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After a stressful day yesterday we ended up in the local Walmart carpark again. No showers and we were low on fresh water so no shower in the RV either. We bought fresh water and had to make do with a rinse with soap. Disgusting. It just added to the days tension.
A new morning brings new hope. We woke to a heavy mist over the mountains. Luckily there was no rain. We all got ready and drove out in the RV with the bikes on board. First order of the day was petrol and fresh water. We found both at a petrol station along with coffee. It was sickly sweet but it was COFFEE!!! The day felt better already. Time to ride! We have 7 significant climbs through the Appalachian mountains today and since I'm the first driver I miss the first one. Not to worry plenty more where that came from. It's a shorter day today so our legs are 17kms each, much more manageable considering the climbing we're doing. As always the morning started well. The first climb done and a driver change. The second leg done and another 2 climbs done. Third driver change and another
climb done Which included a 2km climb up a gravel track that was at 12% for most of the climb. At least the desent was paved road. The country side we road through was lush and green and forested. Tom was the fourth driver for the day. Dave, Jeff and I rode on as Tom drove off. The protocol is to leave chalk arrows on the road if the RV can't park on a corner for a turn. Well, it didn't work. We rode on past the turn for about 2kms before suspecting something wrong. We doubled back and found Tom at the corner. Back on track we continued and completed the fourth leg where Tom prepared toasted ciabatta rolls with melted cheese and smoked turkey for lunch. He couldn't boil water when we first left! I was driving the fifth leg. Leading the boys on our route when I came to the Pennsylvania border. The sign said "Welcome to Pennsylvania". And the sign on the the bridge said Do Not Enter. Oh great, time for a route change. We doubled back and ducked into a diner for an ice cream. What an experience. The wall was covered with war
slogans and American propaganda. Things like "God, Guns and Guts made America Great". There was a crucifix made out of shotgun cartridges. And on the same wall was a copy of the 10 commandments which includes "Thou shall not kill". The level of patriotic fervour and belief in Might is Right mentality is actually a bit scary. With the bridge out we put the bikes in the RV and drove around to a new route. Considering the time and heat of the day we drove to the top of the last climb of the day and then rode into Waynesboro. With no RV parks to be found we booked into a motel. Luxury!!! It has wifi and breakfast included. My shower lasted for about 15 minutes. Today was great. Despite the unexpected, which we should expect by now, everyone is pulling in the same direction and we're almost there. 2 days to go. We can almost taste it.
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