We set out from Jefferson National Forest at 7:20, and take back roads to Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, slowly traversing ups-and-downs at base of the Appalachian Mountains. Cattle and Christmas trees cover the hills.
We stop at Whitetop on Route 58 about 9:15. After talking to the woman running the bike rental there, realize we don’t have time to pedal down the Virginia Creeper Trail, a rails-to-trails bikeway, and catch the shuttle back. Mike must make a phone call at 11:30 but the woman tells us that the only cell phone reception in the area is up at the nearby church. We drive to Green Cove Station and set out downhill, on a rough but beautiful path following a fast flowing brook. We bike for about a half hour before Mike says we must turn around to have enough time to pedal back up the 4% grade.
Back on the road after our bike ride, we set out for Damascus and back to Route 81. The winding, hilly roads make for slow going. Just in time for Mike’s call, we pick up cell phone coverage: four bars! After Mike’s phone call, we head down 77 to Mooresville, North Carolina, where we will stay with friends for the weekend.
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