Stage 2 - Lexington VA, 80mi (130km)

For a Sunday my ride was quite calm and at some point I barely experienced cars passing. It was a chilly day and after yesterdays long ride I started the day easy. The first 20miles gave me a first impression of what I could expect in the next week or two – the up and down hill of Virginia. Todays climb up to the Shenandoah National Park was very steep and the first time I experienced how difference it is towing my trailer. 

Entering the Blue Ridge Parkway meant for me a 25mile ride to the first aim ‘Rockfish Cap’ and the ‘Reeds Cap’ both climbs are about 2’700 feet above sea level. 

On the way I met Michael from Vienna, VA, also riding across the country. I look forward to see him again back home for a beer and BBQ;-)

All in all the ride was very demanding and a chilly breeze did not make it easier. However, it lightened up later in the morning. 

The route continued at the far end of the Blue Ridge to Vesuvius. This descent is thought by many riders to be the scariest on the TransAm Trail, but my experienced turned out that this descent was the right moment to relax the legs. The descent begins at 905 m above sea level and ends at 433 m.

The road loses 472 m of height over a distance of 3mi (6 km).

The ride towards Lexington was a gentle rollercoaster of a ride, easier than the Blue Ridge Parkway would have been. I occasionally saw the Ridge off to my left. Finally, after a 8.5 hour ride I reached Lexington, where I stay over night at the Best Western Motel – and what an invitation after some biking adventure – looking forward to a well deserved bath and rest time.