An amazing day!

In every way conceivable, today’s ride was the most fulfilling and enjoyable bike ride that I have been experienced. No one really knew what to expect during our morning route meeting. The 63 miles from Taylorsville to Newland seemed short. We were all expecting hills, but I do not think anyone could have predicted what we encountered. After a few rolling hills and about 20 miles, the grade began to increase and downhills became less and less common. We had encountered our first mountain. The climb was extremely difficult and quite slow going, but the feeling of accomplishment and comradely once we reached the top made the 10 miles and 2500 feet worth it.

After an extended lunch, I got back on the road to finish the final 23 miles to our host sight. The final leg of the ride took us on an 11-mile stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The short stint on the Parkway was breathtaking. Our entrance point onto the Parkway was at the crest of a hill, so we immediately got to experience a heart pounding decent. The remainder of the ride rose and fell, reaching a maximum altitude of 4400 feet. Never in my life have I ridden in such a beautiful place. I had to stop multiple times to take in the view from the bridges. We got off the Parkway and descended 3 miles on quick switchbacks into the town of Newland.

All of the riders are on such a high after today’s ride. Tomorrow we get back on the Parkway for our ride into Ashville. We will have two build days in Ashville working with the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate. As sore and tired as I am, I cannot wait to get back on my bike and see more of the beautiful North Carolina countryside.