Dog Chases, Hills, and Home Made Lunch

Only put in about 56 miles today, but this was my most hill-filled day so far. I look at the map ahead and realze this is nothing compared to what I will encounter in the second half of Virginia, but it's all relative. I have already noticed that I am conquering steeper climbs with greater ease than my first day. Each day get a little more mountainous, but so grows my endurance.

Places that I have been chased by crazy dogs: Italy, Puerto Rico, Virginia.

Apparently the concept of leashes has not yet been introduced to the proud people of Virginia's heartland. The dogs just roam around the yard until someone comes by and then they chase. Those things run fast, too! I was maxing out my gears and this one little guy stayed right on my tail for a good 50 feet. I'm not sure what a 13 pound dog plans to do with me when he catches up, but I didn't stick around to find out. Luckily, the bigger ones are noticeably slower. All in all, the last thing I need during an already challenging climb is someone chasing me, but at least it is a distraction.

Getting into Charlottesville was pretty nice. The steepest climb of the day was right at the town sign into the main area. The route went right by Monticello, the famous home of President Thomas Jefferson, and Ash Lawn, the home of James Monroe. To describe these simply as homes is a bit of an understatement, but to some people, 200 acres of rolling hills, trees, orchards, paths, ponds, houses and servant quarters is a home.

My old drumming friend Chris Garay (marched United '08) has taken me in for the night. He made a nice lunch of vegetables, eggs, bacon, and some crazy organic donuts from a local stand. It may seem like unhealthy food, but when you spend 6-7 hours on a bike each day, you want extra protein, carbs, and fat. These will give me the energy to keep moving, as well as help to repair and build muscle. Eating an omelet, donut, and bacon everyday and then not doing anything the rest of the day is where people run into trouble.

Not much else to report for today. Short riding day. Hope to recover a bit, rest up and be back on the road by dawn. Only thing to do tonight is go to the local bike shop and pick up chamois cream!

Location:Bolling Ave,Charlottesville,United States