2014-06-30: Day 5 The Shenandoha Valley, Reids Gap to Buchanan

Mileage Today: 61 miles Total Mileage: 289

We conquered the Blue Ridge Mountains today. After climbing nearly continuously for 17 miles yesterday, we ascended another 13 miles today to the high point

of 3360 feet then dropped out of the mountains on a very steep 3 to 4 mile drop. Half way down I stopped to check how hot the braking surface of my tires were getting. I would say they were somewhere between a volcano and the heat of the sun. So I waited a few minutes to let the wheels and brakes cool before continuing. There are plenty of climbs in front of us but I am really glad that we are now west of the Blue Ridge. I was honestly a bit concerned about how this portion of the ride would go. Both Jon and I seem to be doing just fine. Plenty fatigued at the end of each day but no injuries.

We are now in the Shenandoah Valley, a broad valley that runs mostly north and south between the Blue Ridge mountains and the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky and West Virginia. This valley has been used historically as a trade route by Indian tribes and more recently by Confederate troops during the Civil War as a way to penetrate the north and be protected from Union troops amassed around Washington DC.

I must say that Virginia is a very lush and green state and the valley is beautiful with mountains to both the east and the west. It's a bit like being in the the Willamette Valley. The route continues to keep us off the main roads and far into the country side. We saw very little traffic today except for our ride through Lexington. Here are some typical scenes for the day. PS. If you click on one of the pics, it will give you a larger version to look at.

We are camping tonight about 5 miles outside of Buchanan, Va.