Taking a breather to open up the computer, after an hour in the hot tub of course. It’s Thursday afternoon, and two rides down.
Day One, the crew assembled at Chetola in Blowing Rock, NC. After a few introductions, wheels up. A perfect afternoon ride up Route 221 to Linville and then down the parkway along the Viaducts, cantilevered off the side of the ridge.
Dark clouds threatened, but we made it back to the lodge just as the rain begun. Great dinner in a private room, as folks more properly introduced themselves and shared what works, a bright spot, in cycling advocacy. I (Peter) was floored by the enthusiasm, experience, and all around awesomeness of all.
We woke up to rain on Day Two. After a fitting cyclist breakfast of everything not nailed down, we headed out in two waves in the rain. Massive props to all because no one was phased by the rain or the climbs right outside of Blowing Rock.
We climbed two category climbs today; everyone seemed to find their mountain legs. The rain was hard at times, but the vistas were still gorgeous. Looking down at clouds in the valley.
40 mountain miles later, we made our lunch at the Switzerland Inn in Little Switzerland. Afternoon ride down (and up) the famous Diamond Back road was cancelled due to weather, so we took advantage of the freedom and hit the outdoor hot tubs in mass.
Well, most of us did, because Paul and Keith stayed behind to clean all the bikes. Everyone knows that Paul and Black Bear run a great tour, but who knew this perfect?!
Some photos:
