No rain, again, despite an ominous forecast. Someone is looking out for us as we had another near perfect summer day (70 to 80F with cloud cover most of the way, but again a fair bit of humidity) as we pedaled 70 miles from Winchester VA to Frederick MD. Leaving Winchester this morning at 7AM we did experience a not so fun intense fog for the first hour. A good time for blinky lights and bright shirts, but reflective vests would have been helpful. Once the fog lifted, we were treated to beautiful views of horses frolicking on picturesque farms.
Today was Ray Arcola day and everyone wore purple in his honor. Ray passed away this past winter. He was our most trusted and beloved "scout", going out ahead of the ride each day and making sure the roads were safe and the route correct. You can see the awesome women at the first SAG dressed in purple and cheering our spirits.
Funny story- I went into a simple country store in Summit Pointe VA looking for batteries for my camera. The woman behind the counter asked me what charity we were cycling for. I responded that we were supporting Anchor House that helped support runaway and abused children. A good 'ol boy who had come in right before me then said, "Support 'em, you should be capturing runaway children". Pretty funny good 'ol boy response- I am hoping his ancestors did not feel the same away about slaves.
We biked through We
st Virginia for about ten miles, and then crossed the Potomac near Sharpsburg MD. It was great cycling into Maryland- we lived there from '89 to '93 and it felt like coming home in a way. We cycled through the Antietam battlefield Park, which was an evocative and somber experience. It's too easy to envision the thousands of soldiers positioned and fighting over this field.The cycling in Maryland was spectacular, and was capped off with a climb over the Cacoctin Mountains at Cramptons Gap, where we were serenaded by Anchor House videograp
her 
and full time musician, Tom Florek as we completed the climb up the Gap. We then cycled our way to Frederick where we are encamped for the night. 
Tomorrow it's on to Gettysburg. 230 miles down- this ride is going too fast!
Looks like a perfect water skiing opportunity. Silky smooth water! Wish I were there with all y'all.
ReplyDeleteWhat a day, Kenny! Sounds like you were briefly in a fog but came out of it in grand style.
ReplyDeleteHmmm, I still don't know what SAG stands for, but I can imagine.
As far as slaves go, I recently learned that there was a slave trade here in New Mexico, and that there were even slaves in New England during a certain period of time. Go figure.
Those Civil War battlefields are indeed evocative of the past---just imagine the tetanus that was rampant in those battlefield hospitals!
Have fun getting to G'burg tomorrow, and may the temperatures stay comfortable and the humidity drop!
Love,
Keith
Had to read the blog twice to get all the details. Is it any wonder that it feels like the trip is speeding by when you pack so much into every day.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great narative and pictures.
All the best
Dan
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ReplyDeleteNice pictures...keep up the good work...don't let the heat and humidity slow you down!
ReplyDelete