17-05-27

Virginia Beach

We departed early on our final ride day due to our route taking us on busy roads part of the journey.  Our plan to meet cycling companions part way in for the final miles to beach front where our family will be waiting.

Everything moved smoothly for the 40+ miles.  It was bitter sweet to finally see the Atlantic Ocean, but wonderful to see family again. Our final landing point, Second Street and Atlantic Ave water front.

Early am departure from our final hotel stay over.
Beautiful weather - sunshine and cool temps

Crossing the South Jordan Toll Bridge Road on Route 337 East.
Shipyard on both sides, amazing view in both directions.

On the board walk at Virginia Beach.

Our escort group in our Kioware jerseys (thank you
to Jim and Gina).
Jess, Ian, Craig, Matt, Marge, Jim, Gina, Jon and Dale.
A huge thank you to everyone, we truly appreciated
the company.

Trip to the waterfront 

It's official!!!
Coast to coast - Santa Monica, CA to Virginia Beach, VA.

17-05-27 Day 49

Suffolk, VA to Virginia Beach, VA

No words today, other than we
accomplished our goal.

Will send additional info and pics tomorrow.

17-05-26 Day 48

Courtland, VA to Suffolk, VA

With a 30+ mile ride ahead of us today, we decided on a later morning departure. Although the route we chose was not the most direct in terms of mileage it kept us off major thorough fares and out of harms way traffic. The reward for a little extra milage was the tree lined shade sanctuaries and a firm tail wind. Sweeeeeeeeet.

As we were riding along the beautiful scenic country side of Virginia, we shared many thoughts of our journey. Amazing views, experiences, challenges, and wonderful people we've met along the way. Memories and stories to share for a lifetime. It was difficult to believe we were completing our final solo ride on this incredible adventure. Tomorrow morning we will begin our final leg to the beach alone, but eventually meet great friends as we complete the final miles. We truly appreciate the support of our friends and family.

Our bikes are patiently waiting for our mid morning
departure outside the Courtland Motel.

Our last solo ride day as cross country cyclists.

17-05-25 Day 47

Blackstone, VA, to Stony Creek, VA, to Courtland, VA

Started the morning with breakfast at the Grey Swan Bed & Breakfast, great omelet, grits and biscuits prepared by Mandy the Inn sitter.  The rain we missed came down overnight in the form of a huge downpour, and we awoke to sunshine this am.

Mandy our host at the Grey Swan.  Thank you for the
wonderful breakfast and good conversation.

Our goal today was the town of Stony Creek, 40 miles, to keep us moving toward to our VA Beach destination. Once we arrived, around 12:30 pm, we did our typical food stop and reconsidered our riding plans for the day. Consulting Google maps, our Virginia paper map, as well as our sleeping accommodations, we made a joint decision to keep rolling to Courtland.

Destination one on travel plans.
Passed and peddled on.

Over the past few weeks Randy has made it his mission to save the turtles crossing the road. This originally began in the Ozark Mountains and has continued through the other states. Today was picture day to thank him for these moments of kindness for the turtles. We do not have an official count, but estimate 20 turtles owe their turtle lives to this bleeding heart.  BTW Karen rode past them and yelled turtle.

The turtle saviour.

Carefully crossing the road.

Success another turtle has been saved.

What a beautiful day for a ride.

The sunshine, scenery, and of course Randy's

view of Karen across the US.

Our final destination for today,
74.75 miles giving us a shorter ride for tomorrow. 

We must mention that the terrain has significantly changed today as we made our way toward  the coast.  The hills have gradually reduced to minor inclines assisting in makig miles move by at a faster average.  

17-05-24  Day 46

Keysville, VA to Blackstone, VA

Moving forward today, we finished our 36 mile trip to our destination of Blackstone,VA.  We are pacing ourselves to reach our Atlantic Ocean destination by Saturday, May 27th as planned. Unfortunately, traveling through rural VA does not always provide the over night accommodations we would like based on mileage.  Staying this evening at Grey Swan Bed and Breakfast in the historic district of Blackstone, VA.  Walked downtown to experience the Brew House for dinner options.  We were pleasantly surprised with the menu items, namaste Chicken Bowl for Karen and Pulled Pork Sandwich for Randy, both gave a thumbs up to the cuisine.

Nice entrance into the town.

Met a local native from Farmville, VA outside Food Lion when we were doing a bit shopping  when we arrived today. We had a wonderful conversation with Larry and we appreciate him taking the time to talk with us.

It was great meeting Larry Mays today, thanks for your
Best wishes on your travels..  

We have researched many options for the remainder of our travels, which are not the most desirable for cyclists. But, we are keeping in mind we have traveled approximately 3000 and will obviously finish our journey.  Tonight, like every evening of our travels, we are planning the the final days of our travels. Previously we only needed to consider our daily route, now we need to consider others for the final days. Not a problem but the pressure is on.

17-05-23 Day 45

Appomattox, VA to Keysville, VA

Today's highlights were brought by mother nature.......Rain, rain and more rain. As forecasted the rain began early am, we watched the radar for a gap in the gauntlet of green.  Thinking we made a fairly good estimate for our 40 mile ride today. Headed out at 10 am, no rain (perfect), 5 miles on our route and the rain began (not perfect) 😓. So best guess we rode 35 miles in the rain, but a bright spot was the beautiful scenery.  Tree-lined roads that provided wonderful mature canopies and hilltop views.  Deer in the field, cows and horses in the pastures. Unfortunately the spray from periodic vehicles would bring our thoughts back to reality quickly.

The rainy weather today brought back thoughts of dry
roads, blue skies and warm sunshine from
our ride the other morning.

Tonight we are staying at Sheldon's Motel and Restaurant in Keysville, VA, a family owned business that celebrated 75 years in 2016.  Was the first restaurant and motel in the area in the early 1940s.  Currenty have 40 rooms and the restaurant offers an all you can eat buffet for $9.99 with home cooked meats and veggies. Worked well for rain drenched hungry cyclists. 🙄

17-05-22 Day 44

Bedford, VA to Appomattox, VA

Woke up to a steady rain this am, weather predictions indicated the rain would be out of the area between 8 and 9 am.  Sure enough the rain ceased to cloudy cool temps.  We gathered our gear and hit the road just after 9 am.  We had pre-planned our route the night before.  Leaving Bedford and route 460 breaking the law to get to the nearest exit through town.  After a few miles, we entered route 43 south, Virginia Byway, a nice road with beautiful views for 10 plus miles.  From there we navigated through other more rural areas, but again gorgeous view of the Virginia landscape.  A few of our ascents in the distance reminded us of the Ozark mountain terraces we had to climb, but thankfully a much more forgiving on the climb elevations ☺.

Route 24 East

With only a few more riding days remaining in our venture, we are looking forward to seeing family and friends on Saturday.

This evening we are staying in historic Appomattox, which happens to be the location where one of the last battles of the American Civil War occurred.  It was the final engagement of Confederate Army, Robert E Lee, and Union Army, Ulysses S Grant in 1865.