Up, up and away! Day 2

While planning the ride, I had actually anticipated doing the first 160 miles over a four day period.

Day one had been an 80 mile day. I had walked almost (maybe) two miles because the initial mountains were so steep. I had to jump off the bike almost 4 times a mile because my legs were so exhausted. When I got off the bike at some points, my legs were shaking so badly that standing was questionable.

That is what I knew coming into day 2. How on earth was this ever going to happen. Day one had been 6,400 feet of climb day two was looking at over 9,000 feet of climb.The ride started in Franklin, and headed east toward the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Up one side and up some more on the other side!

(Oh, I also thought I had forgotten my phone at the campsite. That would have been bad!)

  That was my first video of the day. A couple miles later I took this next video.

The climbs were crazy!. I felt like I was pulling on my bars just to get up the hill!
Down hill is definitely so much easier!

Sometimes you just need coffee... it keeps the heart tickin'. Silva came at just the right time!

Here's a Facebook live post that I did before heading to the big hill.

The Blue Ridge Parkway was calling my name. The best way to deal with something you dread is to just go and do it. Just keep spinning.... just keep spinning!

I don't remember exactly, but I think this was the last drop before the climb.

And so it begins...

Tunnels on a bike are kinda scary... but usually there is a light at the end of the tunnel and I look forward to that.

Blue Ridge Parkway has many overlook points throughout the drive. I met a man name Jay at one of them. My water had run low so it came down to walking up to people and asking for water. He was from Naples, Florida, and was waiting word on whether or not his house made it after Hurricane Irma. He was optimistic but hadn't received any word about the area. I hope it worked out for him and thanks for the water Jay! It was encouraging to meet a guy like that.

The frequent overlook sites were great. They seemed to be located about every half mile and in many parts of the climb, I stopped at EVERY ONE! My legs were on fire and it was so hot! In all actuality, it was going better than I had anticipated and for that I was grateful!

From the lofty abode you water the mountains; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work. Psalm 104:13

What an exhilarating feeling! The scenery was astonishing. If you are ever in the area, take a drive through here. You won't regret it. One thing about cycling through an area like this is that you don't really get to enjoy it. I felt like I was in survival mode. We took lots of pictures to enjoy later on!

As I was driving through water was sparse... except for all the water coming down the mountain. Sharon grabbed me some so I could press on.

It turned out to be good water!

Thankful to God for the ability to ride in His incredibly creation!

It was another 15 or so miles but mainly down hill. The scenery was breath taking. I ended up making it a full 80 miles which was CRAZY! Thanks for your prayers!

Stats for the day.

Average Speed- 12.3
Max Speed- 39.8