After a divine nights' sleep (sorry, can't help it)-we managed an early start; hitting the road at 7:30. This made for cooler temperatures and less traffic for a few hours (especially as its Saturday.) We got 24 miles under our belts before getting some pancakes and omlette under our slightly loosened belts, in Mechanicsville. Matt had the option for a side of grits, which we were thankfully offered to trial before making the critical decision between such porridge slop and fried potato. The potato was great though. Fully loaded, we hit the now significantly hotter roads.
On the road out of Mechanicsville, we enjoyed the 'text-book' red painted barns and weatherboard houses with porches and American flag-poles. There was more elevation gain and loss today than yesterday; warming us up for the Appalachians (which we should hit by Monday.) So after a few hours, the sweat was dripping from every pore. We passed through Ashland; an authentic looking old Virginian town (without the manicured lawns and fancy dress we had encountered in Yorktown and Williamsburg.) Further down the road, we were waved at by the driver of a Porsche -people are very friendly here! About an hour later, Deb; a friendly cyclist stopped us in our tracks. She explained that the driver of the Porsche we had passed was down the road a little further, with water and food for us! We were gobsmacked, but she continued that both her and Jack, the driver were keen cyclists; in fact just 2 nights ago she had put up another couple from England. Deb gave us her card and encouraged us to look up the English couple she had hosted, saying "They have a blog and have written some hilarious things about their impressions of America; you guys would have a laugh!" About five minutes ride later, we were stopped by a smiling Jack, who was working in his garden, awaiting our arrrival. Jack welcomed us into his beautiful, 18th century home; calling for his wife Nancy while offering us refreshments and lunch. We were genuniely humbled (and I suspect these are words we shall be overusing on this blog.)
As Deb had mentioned earlier, Jack was himself a 'Trans Am Veteran'; having completed his own tour in 2008. Inspiringly, explained how his tour was dedicated to a colleague who had tragically died at 45 years old of cancer; leaving a wife and 5 young children. Jack teaches at a Medical college in Richmond, and used his Trans Am to raise funds to subsidise cancer research at the Univeristy. After much Gatorade and cool water (we couldn't contemplate lunch after our recent breakfasts!)-we were on our way; equipped with a bag of pretzels and helpful advice. We are both completely blown away by such voluntary, hearfelt hospitality. We are strangers treated as family; and entirely unprompted - making us feel not like outsiders but welcomed old friends.
So we cycled on with refreshed energy stores and warmer hearts. This trip has already provided amazing surprises; on day 2. The miles which followed were hard, theres' no denying it. The sun beat down relentlessly on us, while the heat reflected back from the road. Thankfully the beautiful broadleaf woodland and rolling farmsteads provided picturesque distraction. We finally pulled into Mineral (our destination for the day)-after trying without success to find a swimming spot on Lake Anna... We were initially disappointed when the waterfront appeared to be entirely privately owned without public access. However as our quest continued, we pedalled upon a Nuclear Power station; realising the cool dip we had been yearning for would actually be warm (and potentially home to aquatic beasts that could give Nessie a run for her money! )
Still, the fleeting promise of a swim in the swealtering heat made the ensuing ride feel hotter. I couldn't spray sunscreen on fast enough before it slid right off. A few tactical stops in the shade, and we finally chugged into Mineral to the sound of thunder. Our maps assured us that there is camping in the grounds of the Fire station, so we headed straight there. We were welcomed by Kevin, from the Ambulance unit nextdoor. He showed us the field we could camp on and told us to go and see the fireman; critically, regarding the possibility of a cold shower. Matt made himself known to the Fire station, and emerged with the happy news that we had been invited to sleep inside the air conditioned station (as a storm was imminent)- and moreover, that showers and cooking facilities were at our disposal. Indeed, 'to make ourselves at home'... In a firestation. Dreams being realised! After scanning for a pole, we hit the showers and watched the torrential rain and lightning from the window. Once again, awed by the ready kindness of strangers.
Eric, the deputy fire warden warned us that the next few days of riding (over the Appalachians)-would be our hardest days of the entire trip; due to the steep hills. But we also have the famous 'cookie lady' to look forward to, who has been providing snacks to Trans Am cyclists since way back when. Eric said he'd also like to do the trip one day; but in a car. (Sounds pretty sensible right now!)
We thanked the guys, who were chilling in the lounge room (on standby); surfing the net and kicking back. Ah, to be a Fireman. You get to hang out in a cool place, leaving ocassionally to go and be a hero. Plus everyone loves you (in a strictly platonic way, of course.) The guys directed us to the local shop, but refused any shopping requests of their own. After cooking up a feast in the deserted function hall above the station, we are about to go downstairs and shoot the breeze. Our camp bedding is nicely set up in the function hall (why are we lugging that tent?!) You've done it again, Virginia...
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