Trans VA Day 3 Natural Bridge to Charlottesville

The day has come to go up and over the Blue Ridge Mountains. We went through a small place called Vesuvius right up to the first 12% hill. It was a wall, with switchbacks, gravel, and trees the size I've never seen. 3 miles of of 8-12% climbs, there was definitely walking involved but we had the descent on the Blue Ridge Parkway to look forward to. It took about an hour to ascend and then the real work would begin. Maybe an unpopular opinion but I'd rather be climbing than descending. Going downhill with a fully loaded bike and the sun on our backs, we were easily pushing 20 -25 mph. Mark was rolling at least 30 mph in some sections. My brakes were working overtime but they did great thanks to our local mechanic Robert at Red Barn Bikes. Once we got down the mountains through the Rockfish Gap entrance the sun had already set and it would get dark in about an hour. We hopped onto Route 250 for just a couple of miles and had planned to get off and take back roads into Charlottesville because of the traffic. Mark talked me into taking 250 the whole way into the city because it was a shorter and more direct route. This choice was the only one I regretted on this trip. Thankfully we made it safely though a bit rattled and cold. We stayed at the Doyle Hotel which was fabulous and beautiful. 10/10 would stay there again. The hardest day was finally behind us.

Trans VA Day 2 Dublin to Natural Bridge

Yesterday, Mark's rear shifter started having issues in the last 30 miles. It was stuck in the lowest gear, and while inconvenient on the flat roads, it wasn't an issue yet since we still had the mountains ahead of us. I started the route to Natural Bridge through Radford and Christiansburg while Mark tried to sort out his bike. Unfortunately, due to Labor Day he was unsuccessful in getting it fixed. We met back up to finish the last 50 miles together. The weather has been incredibly beautiful, cool, and sunny, with the puffiest clouds. We rolled into Natural Bridge right around dinner time. Today and yesterday were warm-ups with the Blue Ridge Mountains ahead of us tomorrow.

Trans VA Day 1

This was the hardest ride I’ve ever done by far but also the most fun. We left Damascus. We climbed 5,658 ft around Mt. Rogers and the rolling hills beyond. There were some burners for sure. Rolling the long descents have been awesome, with a fully loaded bike you build up speed so fast. Usually I’m having to push down the hills. Not on this trip.

Today my SIL hung around the area we were riding to sag for us which was prime. Tomorrow she’s headed back home to NOVA and we’re on our own! Tomorrow’s route is similar mileage and elevation gain. These are warm ups for day 3. 😄 If you want more frequent updates check my TikTok or Instagram @tyredquads

See you on the ride! 🚲 💛 ✌🏻

Trans VA Day 1

This was the hardest ride I’ve ever done by far but also the most fun. We left Damascus. We climbed 5,658 ft around Mt. Rogers and the rolling hills beyond. There were some burners for sure. Rolling the long descents have been awesome, with a fully loaded bike you build up speed so fast. Usually I’m having to push down the hills. Not on this trip.

Today my SIL hung around the area we were riding to sag for us which was prime. Tomorrow she’s headed back home to NOVA and we’re on our own! Tomorrow’s route is similar mileage and elevation gain. These are warm ups for day 3. 😄 If you want more frequent updates check my TikTok or Instagram @tyredquads

See you on the ride! 🚲 💛 ✌🏻

Time to get to work!

And we’re off on the adventure! We’re driving to Damascus, Va today and the ride starts bright and early tomorrow. Shout out to Julie for dropping us off and Grandma for keeping our babies for us. With a quick stop at REI to grab some snacks.

Two Weeks From Today

In two weeks I'll be pedaling across my home state of Virginia. Starting in Damascus and ending in New Kent. After a busy, fun-filled summer with my kiddos, the culmination of planning and training is about to peak.

Sunset on the James River

We rode down to the Jamestown-Scottland ferry to see the Strawberry Moon rise over the river. It was beautiful.

Photo from the saddle

If you follow my socials then these are a repeat. I love snapping a quick pic on the ride. This is from a 57 mi ride around Toano, VA.

Schools Out!

Summer begins today at 1:35 pm when my kiddos are released from school. We are all very excited for a fun-filled summer of swimming, fishing, and of course, riding all the bikes. So far this year I've ridden over 1,200 miles and climbed over 34,000 ft. Feeling strong and fit to achieve my goals this year of biking across my home state of Virginia, from Damascus to New Kent. I've been slowly increasing my miles each week and joined a local cycling club to ease back into riding in a group and challenge my speed. Definitely got dropped on my first group ride in about 5 years! It happens ;-) My next small goal is to ride two 80 mile days back to back. Cheers!

February Update

There are a couple of days left in the month but I have a busy week ahead. Total so far with 4 days left: 247 miles ridden. Mostly indoors because the weather has been wet and cold. I learned my lesson last year when I got a bit hypothermic while riding in the cold and rain. And what do we do?! Know better, do better!

I've been researching endurance training plans to get ready for September but I haven't signed up for any so far. I'm not worried about the distance but certainly the hills. There isn't much opportunity to train hills beyond 2,000ft unless it's an all-day affair. The Cap Trail 100 is right around 2k. I guess that's a future me problem.

I've decided!

This is the year I'll be pedaling across Virginia for the Challenge. Planning, logistics, routing, and training have already begun. There are a lot of moving parts to make this adventure happen but I'm excited to tackle this as my husband and I have been talking about it for YEARS. I think the most difficult aspect will be the elevation gains 100%. We have lived in coastal VA for the last 10 years so hills are hard to come by. 30K ft climbing here we come!

2024 Goals

Ride 700 miles in September

Go on more adventures

Keep my riding consistent to avoid the saddle-sores of 2023.