Trish & Phill's Tandem TransAmerican

Tour 2003 

May 10 Mineral to Charlottesville 56mi

We got up this morning to the treat of rain. By the time we had eaten breakfast a few drops had fallen. By the time we had gone two miles down the road the sky was as dark as night, we got dumped on big time. By the time we found a safe place to pull off the road the two of us where drowned. The temperature is around 75'F or so, we are not cold. We pull the small sheet over our heads and shelter in the bushes.

The storm passed and we continued on. The hills are starting to take a toll on us now as we continue west across the USA. We need to shed some of the weight we are carting along. The next week of this ride is the most difficult in terms of hills being so steep.

Before long another storm front hits. This time we sit under the sheet and invite a fellow cyclist (Shirley) to shelter with us. We must have looked a sad trio sitting on wet lawn on someone's garden eating our sandwiches for lunch in pouring rain. But then the sun comes back out and we continue.

Tonight we are staying at a campsite that is specially for kids with disabilities. The road up to it is so difficult ,mud , gravel and steep. Today we have had to push the bike a couple of times up some nasty hills.

As we cycled along the road a truck passed us and waived as they all seem to, but as we got further along the same guy is standing at the side of the road waiting for us. He's got the coffee on and we must take shelter from the rain for a little while in his garage. WOW what hospitality. Of course we take him up on the offer, but hell come have a look at my home mind take your shoes off though. SO that's how we spent an hour this afternoon talking and drinking tea with this kind gentleman who says he welcomes cyclist anytime to call in and even stay in his yard if they want to.

Charlottesville is or was home to Thomas Jefferson (declaration of independence and President) and we plan to take a look at his home tomorrow as it is a lay over day.

 It's also home to Grant one of the guys in our group he is sleeping in his own bed tonight, lucky sod.

The Speedometer I have on the back for Trish to use is playing up so we call into the local Bike Shop to get them to check it out, as the mechanic is looking at the front wheel he notices the tyre starting to buldge in a couple of places. I get him to fit my spare tyre and I purchase another from him. I had the Continental Top Tourer tyres fitted and have been up to this point very happy with them. He can only supply me with a similar tyre.

The people who run the kids camp were we are staying let us take over the entire office. It's incredible that these people are so trusting.   

Page owned & maintained by Trish Collins email to  trishphill@aapt.net.au.  Last Updated 28/07/2003