Stage 5 - Glade Springs VA, 100mi (160km)

Today, I started my third consecutive day of riding with rain. 

Here are some figures of my riding day:

Distance:	100.00 mi*
Time:	7hrs*
Elevation Gain:	6'562 feet (2'000 m)
Calories:	6'000
Avg Temperature:	51 F  (10.4 °C)

*including 20mi ride with Jack and Lady (his dog)

I did not have much choice today and just packed my my stuff together and got mentally ready for a potential rough and heavy ride. The rain in the last days has left behind its impact. I had hoped that the skye would clear up today - but it didn't.

It was the expected up and down the hill ride and was lucky to be able to pass some of the bridges I needed to cross. Mistakenly I missed the turn in Draper towards Max Meadows and Wytheville and unknowingly and trusting my GPS I took a more southern direction, which ended up being a detour and hard ride.  How could it just happen? I was just too focused on staying concentrated riding as with the rain and the charcoal trucks passing I did not have any choice. Well, I learned my lesson and will have to double-check certain way-points in my map sections in the case of uncertainty. However,  after 5.5 hours and 70 miles of riding, I stopped exhausted at a gas station near Speedwell to refuel with energy and a hot coffee. There I met Jack Crosswell, he is 84 years old and a retired lawman and journalist and published novelist. Jack was wondering from where I was as he recognized the Swiss flag attached on my trailer. We ended up having a friendly conversation and he asked me where I am heading at. After explaining my situation, he did not hesitate a second and offered me a ride in his truck until Rural Retreat, which was about 12 miles from where we were. I hesitated in the beginning to accept his offer, but reconsidering the fact, that I was freezing to death I took this opportunity, which turned out to be a wise decision. So, I loaded my bike on the back of his truck and the ride together with Jack was one of my greatest experiences ever in my life - Thanks again, Jack, for this friendly and entertaining ride with you. I especially joined the lean of your dog 'Lady' - it felt warm and cosy and relaxing too. 

Jack and his dog 'Lady'

I had done some research about todays ride and after the discussion with Lance yesterday. Due to the bad weather conditions the question I asked myself was, where did those cyclists who stayed in Wytheville go to the next day? As expected, most went to Damascus (the original TransAm route). A significant minority, however, went to Chilhowie. A quick check established that it was some 40miles (65km) away from Wytheville, conveniently positioned for a rejoining of the official route at Meadowview tomorrow, without having to cycle the Damascus dog leg. My direction was clear and as Jack dropped me off in Atkins, which saved me at least 2hours of riding, I decided to ride the last 10miles to Glade Spring, which is 5miles before Meadowiev. It wasn't the expected 'easy' ride, no rain anymore though, but heavy head wind, and it took me another hour to just ride 10miles...