Life Is Great (in memory of Bob)!: August 20 - Love, VA to Charlottesville, VA

Written by Gloria

We left Royal Oaks Cabins around 7:30. It being Sunday, the Blue Ridge Parkway was almost empty. We enjoyed nice views while riding, but we also stopped at more than half of the designated overlooks. The views are quite impressive!

Michael (having done today's ride 10 years ago) advertised it as a mostly downhill ride. He implied that we would be in Charlottesville quickly (or at least that's what I heard). Well...that was not the case.

After getting off the Blue Ridge Parkway, we had to make our way through some horrific traffic and unexpected steep climbs. We stopped for lunch at Chiles Peach Orchard. Michael remembered it as a little roadside peach stand with good peaches - a necessary stop. Now it is a much bigger business. They have quite a nice operation and lots of customers. We had BBQ Pork sandwiches with coleslaw and peach ice cream for dessert. Afterwards I felt like taking a nap, but we unfortunately still had 20 more miles to ride.

Today's ride had several turns. Whenever we would turn and unintentionally avoid an uphill, I would cheer. I don't know why I bothered because there was always another uphill lurking at the next turn. I might have used a few unsavory words. Eric stated that he was ready for some flat roads.

We arrived in Charlottesville around 3:15 having covered 46.4 miles. According to Eric's altimeter, we went up 2,649 feet and went down 4,872 feet. While I disagree with his altimeter, I guess Michael's recollection of the downhill was correct after all - even if it didn't feel like it.

Tonight we are staying at Bards on Avon. It is not a hotel or a B&B. I'm actually not sure what it is. The owners, Teddy and Jack, greeted us when we arrived and explained that there was a lot of chaos because they are currently renovating the house. Our rooms were not ready, so we had to wait. I'm currently sitting in Michael & Eric's room waiting for my 'special" room to be ready, so I thought I'd begin writing today's blogpost.

After showering we ended up in the Bards on Avon garden with Teddy and Jack, and their dog, Woody. We heard a bit about the recent happenings in Charlottesville and got restaurant recommendations.

As we were walking to dinner, we took pictures of signs in people's yards. It's obvious to us that there are a lot of good people in Charlottesville who are just as upset about what happened as we are. Seeing the signs gave us hope.