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Glad to report, on this on-again-off-again ride, that it was executed
successfully July 3rd and 4th. What's more, we had a tailwind both ways!
What with the holiday, the ridership had dwindled to one (plus me)
each way, so in the event, this was a more of a prototype NCTTB, but
worthwhile nonetheless.
Northbound - 3rd July
Friday morning former crew member Wayne Agee and I started off at
6:24am 1� miles into South Carolina, accompanied by Pat Heller for
the first ten miles. It was (to me, at least) oppressively sultry,
incipient fog forming, low 70's already. While riding we kept a
good pace (18-21mph most of the time), but made sure we drank enough.
Highs were forecast at 90� and were at least that. The Northbound
route takes in Lake Norman, heading west of Statesville onto the
pre-Blue Ridge high plateau, where you can already see the mountains.
We then went through Hiddenite (named for a stone found only in NC
named for W. E. Hidden) and into the Brushy Mountains, which are very
backwoodsy, crossing the Yadkin River at Ronda.
From there it was a 10-mile grind on a coarse-surfaced road climbing
steadily up to Austin, then a couple miles more to the base of Roaring Gap,
then 5 miles of switchbacks up to the Eastern Continental Divide (2972ft.).
Ahhh... refreshing cool air and clear skies on the north side of the
mountain, where a shower had moved out not too long before. Six more miles
and we were onto the Blue Ridge Parkway, where we sped the 13 miles to the
NC/VA line, painted across the roadway for our sprinting pleasure.
The final 17 "extra credit" miles on the Parkway started to wear me
down, but a beautiful way to end the ride, pulling into Fancy Gap VA
(two motels and a fruit stand astride the Parkway) at 6:04pm, 170 miles
on the odometer. I went out for another 30 to round things out before
Pat Heller arrived (in a car), then wolfed down some (too little!) food.
Southbound - 4th July
Pat and I started at 6:10am, after photo opportunities in front of the
lake gracing the Lake View Motel. It's a wonderful time of day to be
on the Parkway. A brisk north wind was breaching the ridge. It was
cool and fresh. Could a front have moved through?
We were inwardly dreading the descent, because the forecast in the
Piedmont had been for highs of 96� with showers in the afternoon
(and a headwind to boot)? But the air was dry; it was very sunny;
and the wind was behind us. We climbed Roaring Gap, stopping at the
viewing area to gaze at the hazy Piedmont below, then on through
the backroads of Austin, Ronda, and Charles, NC. The only mishap was
a tire-gash suffered by Pat's bike. The store (and lone establishment)
in Charles had strapping tape to mend it.
It actually felt cool at times with the dry breeze, though it got
close to 90�. The roads were also dead quiet (mainly because we were
on backroads, away from the lakes, and away from beach-routes),
a blessing on the 4th of July. We made it in at 7:55pm, after a
sprint finish across the NC/SC line (Pat won), another 170 miles
chalked up.
The ridership liked the routes in both directions. We plan to hold
another NCTTB, and get a good group of riders so that more people can
enjoy it. This will probably be in August.
-john
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Scott: Lucy and Wayne had friends visiting them, who drove up
with Lucy, following our course (when they caught us, we got some
valuable drinks and munchies from them!), up to the Parkway, and spent
the night with Wayne at Fancy Gap. Their room was still occupied
and quiet when we headed out the next morning, but I assume they
got back ok.
Wayne said he was quite satisfied with the ride, and he rode
quite well - 18-21 mph on the rolling to flat stretches, as I said.
I was glad to have him along. He did resist my attempt at charming
entreaties to ride southbound the next day, though, claiming he had
had satisfaction enough from riding the one direction.
-john
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FYI, the second running of NCTTB has been scheduled for this weekend,
29-30 August. We've lined up a hand-picked roster of mileage madmen
and -women for this one, plus...
--> Television coverage of the start and first leg!! <--
Yes, it's true (we hope). Stay tuned for a report, plus special
videotape offer, if/when this ride comes off!
-john
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