A look at part of the route.
As we rode, a front was blowing in a fierce headwind. We eventually met the edge of the George Washington National Forest to start our six mile climb into the high country. At the beginning of our ride the grass was green and the roads clear and dry, but as soon as we turned around a shady corner to go up the mountain, there was snow on the side of the road and we hadn't even begun to climb. After traversing sections of shaded snow, mud and even some dry sections up the climb, we were ultimately greeted by winter. The farther we got into the ride, the more vast were the sections of snow.
We descended into West Virginia via Riffle Range, surely one of the day's highlights, this trial reminds me of some trail sections in The Collective, with small rock drops, loamy black earth and much warmer temps. At the bottom of the mountain and in the middle of nowhere, Erin met us with hot tea, fresh water bottles and food. After we refueled, we departed northward into previously untraveled territory. Thankfully it was easier going than the snow and leaves we'd left behind. The dirt road was dry and fast, wtih almost desert-like ground, we quickly made our way toward the final climb of the day up Rough Run. The 2,000-foot ascent and the previous five hours of riding took their toll on our legs, after 55 minutes we topped out once again in snow country. At that point we decided to get out of there before dark, changed the route to make a b-line for home on dirt and paved roads. We sped along racing the sun back the Harrisonburg city line. I'm pleased to say we made it home before dark.
Day Two's recap coming soon.
Jeremiah
Labels: Epic Adventures, The Elements, Training
posted by Jeremiah Bishop # 6:33 PM 
