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.

Some nice horse farms in Virginia

"Downtown" Medowview and Harvest Table Restaurant on right

My view of Margie's SUV/support stop somewhere near Meadowview

Breakfast at the Old Mill

Leaving Damascus Stephen, Jen, me

On the Transamerica 76

Moo

Are we close to a Walmart?

Their own stream and mill

For Sale

Churches and Cemeteries

Mega, me (Meadowview)

Discussing things me, Stephen, Megan

Eat Mor Chikin

Nice shady lane

Climb starts here

Church at Hayter's Gap

Rest Stop

Me, Stephen before the climb

Following the stream

Stephen on the climb

Me on the climb

Yes, for us

Nice Welcome

Beautiful place to stay

It's apple time

Me, Andreas, Jen, Stephen, Mary

Nap time in the Pew

Our sleeping quarters in the loft

View of chapel from our sleeping loft

Day 8 Wytheville, VA to Damascus, VA

Yorktown, VA to Damascus, VA completed 492 miles

Ride Detail Wytheville, VA to Damascus, VA

Great ride today. Headed out to Rural Retreat on 4 lane highway which eventually turned to two lanes. Mostly easy riding with only a couple of 12% stingers. Stopped for a break at Sugar Grove. They had a gas station there which is famous for their 24 flavors of soft serve ice cream. I chose German Chocolate on a waffle cone. Not a lot of flavor though. Also had a Ho-Ho which was good. There restroom was out of service so Margie had to drive a mile away to use another. Unfortunately it was out of service also. So you know the rest of the story.

From Rural Retreat we had two climbs eventually hitting 3,700 feet elevation. From there we had an almost constant decline for 18 miles into Damascus. Staying at the Old Mill which also has a brew pub but is closed on Monday and Tuesday. Pics will come soon.

Starting the day with breakfast

Gas pumps waiting for a gas station

Ho Hos for lunch

Famous for 24 flavors of soft ice cream

Not any more

We followed close to these streams all day

Met Jeremy heading to Maine on the Appalachian Trail

Margie entering Laurel Valley Community Church (all logs)

Damascus bike shop

Several of these passed today

Me and Andreas taking cover for rain shower

Me, Andreas and Stephen at the church stop

Margie stopped here

Lots of picturesque old barns

Lots of moo cows

Virginia back country

Not sure what these were (click to enlarge)

Christmas tree farms

Me and Jen at 24 flavors store

Probably a 3 on Yelp

Hit 3,750 elevation on this climb

Pretty farms

Bubbling brooks

This is Virginia

Log homes too

Split log pews inside

Beautiful church

Letter posted by relative of builder

Another Pic of Log Church

The Old Mill Inn

A little water fall right outside our room