Fijis Across America 2010

Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men. 

-Colossians 3:23

A lovely rest day was spent in Blacksburg visiting Virginia Tech’s beautiful campus, relaxing in the condo (special thanks to Henry for allowing us to stay for a couple of nights), and understanding the true spirit of a Hoakie. Thanks Dana once again for arranging all of the details, and way to go Spain in winning the World Cup! 

Today’s ride leaving Blacksburg was full of fun and many surprises. For the first time it started to rain within the first couple miles of our departure and I don’t believe it stopped until we were about 15 or so miles outside of Lexington. But hey the rain definitely did not extinguish our spirits at all but really brought a new energy to our riding. I remember us singing several songs tolling down the road for it definitely is a “glorious feeling to be singing in the rain”. I took the navigation for a while as we tried to eliminate some mileage in the rain. At about SAG spot #2 I owned the trailer and called it my own and Wade took care of some unfinished business as usual at around the top of the hour near the trailer. haha good times. 

At lunch for the day we all huddled together inside of the trailer, sat down like soldiers and prepared to eat MRES(Meal Ready to Eat). It was enjoyable to switch up the routine and try some tuna with mayonnaise for a change. Chaz fixed up some frankfurters and I believe Mitch or Wade had some type of roasted chicken. We were all smiles and traded items throughout the whole time, but in the end it was nice to just get out of the rain. 

After lunch we continued for Lexington, but as soon as we departed the trailer, we began to climb the first hill, Tyler’s chain literally broke. Lucky…looks like since we don’t have a replacement at the current time he will stay nice and DRY for the rest of the day. The next 40 miles were WET, WET, and more WETNESS. The rain really started to pick up as we began to enter Buchanan but hey we all enjoyed ourselves singing songs, yelling at the top of our lungs, and just having a good time. As I say, a rainy day on the road is always a better day in the office. As our group (minus Tyler) neared a gas station we took refuge for a short while, but the energy within us caused by the rain to intensify and Cameron, Chaz, Wade, and Mitch went total bonkers. It was definitely a good bonkers however. Leaving Buchanan, the rain dissipated lightly then with about 10 miles remaining the rain finally ended. Lexington came next and it was an enjoyable yet historical  ride into the Comfort suite as I passed Stonewall Jackson’s grave, Virginia Military Institute, and Washington and Lee Fiji House. Could Virginia have anymore history within its borders, it is unreal. Supper was great as me and Wade consumed the Hindenburg sandwhich and the suite was just a slice of heaven. Blue Ridge tomorrow, could get a little nasty„ just bring it!