I knew I would be in town for the game and got a ticket for the game with the James Madison Dukes. Boone, NC was hopping. I was to told find parking and did so. A few pics.
ASU was killing them at half and they ended up losing. Great fan experience. Going to see some friends in Asheville and home Monday. Great trip. Peace out Tres dog
Had a early breakfast of Eggs Benedict. Gib. First stop West Jefferson. It was a nice town. Ashe County cheese made there. I have a sample of 7 year old super sharp cheddar. They have a running regular movie theatre.
A trip to see two local churches that had frescoes painted in them. 1974-80.
These frescoes below were painted by Ben Long and his students from 1974 to 1977.
This Last Supper fresco in 1980 in an Episcopal Church in Glendale Springs.
On to Todd, NC and the Todd Mercantile Store. No pics but an incredible baker in residence. Yummy cinnamon roll. New River nearby for paddling.
Todd is great for cycling as well. I will do it upon return On to Roan Mtn. I stopped for local pork BBQ. I got some pinto beans, cornbread and onions for dinner with slaw!
Out to Roan Mtn State Park. Wow!
It was a big tourist day! Came back to this map and will probably be heading home early. Peace Tres
My friend recommended a route out US 221 almost to Grandfather Mountain and returning on the parkway. Great recommendation on a beautiful morning.
As you can see I was getting to Rough Ridge and the weather and wind began to really pick up.
The ORIGINAL Mast General Store. Always cool never grows old. Still has a working post office.
Big day today. Looks like weather here may change. Big peace out Tres dog
A chance meeting with my new PA friends staying at Damascus Mill Inn. They had leftover fried chicken and potato wedges and I had half a fresh watermelon from the Farmer’s Market in Abingdon. Super people! PA Clan on trail with super dog, Harper, breaking hearts. Pic below.
I got away quick and it was cool but a glorious morning after egg casserole and biscuits and strawberry jam. Gib,
My rear tire was going low and I pumped it enough to get back. A nice drive to Blowing Rock and Mellow Mushroom Puzza with Elli Sias, owner and tour consultant for Cycle of Life Adventures (COLA). I rode the Natchez Trace with Elli and Dennis. Super people and great tours. It was great to catch up. BR below.
Elli told me about Rhodie Bike shop in BR. Super shop fixed my flat and went through some things about going tubeless with my wheel set. Super nice people. Laying low maybe some Kilwin’s Ice Cream later. US 221 and Blue Ridge Parkway loop tomorrow. Big peace out Tres dog.
A needed rest day had me out to Abingdon for sight seeing and artistic experiences. A great coincidence will get me to see a live performance of Murder on the Orient Express at the Barter Theatre. I went looking for other art.
I went to the William King Museum of Art. There was a permanent installation of a local SW Virginia artist, the late William A Fields. I will let the pictures do the talking.
I got over to a very old cemetery.
Big peace out Tres dog
Great conk me on the head sleep and a hot breakfast of egg casserole, fresh biscuits, sausage and it’s gravy if you are so inclined and a bowl of fresh fruit. GIB! A little later roll out than the BAC ride. The trail was beautiful but rougher than my last adventure. All unpaved. The pics.
Taylor Valley.
Green Cove.
White Top.
Down the hill I went, pretty fast. Not as many pics. Some choice ones though.
While I was taking the sign pic, I noticed an interesting caterpillar on the sign in the back. A close up.
I will ride to Abingdon, VA to the western terminus and back. Damascus is a very lovely trail town. It is a huge spot for AT Trail Conservancy. I will get more pics tomorrow. Big peace out Tres dog
A ride with a BAC member heading to Buffalo, NY on his way home was a super sweet shuttle for me to Buffalo. A non descript Quality Inn in Waynesburg, PA, the first night, got me to the New River Gorge about 2 1/2 hours later after breakfast today. Sunset in PA last night.
The gorge and the Fayette Station driving tour was great.
Fayetteville, WV was very cool too. Great lunch at Cathedral Cafe.
View from my room’s balcony at Damascus Mill Inn. Virginia Creeper Trail tomorrow! Big peace out Tres dog
A nice continental breakfast and a group picture, the featured image. Away we went right back on the trail just down from Amsterdam Castle. It was cold with full finger gloves and kit. Pics of the ride.
Schenectady.
La Piccola Italia of Schenectady.
Cohoes Falls.
A great ride. Peace out Tres dog
