Maters and Taters

We have come 120 miles since my last post and I am definitely feeling it in my quads right now. I don't know if I have ever put back to back 50+ mile days in before, let alone three. Other than the expected soreness, everything is going well. I say well, but Judah has been riding on only 2 gears for the last 100 miles. As we got to Boones Mill, VA he was complaining that his rear derailleur would not shift down. That left him switching between only the big ring and the small ring on the front. Oh yeah, it was really hilly yesterday so you should not envy his situation, or mine either for that matter, I had to pull on the front (let him draft off of me) almost the whole way. But what is truely ridiculous is how easily and cavalier he dealt with the situation. We got to Martinsville last night and when I asked him what he wanted to do he said, "Well there is not bike shop here, I can definitely make it to Greensboro," and he did. Even more rediculous we averaged 15.6 mph for 67 miles yesterday and 17.2 mph for 51 miles today, and I thought we were going to take it easy.

So, we stopped in Rocky Mount, Va for lunch yesterday, but ended up just going to the library to look up bike shops. Google recommended Brandon's Bicycle Repair (a shady establishment to be sure) in Martinsville. Well, we followed the directions to Brandons and found a rather non-discript looking home in a subdivision. This did not look like a bike shop. So we asked the neighbor if he knew Brandon, in the strongest southern draw I have heard in a while, "I don't know no Brandon, and I reckon that fella over there don't fix no bicycle."

So we cruised into Martinsville, perhaps the steepest and hilliest city I have been to. Stopped for some refreshments at the Marathon station, and as we would find out later that night this was probably the hottest spot in town. We ended up bunking down at the Super 8, luxury accomodations for a reasonable price. Grab some dinner at the Super China Dragon Buffett, at the time, perhaps the best meal of my life. Not because of the quality of the food, but just the hunger in belly. That evening we went looking for the Friday night excitement in the Henry County seat. Let me tell you, there ain't a damn thing going on in Martinsville. On our way home we took a different street then we came in on, and this was an interesting experience. While I never scared or sketched out, we were definitely not welcome there. But, so much for Martinsville, its time to hit the Tar Heel state.

We rolled south today on 220, a tad sketchy a time with tractor trailors rolling by 1 foot away at 70 miles an hour but we had to get to Greensboro. Had a great day of riding and averaged 17.2 mph like I said earlier. The highlight of the day (other than seeing our friend Lori) was stopping at the Maters and Taters produce stand in Madison, NC. We stocked up on some fruit and Mt. Dew. The proprietor was an amiable 65 year old woman, who had probably never seen 2 boys in riding shorts and jerseys. She was amazed we where headed for Texas, and straight away asked Judah if he was going to Mexico. I guess old ladies can always see that wild hair in us young fellas.

We rolled into Greensboro in a shade under 3 hours. Lori was more than hospitible, giving us a much need shower and giving us a ride to get Judah bike fixed. We stopped at Friendly Bikes where the service was awesome. If you are ever in Greensboro and need a bike, need to get a bike fixed or just shoot the shit about riding, these are the guys you are looking for. We got fixed up in 20 minutes and were off for downtown. Got some lunch at Natty Greens Brewery. JB and I each downed 1 lb burgers with ease (he did have a little trouble with his pasta salad). We came on back to Lori's and grabbed a couple naps as Lori made us dinner. Absolutely can't argue with that service.

We are headed for Charlotte tomorrow, which will take us close to the 100 mile mark for the day. I am real glad it is flat down here and Judah finally has gears again. Check in with all of y'all tomorrow.

Moocher extraordinaire,
Steve