Nothing like a 70 mile ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway in the summer!
We met at the coffee shop, 6 in all, even a cyclist from Raleigh! The plan was to ride the Tour de Tuck metric century route.
We stopped in Cherokee to top off the fluids (the ranger station on Waterrock knob is now closed, thanks Bush!).
The climb to Soco gap is 11 miles. When I say 11 miles, I mean 11 miles of constant 7 or 8% grades. I stopped once to put my rear light on, there are 4 tunnels on this section, and once more before the gap for a 2 minute rest and some photos.
At the top we encountered a major storm, so we decided to wait it out. I wish I had gotten this message, as I thought we were abandoning the ride. I dropped off of the mountain on hwy 19 into Cherokee. About 10 minutes later I realized I was the only one that abandoned. Jennifer called me to tell me they had taken refuge in a gas station near the pass. They continued on, I rode back through Cherokee and on to Sylva. I was steaming, not mad, but from the heat. They were enjoying temps in the upper 60's and I was in the 90's for sure.
I met the gang at Annie's Bakery in Sylva for a post ride bagel and some sugary treats.
Jen and I cleaned up at the house and went right to sleep. My legs are tired.
Till next time,
TC
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