cold mountain road
What a day! Kickstand was up at 6:55 AM as our hotel in Bristol, Virginia waved good-bye. I wore my chaps for the first time, and loved them! I was also happy with my decision on the wool undershirt and turtleneck. Cooler temperatures prevailed beneath the big spruce trees. We finalized the day around 7:30 PM, just as the sun was setting behind us.
15 mph curves
Most of the day was spent in the saddle, winding around mountains and beautiful sites. The sunrise was spectacular as we crossed over the mountains. We had planned to eat an early lunch in Waynesboro before catching Skyline Drive, but our decision to get off the Interstate and take another scenic road turned into a late lunch. We are saving the twistiest rides and the Blue Ridge Parkway for a ride with our friends, so we opted for another route. Horses and their foal were enjoying the weather as much as we were, and an occasional chipmunk crossing the road gave us a momentary scare. A rather large Panera Bread awaited us in Waynesboro. They had a kid zone and caffeine free diet Pepsi. Even the locals were impressed with its amenities.
morning views
Skyline Drive picks up where the Blue Ridge Parkway ends in Waynesboro. Its 106 miles travel through the Shanendoah National Park, where mile markers reminded us how slowly we traveled. In reality we were riding faster than the morning trail, but now it was getting later in the day and we were getting tired. The morning road took us through the foothills, where the Skyline Drive travels the crest. It was filled with scenic overlooks which we could not resist. Once again best laid plans were set aside. I kept reminding Tim, who had his eye set on the final goal, that we are on vacation. Enjoy the journey!
churning apple butter
We reached the 42nd mile marker (60+ from our end) after 4:00, and it was time for a break. Timing was perfect as they were celebrating their annual Apple Butter Festival. The grounds were filled with tents where native Virginians sold their wares. We pulled in beside an old timer’s Harley, and he directed us to where they were churning fresh apple butter. The line was very long to buy it by the quart and pint. Unfortunately we didn’t have any room in our saddlebags, and they don’t ship. We didn’t even get a taste.
blue grass band
While I left feeling a little unfulfilled, we did get a treat — most likely the best apple cobbler ever. This would hold us over until dinner. The blue grass band and their audience serenaded us with Country Road as we left for our final destination.
Fatigue was intense by the time we got to our hotel in Hagerstown, MD. Tim was having trouble lifting his leg over the bike, and I tried to lock the saddlebag with my room key. Seriously! Time for bed, and a shorter day tomorrow.