I begin every morning by evaluating the weather in my current location and intended destination.  Today’s evaluation was disconcerting.  Winds are forecast to be heavier than normal for the next two days, and morning feels-like temperatures will be in the low 30’s.  And, oh by the way, the climbing profiles get higher by the day.

I was motivated by the opportunity to cross into Virginia, getting ever closer to home.  So I decided to press on.

I surprised myself with my leg’s ability to handle today’s hills.  I did have to downshift more frequently.

In previous days, I’ve held back on going all out so that I could have sufficient reserve to get to my destination after fatigue set in.  Today was a turning point, giving me the confidence to know that I could cycle all out for longer distances.  No more need to hold back!

Yellow and black monarch butterflies seemed to enjoy today’s winds, gliding across the roads in front of me.  Whenever I stopped for a water break, a few seemed attracted to my bright yellow helmet as they made cautious approaches to me.  It’s often the simple things that make bicycle touring such a joy!

Through many miles of rural cycling, I observed many stately looking homes as well as scores of dilapidated and abandoned homes.  A few of the latter had their own sense of history and beauty, such as this one:

This sign, located on a very remote farm road, warmed my heart:

Today’s tally: 62 miles