October 2, 2011

Day 10... Rain Rain Go Away...

Pre-ride smile for the camera
Layering up pre-ride



It was a grind today. Rain again and temperatures never climbed above 50. The wind wasn't too bad, at least initially. We rode well for the first 40 miles, averaging about 16 mph. Awesome! But around mile 40 I bonked.  I dug deep to get to 50 but was chilled to the bone and couldn't feel my feet.  Kev wasn't doing too hot either. We had virtually run out of fluid and couldn't believe that we hadn't come across a store (or another person) in 50 miles.

Cruising down CR618 in VA



Then we found an oasis: The Bumpass Country Deli. Hallelujah! WOW, I could barely understand the nice lady who helped us because of her heavy southern drawl. I guess somewhere en route we passed into the south. A coffee and some pretzels down the hatch. Ah. That was enough to squeeze out the last 11 miles to Mineral, VA where we are staying tonight (in the parking lot of a local fire house).

Yes, we were definitely in the country today.  And no one else seemed to be around. Only 1 deli route and we saw more dogs than people (1 dog chased me for 1/4 mile..didn't he know I was a vet?).  Hey, I thought it was supposed to be warm in Virginia in October?? Guess we will have to keep heading south to find sunshine. At least tomorrow looks to be closer to 60, although more rain!