Jim's Ride Across America: Day 9 Damascus, VA to Rosedale, VA

Yorktown, VA to Rosedale, VA Completed 525 Miles

Damascus, VA to Rosedale, VA Biking Detail

Two sections to this shorter ride. The first from Damascus to Meadowview is about 14 miles with minor hills averaging about 5% or so. We stopped in Meadowview about 10 am to get some "Broasted" chicken at the Medowview Deli. Unfortunately, the operation had changed hands and they had no "Broasted" chicken. We continued on to the downtown area and before we left we did meet a very nice young lady named Megan from Washington State. She actually lived in Spokane and went to Whitworth College. She works for the Harvest Table Restaurant (farm to table ) in Meadowview. The restaurant did not open until 11:00 am, however, so we were unable to give it a try. Maybe next time.

The second part of the ride turned uphill after Meadowview although the ride got really tough just after Hayters Gap at about 22 miles into the journey. From there we encountered a steady 7%-9% grade with multiple 10%-14% stingers along the way. At one point my Garmin said 15% for a slight bit. This went on for about 3.7 miles (about 1 hour and 20 minutes) until we finally hit the top. Then it was a few miles downhill to the Elk Garden Methodist Church in Rosedale where we are spending the night.