Day 2 – Battles Old and New

Chickahominy Riverfront Park to Ashland, VA – 79 Miles

Today I attempted to make up for the short day yesterday by logging some serious miles.  Murphy, Kari, and I woke up at around 8 AM after a good night’s sleep in the tent on the Chickahominy River.

After packing up, eating breakfast, and saying my last goodbyes to Kari and the pup I was on my way by about 10 AM.  The goal was to make it to Mechanicsville (~60 miles) at least, and, if possible, Ashland (~75 miles).  The plan for tonight was to try out Warmshowers and see if I could find someone who would host me and my tent for the night.

Starting off, the route was jam packed with a bunch of historic sites since there were many battles of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars fought around the area.  Also this was one of the first areas settled, so there were a good amount of preserved plantations from the 1600-1700s, including former President John Tyler’s home (don’t remember anything about this guy from history class).  All really cool stuff and I wish I could have spent more time reading each and every historical plaque.

The first place I stopped for a break was Malvern Hill which was part of the Seven Days Battle in the Civil War.  This was the first attempt by the Union to take the Confederate capitol, Richmond.  They made it all the way up the James River, but were held off by Lee and the Confedarates and eventually retreated.  Standing at the battle field it was hard not to think about the 1000s of young men who died there.  Looking at the primitive cannons also made me think about how we humans have always tried to invent new ways to throw bigger sticks, rocks, pieces of metal, and explosives at each other when we don’t agree.

I also got a message back from the first person I had sent a message to about possibly camping in their yard saying they wouldn’t be able to have me tonight.  I found another potential host and sent them a message.  I must have been feeling confident because they were a few miles past Ashland.

The next few miles were somewhat slow going as the day started to heat up.  I decided to stop for a proper meal to try to boost my enegy, grabbed some Subway, and received a  message back from my hosts for the night saying they’d be delighted to have me.

With a good meal and some rest I pushed on through Mechanicsville and Ashland.  Ashland was a small train town with tracks running right through downtown; complete with an Amtrak boarding as I passed through.  I got a taste of my first climbs after I passed Ashland.  I’m sure they’re nothing compared to what I’ll experience in the Appalachians, but they kicked my ass.

When I got to Katheleen and Dave’s house they were exceptionally welcoming!  Expecting and being happy to just setup a tent in the yard they told me that I could sleep on a spare bed they had in the house.  Even better, Dave offered up a local brew almost as soon as I unclipped from my bike.

We sat and conversed for awhile swapping hiking and adventure stories.  Then Dave showed me to my room.  As we were walking up the stairs Katheleen asked if I wanted pasta or rice for dinner.  I couldn’t believe they were feeding me too!!

After a shower we had dinner with more good conversation all topped off with chocolate cake and ice cream!  Now I’m laying in bed looking forward to a good nights sleep.  Couldn’t have asked for a better end to the day.  A bit spoiled, but it feels good after a long, hard 79 miles on the bike.  Hopefully the climbs get easier as my legs get into shape.