17-05-19 Day 41

Rosedale, VA to Marion, VA

Today began on a bleak note with thunder storms rumbling in the early am. Watching the radar, we decided to postpone our initial take off time until the storms past. Once the storms dissipated, we hopped on our bikes for our daily trek. We went off our map set today, due to the hiker takeover of Damascus, VA this weekend.  There were no accomodations in the area with the 20,000 visitors coming into town to participate. Choosing a new destination for the day in an effort to keep us on track plus put us back on the Trans America Trail tomorrow.
We had a few surprises on our journey today. After leaving our overnight accommodations, and within the first 5 miles, we had to make our big ascent on Hayters Rd. This was over a 2 mile climb with numerous switch backs and lots of heavy breathing and pounds of perspiration.  Once we made it to the top there was a long descent which was interrupted by a tanker truck that was on an inappropriate road. Local signage clearly indicates no trucks over 30 feet on this section of route 80. Fortunately, we were permitted to pass with minimal clearance around the truck cab by walking our bikes.  Sooooooo, thankful we did not have climb back up the hill 😨.  

Our first glimpse for the tractor trailer mess from the gentleman
that warned us about what we were going to encounter.

Once we were past the truck cab.  Yikes!

Beyond the switchback corner.

Karen hiding behind the police car as the wreckers
arrived.

A few miles after our descent we met a group of cyclists that are doing a supported Adventure Cycling ride across the Trans America Trail.  So of course we had to stop and chat for a bit.  Also, at the same time, our friend Bill Minarik  and Appalachian Trail through-hiker, Chris Leininger meet us on the road.  Huge group conversation along the road in VA. Big thanks to Bill for hunting us down, it was great to see a friendly familiar face.

From left to right
Chris, Bill, Randy, Karen and the Adventure
Cycling Group.
Safe travels to the group.

After leaving everyone, we finally made our way to Marion with no rain. Except of course the last 2 miles from the hotel.  We pulled into a convenience store gas awning to wait out the pelting rain and wind that rushed through.