“Four wheels move the body. Two wheels move the soul.”
"Bicycling is better for your body, mind, wallet and world. Bicyclists make better lovers! A bike ride a day keeps the doctor away!"
The above quotes sum up the mantra for the Virginia Creeper Bike Ride May 2018 for 17 CSC members brave enough to trek to Abingdon, Virginia on Friday May 4h in spite of the 100% chance of the rain prediction for ride day, Saturday May 5th.
We had all arrived Friday by 4:00 p.m., checked into our rooms, secured our spot on the bike shuttle for Saturday morning, and headed down to Wolf Hills Brewery for craft beer and a taco from the taco trailer that pulled up outside the brewery. Despite the looming gray sky and a few drops of rain that begin to fall, we all were sure that the rain would hold off until after the ride on Saturday.
After dinner Friday night, we made our way to the Barter Theatre. I had been very apprehensive about the play, “In the Heat of The Night," and to be perfectly truthful, I only purchased my ticket to ensure that we received the group rate. To my delight and surprise, we all enjoyed the performance.
Saturday morning, it was thankfully not raining, and we gathered at the bike shop to board the 8:30 a.m. shuttle to the top of White Top Mountain. After the traditional stop at Green Cove Station for the group picture, we had a little trouble with the rented bicycles, with one blown derailleur and two flat tires. Yes, it is worth the effort to bring your own bike! Thankfully the rain did not begin until we reached the Ice Cream Shop. Most of us decided to board the shuttle back, and the rest rode the 20 more miles to Abingdon.
After the ride we gathered on the veranda for “Happy Hour." Much thanks to Larry Plemons for the margaritas, wonderful after a day on the trail. Again the rain cooperated and held off until the exact time to leave for the Tavern Restaurant, so instead of walking, we carpooled the two blocks there.
All in all a GREAT TRIP!!!!
Go with us next time, October 19-21, 2018,
Barb Wise
Special Trip Coordinator
