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wetanddustyroads.com | ||
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www.defenestrationmag.net
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| | | | | Here at Placebo Meadows we believe that no matter how old you are, you should always be willing to participate in the joy of learning. With that thought in mind, we are pleased to announce this year's lectures. Dates will be announced in the near future. | |
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watchmesee.com
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| | | | | Packing for long-distance hiking is a meticulous task. Every item you bring must serve its purpose - so, what should you bring and how should you pack it? | |
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adventureite.com
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| | | | | Power your hike with confidence! Our guide includes a variety of foods: snacks, meals, nutrient-rich options, and portable choices. | |
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blaise.bike
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| | | Awesome day today. I got up at 5:45 and got ready. I slept for like 10 hours, but it wasn't super restful. I felt ok as I packed. I had a convenience store breakfast before leaving, and made sure to leave the church clean: they'd shown me such kindness. I got on the road at 6:45 to a beautiful morning: cool and with an absolutely beautiful sky. In fact the sky would continue to be the highlight of the day for the rest of the ride. The riding began, as it so often seems to with a bit of a climb. I marvel at what my legs are able to power over now. I recall talking to someone back in Whitebird, Idaho and he said that anything less than a 7% grade he doesn't even notice. I don't think I'm at that level, but the grades that would have had me panting 2 months ago are cake now. I doubt I'll ever be in as good of cycling shape again as I am right now. The scenery was pleasant, but more of the same: heavy woods and beautiful large estates. The people of Virginia are fond of putting the date that their house was built on their front gates. If my house was built in the 1800s I'd probably do the same. As I rode I heard breaking branches above and saw a huge vulture flying through the tree canopy. He was crashing into branches and they snapped as he passed. I think I may have startled it as much as it startled me. Another bit of wildlife that seems unique ton Virginia is the caterpillars that like to wiggle on the shoulder of the road. Dodging them is always tricky. I had heard that there was a secret alternate route through this section that would bypass heavy traffic, and had a bike lane. I never found it. Instead I rode in moderate traffic heading out to Lake Anna on a labor day weekend. I've ridden in far worse though. I rode through the town of Mineral where I was trying to make it to yesterday. I think I could have made it but it would have been a slow toilsome ride. I'm glad I stopped. Ingot some donuts at a convenience store and the clerk told me about how they had to close the bathrooms because the regulars kept stealing the pipes out of there. I kept going and saw signs for a nuclear power plant safety visitor center. Apparently the entire lake I was about to ride by was built to provide cooling water for the nuclear reactors. Despite this the lake was quite pleasant | ||
