The start up to the Skyline Drive and down into the valleys
meandering roads smelling the honey suckle in golden bloom is worth the price of
the admission. But then you cross slick highway 340 and there's policemen
there to stop the 55 mph traffic and then you slip slop down this pavement to
the Shenandoah and the mist is up and its errie and surreal with the horse
sweat and steam. Follow the milk jugs closely as there are ridges out
there that i wandered into one time and BayMar jumped and i came out of the
saddle hanging on as he jumped and leaped across the river. Stay close to
the jugs. The pace of the first check is fast and intense even if there's
only 30 100's, theres 50's too, Then you ride the roads to rock and climb
and bugs and more rock. The trail is at times good for moving out and
other times its petulant. Move when you can and walk those rock if you're
not used to them and if you haven't trained on them, Pads would be
recommended. The climbs are beautiful and my favorite spot up on the
Massautten is called Jacks Notch. A small saddle with a panoramic view.
The heat of the day and what about that humidity? you never know cause it
could be forgiving or it could be oppressing. Stay in the shade and drink
and sponge at every opportunity. Shermans Gap is an eye-opener as it just
goes on and on and higher and you done done 78 miles or so and if you're fast
you'll get up in the light but most of us go up after dark and its good to have
a buddy to tail or anything with. The good news is you get to the Vet
Check and get to cross the Shenandoah again. Stay close to those lighted
milk jugs. And you get to retrace thru the honey suckles golden
moonlight back country roads, and your whole perspective has changed
because you think if you got this far you can do anything and the drug is
potent. You can do anything. Crossing the last climb at the top of
Skyline Drive you see stars you have never seen in a city and the decent is
with caution as in the dark there are stones and culverts and road that can be
cause for accident and you have come much to far to fall out at the end.
The finish you get to meet the Honorable Henry with his efficient
time/video. At the finish, i guarantee you will transcend a level of being
you have never visited and you will always remember this day.
ts
