Day 5

I started off Tuesday worried about getting started early, going the distance from DC to Charlottesville, and the weather. Started pedaling 'round 8:30, later than I'd hoped. It began raining almost immediately, heavily much of the morning before tapering off 'round 1ish. My waterproof Ortlieb panniers performed flawlessly, as did my Gore-Tex clothing. Rain will no longer worry me! :) Wind is the real enemy, though I haven't had to fight strong headwinds yet. I had a pleasant lunch at The Farmer's Wife in Remington, VA. Nice shop. Lots of 'whole foods' - dried fruit, nuts & the like. Welcome serendipity as I'd all but exhausted the supply of pecans & raisins my mother gave me. Fixed my first flat of the trip shortly before arriving in C'ville 'round 7, excited about eating, and chillin' in town on Thurs. Given almost all my training was limited to 30 mile rides, I'm relieved that my body's holding up. Aside from a slightly sore left Achilles - must have pulled too hard accelerating from one of my *many* navigation stops yesterday - and some still minor chafing, I feel like I can ride 100 miles / day no problem. That will make keeping up w/ work, email, etc, a challenge, though. Oh, and I had an enjoyable night and a few good beers at Mellow Mushroom, though I was wishing for the company of friends!


Day 5's Garmin tracks:
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/30867261?sms_ss=email

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