Day 3 - June 11, 2002
Ashland to Louisa, VA (Rebel Motel)
Ride length: 55.8 miles
Total to date: 156.77 miles
Moving time: 4 hr. 47 min.
Maximum speed: 31 mph
Average Speed: 11.6 mph
Total ascent: 1717 ft.
Minimum elevation: 109 ft.
Maximum elevation: 531 ft.
Ending elevation: 529 ft.
Wind: calm in the morning; 5-10 mph from South in the afternoon.
Full flavored Virginia
Boy, was it hot yesterday and today! An early start makes a big difference but it just got too unbearable to ride after noon. I really wish I could cover more ground since I feel strong and want to get ahead on my mileage budget. It is supposed to be just as hot tomorrow but should let off by Thursday.
I stopped for a picture at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland. Ashland is a nice town and the campus is beautiful and stately.
Here's the most unbelievable (but true) part of the day. I was on a very rural road when I saw what looked like a silver Honda Insight coming toward me in my rear view mirror. It was - and not only that, it had Virginia licence plate that read "SIPS GAS." I couldn't believe it! I too have a silver Honda Insight with the same plate but issued from Pennsylvania. I tried to wave him down but he didn't see me or respond. It looked like the driver was man with a gray beard.
I went through Bumpass, Virginia today. I've been looking forward to it in some weird sort of way. Here is a picture of the post office in Bumpass. I went into the post office to mail some stuff home that I don't think I'll use. (I'm already trying to lighten my load.) I boxed my stuff up, cheerfully paid the postage and then asked the clerk how they pronounce the town's name. She said,"Honey, we don't sugar coat it. We just say 'Bump Ass'." She made sure to pronounce it as two separate words. I was amused. Then I went outside and started to sweat some more.
There's another funny town called Nimrod, Oregon that I'm looking forward to visiting as well.
Here is another picture I took at a nice little creek. It was a bear to climb out of this valley.
Food: Apple ugly (427 Cal.), 1/2 Qt. Chocolate Milk (400 Cal.), 1/2 Gallon Orange Juice (960 Cal.), Lay's Potato Chips (480 Cal.) Ham club sandwich (810 Cal.), large glass iced tea (they call it sweet tea here) (460 Cal.), 4 quarts water. TOTAL: 3537 Calories
Hotel cost: $39.00