When I awoke, the sound of rain outside did little to encourage me out of bed. Checking the weather while eating my morning cup of oatmeal, I realized there was no good window to leave today but it had to be done. After a cup of coffee and some packing, I locked up my buddy's house and began spinning south down Rt 11. A dreary cold mist collected in my beard, the forming droplets falling to my shorts or finding their way onto my lips. The shoulder was sufficiently wide for cycling and I made good time down the Valley Pike past many roadside markers for the Battle of Cedar Creek and notable structures. I took many rests along the way knowing I had all day to bike 30 mi. At the Burger King in Strasburg where I stopped for OJ and some french toast sticks, I met Mr. Keller, an 88 year old WW-II veteran. Having an opportunity to hear his stories about the cramped and dangerous transport ships, guarding the SS soldiers and travelling through Europe was a true gift. There aren't many left of his generation and I consider it a valuable experience to stop and interact with those remaining. 30 minutes went by with me eyeing the temporary break in weather so I had to pry myself away to take advantage of it.
Heading down the back roads and climbing over 1000 feet, my legs began to protest and the rain proceeded to fall. An abandoned overgrown trailer rusting in a hollow looked like a reasonable place to keep dry so I pushed the bike around back and made a cup of coffee inside. It was damp and musty but the interesting collection of scrapbooks and dated camping guidebooks provided me with an hour or more of entertainment as I waited for the sky to clear. By late afternoon, I pedaled up the gravel road to the home of my friends Michael and Holly who nourished me with burgers, pasta and fresh vegetables, filled my mind with warm conversation and pointed me to the shower and bedroom. It is wonderful to be welcomed and I know that one day I will be in the position to reciprocate.
Heading down the back roads and climbing over 1000 feet, my legs began to protest and the rain proceeded to fall. An abandoned overgrown trailer rusting in a hollow looked like a reasonable place to keep dry so I pushed the bike around back and made a cup of coffee inside. It was damp and musty but the interesting collection of scrapbooks and dated camping guidebooks provided me with an hour or more of entertainment as I waited for the sky to clear. By late afternoon, I pedaled up the gravel road to the home of my friends Michael and Holly who nourished me with burgers, pasta and fresh vegetables, filled my mind with warm conversation and pointed me to the shower and bedroom. It is wonderful to be welcomed and I know that one day I will be in the position to reciprocate.
Baker's Store and Shop on Back Rd
Drying out in am abandoned trailer
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