Day 2: Day of Hills

After some rest at the B&B we started the morning at the bike shop to restock. Mike got a thicker tube for his back wheel and we both got new spare tubes and CO2 but seriously hope we don't have to use them.

So we begin day 2. We headed toward Orange, VA and the ride  there was really nice. Rolling hills, beautiful countryside, lots of shade from the trees, and few cars. However, it took me several miles before I could relax. I was so paranoid about getting another flat.

We roll into town and have a delicious lunch. Seriously, if you ever find yourself here I know where you should eat. It was so good, and I don't think it was only because I had just biked 20 miles. Then we start getting ready to hit the road. I am outside applying more sunblock and everyone in town is so friendly. They are asking where we are going, and giving advice on roads. One guy even stopped by to chat for a second. He had passed us driving. 

So back on the road. This new road leading out of town turned out to be super hilly. Like seriously, climbing mountains. I hate hills. I am a prairie girl. I mean I complain about the hills in DC!  It was like he worst interval workout you could imagine!  30sec ride down followed by1-2 minutes of climbing. Yikes!   Somewhere along this point I decide going commando in bike shorts is the way to go. I judged before the trip, but realize there really is no better way. 

We finally see a sign saying there is a stoplight ahead!  I have need been so excited to see a city. Those hills killed me. We head to downtown, walk around a bit and end up eating at a local brewery. The brewery had a beer special where you could mix half of one of their beers with a cider.  Heffenweissen + cider= delicious!  

Then back on the road. 10 more miles to our KOA campground. 10 more hilly miles. It's never a good sign when street names contain the word mountain or mount.  It's beginning to get dark. We have past the place where Apple Maps says its should be. I flag down a man in a car and thankfully it isn't much further!  We roll in. I am sweaty and exhausted. They had icecream in the store but my desire to shower surpassed my desire for it.  (If you know me his is huge!)  we set up camp as daylight is fading fast, munch on some dried fruit and call it a night. I get a much needed shower. I don't think I have ever felt grosser. Suncreen, sweat, dirt. I realize I lost my razor. At this point I don't really care because I just want to be clean, but am also really upset I can't shave. Ugh. Oh well. 

Mike decided not to put the rain fly on so it didn't get to hot in the tent. It ended up getting to cold! I dressed myself in crazy layers in the middle of the night. I woke up with a tshirt on my head as a hat and my face completely buried under my blanket. 

But so thankful for the sleeping pad, thanks mom and dad!

All in all we went 62 miles on day 2.  But up those hills made for long slow travel! But I will take hills over flat tires or angry drivers any day!