The strain begins to show.

I did not wake as my best self today. Despite my desire, my mind and body were not ready to sleep last night. I saw 11:00, 12:00, 1am pass before finally dropping off. I generally have problems getting to sleep anyway, but last night I was hot, my legs were aching slightly from the hard ride, and the noise from the interstate was unceasing.

So I started the day not feeling refreshed and of course physically tired. We had a lot of work to do this morning as well. By the time I had everything broken down, bagged up, and packed in the car, I was sweaty and annoyed because of it.

We were out by 8:30, so stopped at Starbucks for breakfast, which was nice (air conditioning and real restrooms!). Then it was off for Harrisonburg, thirty minutes north on the interstate.

The accommodations here are much nicer in my opinion. We are in a large park, and we’re allowed to spread out and find an area to our individual liking. So we snagged some spots near some large trees, and pitched the tents just feet from our cars. Super convenient. I like not being out in the middle of a field.

After finally getting set up again I felt like I needed a shower, and my mood was deteriorating because I was tired and hot and being hot makes me grumpy. Every little thing was an inconvenience. Fortunately, Cynthia responds with grace.

Things smoothed out a bit for me when we got rolling. But the trip out of town took us on a couple of main roads and near an industrial area, so there were quite a few dump trucks. So the first several miles were the kind of riding that you just have to put up with to get to something better.

Things did get better, riding-wise. I was still not my best self by the first stop at a charming country store, so I got a water and a snack then let Cynthia know I was going to press on ahead. She of course was fine with it. She understands the need to ride your own ride.

Out on my own, and away from other riders, my mind did start to unwind. I was out again in farm country, with the large hills blue in the distance. Today’s hills were more rolling, and I think I’ve made peace with the hills in general. I must go up, I will come down. I’ll be uncomfortable but I’ll recover quickly. I just get into the lowest gear, jump down to the down bars, and pedal.

I cannot identify why I and so many others like me enjoy this. Yet onward we pedal, up and down hills in the blazing sun, dealing with traffic, and still enjoying the ride enough to do it again the next day.

We only did 34 today, so it was over pretty fast. I returned to camp right before three, and headed for the showers. As usual I managed to dodge the rain, and was back into my tent by the time it started raining. Cynthia rolled up just as I was arriving back at the tent. She had a great ride and stayed dry as well.

I had plenty of afternoon ahead, and the clouds made it pleasant in the tent, so I was able to get a nap in.

We went out for Thai tonight and it was very good. We also went by a CVS so I could get some more sunblock, as I’m not doing a great job at keeping covered and reapplying. But not tomorrow!!

We waited out a storm in the car when we got back to camp, then spent a pleasant while sitting in our camp chairs on my porch while it continued to drizzle.

Camp is dark and quiet now, and thank goodness the sound of highway traffic is far enough away as to fade into the background. I’m really hoping for a good night. We’re tackling 54 miles tomorrow, and I’d like to have a happy brain for it, unlike today.

Only two days of riding left. Weird to think we’re already halfway. The good times go by so fast!