Stage 4 - Radford VA, 50mi (80km)

Last night I had dinner at a Mexican restaurant, which was located right across the street from the Motel I stayed overnight. I do not even remember the last time I had fajitas.

It rained heavily all evening and the television was reporting floods and thunderstorms around the area. I woke up early this morning, had a quick breakfast and left the Hotel at 7AM. Due to the severe weather I decided to take US 11 towards Christiansburg. As it turned out, there was heavy rain right from the beginning I started my ride today, and within 2 miles I knew, I was going to be wet again! Fortunately the temperature (60) was about 10degrees higher than yesterday. 

Route Elevation Profile Map Section 11

There were plenty of short hills to test my legs for the more serious climbing ahead in the next days.

In Christiansburg I decided to continue for another 10miles as it had been clearing up after 90minutes in heavy rain. At the junction in Christiansburg, where the first of my map sections ends and the second begins, I met Lance who is an Associate Professor at Virginia Tech University. Lance has done the TransAm some years ago and he was very helpful answering me some questions. I also appreciated his recommendation to take US 11 after Whyteville tomorrow instead of climbing up to Damascus, due to the unpredictable weather situation.

After a friendly chat with Lance I rolled on to Radford. The road was one lane each way with no shoulder. I have now been cycling for 4 days and covered the satisfactory distance of 300miles (500km). According to my schedule I should already be in Damascus, which I hope to have passed by tomorrow – let’s see what the weather forecast will be. It has however been 4 good starting days and in which I have been overwhelmed by the friendliness and generosity of so many Americans who have gone out of their way to welcome and assist me. The courtesy shown to me as a cyclist by almost all vehicle drivers has also been outstanding. I am having a truly wonderful experience.