

Damascus, Virginia

Sorry we haven't updated for a while, no internet access until now but I am currently sitting in a very cosy coffee shop with internet access and having +a lovely latte on our very first day off!! We have cycled almost 500 miles in 10 days without a break and I am tired and in need of a rest, so today whilst Robin is sat in the Laundromat doing the washing, I am in my full rain gear (it is pissing down!!) enjoying eating lots of food and NOT getting on that bike!



The past few days have been tough for everyone let alone me. We are currently climbing the Appalachian Mountains and a few days ago climbed 3500 ft in 1 day-they were the steepest hills I've ever cycled up (well the only hills really!), but I was shocked that I did not walk one inch of the way! However, I have done something to my knee as a result of pushing too hard (feels like a spot of tendinitis). I have been icing and hopefully it will recover today but the hills go on into Kentucky also! Within the next two days we will be passing the border from Virginia to Kentucky, so excited!

The place we are today (where we are having our rest day) is a small town where the Appalachian trail runs through (Damascus) so there are many hikers and bikers, out door shops, bike shops and coffee shops. Quite honestly I don't care what facilities are here, I am just glad not to sit my arse on that bike!

Anyway my time is limited here, there are lots of travellers wanting to use this one computer that I am currently hogging so bye for now! Missing you all, lots of love x

You can see our route so far below...

Virginia Photos

Yesterday we cycled approximately 50 miles from Williamsburg to Glendale and stayed in a church, which meant that I had to sleep in a big room with 10 guys, all of which were smelling (we had no showering facilities last night)...

Here's a few photos (of photos!)...

Wheel dipping in the 'Atlantic' in Yorktown:


Reaching the summit!

Williamsburg & Yorktown

We have just finished a short 30 miler today from Williamsburg to Yorktown and back again. We arrived at Williamsburg yesterday (21st) and met with the rest of the group. Following a 2 hour 'group meeting' to establish how we eat, sleep and read maps, we had a lovely dinner cooked for us by our leaders Michael and Steve in the motel car park (or 'parking lot' as the American's say!). Everyone was very friendly, getting to know one another and trying to work out why the hell they were doing this crazy thing!!

This morning, we all met for the first time in the car park of our motel in our full cycling gear with bikes-so funny watching everyone checking out each others bikes, gadgets, Lycra and leg muscles! There are some impressive calf muscles amongst us!!

We set off to Yorktown (the official start line of the TransAm route) for the 'dipping of the wheels in the ocean' ceremony. It was glorious-sunny weather, beachy, small town with whole foods market.



I really enjoyed today. I was so worried about actually starting but now feel better...yes there are proper cyclists amongst the group, including one guy that is using this trip as part of his Ironman training (will I join him in his swims and runs I wonder? Maybe when I get a bit stronger!). Its funny because to look at, this guy is the most incapable, clumsy, incompetent person, and I know he doesn't mind me saying as he's already commented himself that he looks like Lawrence of Arabia (he is clothed from head to toe as he's worried about getting sunburn!), but his bike weighs as much as a feather and he flies along the road (most of the time in the wrong direction) but hey he can afford to go wrong with his carbon!

Roads here are sooo made for cycling-smooth and straight (ish). I didn't have to 'unclip' for 15 miles today and that was only because we were turning around to come back!!! We can do so much more distance in less time it seems on these roads, which is a great thing!

So many things to tell, such little time...we are very busy you know, must get back to camp for 6pm for dinner and have to do laundry before that-this is all we have to worry about!!

Miss you all ...but actually really having fun at the moment. I'm sure that will change in probably ooh 3 days but until then....

oh and I took a fall today as well, about 100 yards from our motel-trying to turn left and forgetting I had to watch out for cars...not enough time to unclip! I'm fine though, taken worse falls!

Tomorrow is our first day of the tour where we cover are officially, on our way across the country-49 miles tomorrow. Will let you know how we get on when we next have access to the Internet...Bye for now x

Photos - Virgina