Part 1 - Complete

Day 13

Start: Stafford, VA

End: Oak Hill, VA

Daily Distance: 47.09 miles

Cumulative Distance: 952.60 miles

Average Speed: 12.0 MPH

Daily Riding Time: 3 Hours 53 Minutes

Net Elevation Change: 219 Feet (1,768 up and 1,549 down)

Cumulative Elevation Change: 348 feet

Cumulative Flats: 2

Short ride from Stafford to home today.  It was really cold though and I couldn't ride fast enough to keep warm due to the hills.  I was also watching the weather because there was more rain in the forecast for the afternoon.  Thankfully, I made it home before the heavy rain started.  

The first part of the ride was through Quantico, which is where the Marine Corps base is located.  There is a great museum.  I saw this monument on the corner.

Since I was headed in a familiar direction, the closer I got, the more I knew where I was and what to expect on the roads.  However, I turned onto Braddock Road in Centreville and was rolling along and saw a sign as I was blowing by.  I had to turn around to do a double take because I wasn't sure I just saw what I thought I saw.  A family friend who's son passed away several years ago, participates in the Adopt A Highway program in memory of their son.  We started participating last year for Joe.  It was awesome that I found the sign and that I had my #KTJA shirt on for today's ride. 

Upon arrival at home, the girls put out the welcome sign for me.

So that completes what I am calling "Part 1" of the Atlantic Coast ride.  My goal was to complete the entire ride to Bar Harbor, Maine, but I will stop for a while.  I made it just about half way.  I don't know how long the break will be, but I do plan to finish sooner than later.  Please stay tuned for "Part 2 - Oak Hill, Virginia to Bar Harbor, Maine.

Thank you all for following me along the road.
 

Rolling Hills

Day 12

Start: Richmond, VA

End: Stafford, VA

Daily Distance: 70.39 miles

Cumulative Distance: 905.51 miles

Average Speed: 13.0 MPH

Daily Riding Time: 5 Hours 24 Minutes

Net Elevation Change: 20 Feet (1,880 up and 1,860 down)

Cumulative Elevation Change: 129 feet

Cumulative Flats: 2

Coldest start this morning.  Temperature was in the low 40s after last night's storms rolled through.  However, it didn't take me too long to warm up.  I stayed on Highway 1 for almost the entire day and ride was filled with Virginia's rolling hills.  The hills were not big by any means, but pulling the 60+ pounds of gear uphill is not an easy task.  I tried to use momentum from the many downhills to gain on some of the uphills, but it didn't always work out.

Nice riding day overall.  The hills were not as challenging as they could have been.  I was blessed with a 10-20mph wind from the WSW, which meant a tailwind for much of the ride.  Tailwinds are always welcome!

Tomorrow is looking like another decent day for riding a bicycle. 🚴🚴