Late start and a short day.\u00a0 No slab time today and it was very nice.\u00a0 It takes a while on the side roads but it\u2019s a much nicer ride.\u00a0 I actually took the time to take some pictures today.\u00a0 I\u2019m using my iPhone & iPad almost exclusively for my photography.\u00a0 They do a good job and are always close.<\/p>\n

I spent most of the day today in the Blue Ridge mountains, part of the Appalachian chain.\u00a0 It was awesome but I won\u2019t bore you with all the \u201cgreat ride\u201d stuff, just one story to tell.\u00a0 I was following a guy for a while that thought the yellow recommended speed in the turns was the new speed limit.\u00a0 It took me awhile to figure this out and I was a little frustrated at the arbitrary speed changes, etc.\u00a0 After I figured it out \u2013 I just laughed.\u00a0 They turned off after while and even though I was able to speed up \u2013 I actually kinda missed them.\u00a0 Here are a couple panorama shots I took from the road.<\/p>\n

$\"One$ <\/a>

One of the meadows at the top of the Appalachians.<\/p><\/div>\n

$\"Blue-Ridge2-1024x409\"$ <\/a><\/p>\n

When I left California, the packing list included my chaps \u2013 but I couldn\u2019t find them & I fear that they are lost.\u00a0 So, I did some checking and found a place in Independence, VA that makes their own (in the USA) chaps, jackets, & some western stuff.\u00a0 Additionally, their reputation for a quality product is very good & their stuff is covered by a lifetime guarantee.\u00a0 I had to check them out – off the beaten path to say the least, but worth the trip if you’re in the area.\u00a0 I won\u2019t waste everyone\u2019s time telling you about the chaps I got but if you wanna know \u2013 ask.\u00a0 If you\u2019re looking for quality and made in the USA \u2013 check these folks out (in person or on line).<\/p>\n

$\"Sporting$ <\/a>

Sporting my new chaps from www.foxcreekleather.com<\/p><\/div>\n

The descent from the Blue Ridge mountains down into Roanoke, VA is not gradual.\u00a0 It was difficult to stop since it\u2019s pretty steep and what little shoulder there is has gravel all over it, but I managed & got this shot just before what was to be the end of my day on the bike.\u00a0 I\u2019m holed up in a flea bag here in Roanoke because the KOA\u2019s weren\u2019t convenient.\u00a0 On the positive side there is a Mexican restaurant across the parking lot.\u00a0 Think I\u2019ll go over there and see if I can\u2019t teach them how to make a margarita.\u00a0 Norfolk, VA tomorrow.<\/p>\n

$\"Coming$ <\/a>

Coming out of the Blue Ridge Mountains into Roanoke, Virginia<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"