I made it to the Harp's in Elkins at 7:00 and, while there was certainly enough light for riding in my neighborhood, it was still a bit iffy for riding on an open highway 30 minutes before sunrise. I puttered about for a few minutes and finally decided that by 7:07 it was safe enough with two red lights blinking away on my Camelbak.
I quickly realized that I made a tactical mistake by just going with my thin full finger gloves rather than my thicker ones. My fingers were getting colder and colder in the 42 degree temperature and no amount of fast pedaling helped to warm them up. I resorted to swinging my arms in large circles which helped get some warm blood into those cold digits and I kept eyeing the watch and the sky above the hills for the presence of the sun.
The other tactical mistake I worried that I might have made was committing myself to taking Hwy 16 back later in the day when the traffic would pick up and I might be riding into the afternoon sun. One tactical mistake at a time. There was only a slight wind but it was enough to feel some resistance and to kick up the wind chill factor. Rather than enjoying the early morning ride, I was focusing too much on those cold fingers. I did get a bit of warmth when John Dempsey passed very early on. He paused as he passed and said hello through his open passenger window.
Early on, I also passed a horse I wanted to take a picture of for Angie but the lighting was very poor. It was a large, magnificent looking steed which seemed to be a cross between a Palomino and a Clydesdale minus the hair tufts around its hooves. I was hoping that it would be around when I returned but I didn't see it.
99% of the vehicles that passed in the first hour were pick up trucks; many had ATVs in the back off for hunting, I believe. A couple of the cars that did pass had bicycles on the back, on the way to the Mulberry ride. Finally, after about one hour and forty-five minutes, I began to warm up enough to focus on the ride than on my fingers.
Hwy 16 is pretty and with the traffic low, it is a pleasure to ride. But the highlights truly began when I turned on to Hwy 23, locally known as The Pig Trail since it is so windy like a pig's tail. It is also very scenic. Coming from the north, the climb is gradual and doesn't offer any great challenge.
This is my third time on Hwy 23. The first time was on my first day of my Fayetteville, AR to Fayetteville, GA trip back in June of 2009. The second time was back in March on my three day ride from Fayetteville to Little Rock. So, the highway holds lots of great memories for me.
Two miles before turning onto Hwy 215, which runs along the Mulberry River and where I would meet up with The Roadies, Hwy 23 plunges for over 2 miles downhill with lots of tight twists and hairpin curves. My arms always ache after such a descent.
Hwy 215 is another gem and perhaps even more so since there is even less traffic than on The Pig Trail. It is more intimate and feels more isolated.
I was calculating when I would run into the gang when a few moments later I saw a recumbent bicyclist emerge from around the corner. It turned out to be Ted with whom I did a 7 day bike trip back in March in Texas/Oklahoma with his brother. Ted had arrived early that morning and was, thus, ahead of the pack.
But, about ten minutes later, here they came!
I had made good time and it looked as if I would get to the cafe before the group. This was a good thing as I planned to grab a quick slice of pie and then hit the road again as I wanted to get back before Hwy 16 became a problem.
In Oark, three miles shy of Catalpa, is the Oark Cafe. This was where I ate on my first night on the Fay, AR-Fay, GA trip so it has very fond memories. It is the longest running eating establishment in Arkansas, having had different owners.
Last week was a 100 miler involving a road that was taken until the pavement ended, CORD 38. Today's ride also terminated at the end of the pavement. At the end of the pavement, to the left, leads a short distance down a gravel road to the Catalpa Cafe.
I came debating whether I should have a slice of their pie, which is supposed to be very good. I eat very little sugar and I was concerned about getting too much of a sugar rush. A couple of miles away from the cafe, I realized that what I would really like are a couple of eggs, bacon and toast to fortify me for the ride back. I still kept debating getting pie. Once there, I thought I would give it a try.
Sure, why not. It turned out to be a perfect compliment to my egg meal, not very sweet at all with a light crust. Excellent.
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| Ashley and Brittaney |
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| Coy |
Re-energized, I slowly made my way out, thinking that the Roadies would show up. I moved on, passing most of them within the next 3-5 miles of the Cafe.
Next, it would be interesting to see where they would pass me once again in their vehicles. It certainly made the ride more interesting passing them at various points, in various forms of transportation.
About a mile from the cafe is the swinging bridge below, somewhat famous in the area with people making a point to drive out and stop for a gander. I believe it serves to allow the kids to get to the road to be picked up by the school bus (at least at one time).
Heading back, the slight head wind was now a slight tail wind. And, just like going out it was enough to cause some consternation, the wind was now brisk enough to cause joy. Life was feeling very good as I passed the Roadies heading for the cafe, giving each a hearty wave as I passed. Life felt good waving as well to the many motorcyclists who passed, many of whom initiated waving. Life was good stopping to take pictures.
The swell of joy continued as I trucked on down the road with the wind at my back and the indescribable essence of lightness and beauty emitting from my surroundings. This was in stark contrast to our friend's death which was still too near to completely shove to the back of one's mind. The beauty and joy gushed forth like a geyser, a shower of magical water that had one dancing.
This was in contrast to the darkness that I am reminded of, not only by our friend's death but by another friend who mentioned that her very close friend died at her own hand's several years ago. I know that darkness all too well, how easily it is to find one's self on the edge of an abyss with no where to go but down. So, that is why it is so important to embrace the overwhelming sense of joy when it comes, to fill one's vessels and know, when life doesn't seem so good, that life indeed can be good. To stop and appreciate what we have, the people we know, the people we love and who love us.
I finished with Hwy 215 at the 73 mile mark of my ride and now the real fun would begin.
Further on the ridge, one last view of a great vista before heading back down the hill on the way to Hwy 16.
To my pleasant surprise, Hwy 16 still had very little traffic and the sky was clouding over so I didn't have to worry about riding into the sun as the day progressed and blinding drivers from seeing me. Despite the large climb ( or perhaps because of it as well), this was turning out to be one of the most enjoyable 100 milers I've done. Again, doing it to overlap the Roadies ride made a big difference, adding an element of fun. Roadies driving by on the return trip would either honk or call out a word of encouragement as they drove by. By the 85th mile, I was getting a bit tired but nothing that turned into much of an obstacle; having the wind at my back certainly made an emotional difference. The traffic did pick up markedly about 4 miles from Elkins but everyone was patient and respectful. What a wonderful day.
Today's Ride: 8hrs. 8mins. (actual time 9hrs. 4 mins.) 103.38 miles. 42°-72° Miles YTD: 7,800.39 (yes, Colene. I made a point of getting in an extra 3 miles! :-) )
Number of miles per day needed to reach 10,000 miles by the end of the year: 31.42
To see older postings, search the Archives listed on the right had panel.
To see postings before 15 August 2011, please go to www.mylifeasabike2.blogspot.com
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