VA Gravel Biking - Day 5

Our last day of riding was just a short 17 mile early morning ride before checkout at the hotel.

We started out just at sunrise. The full moon had not yet set.

At 35 degrees, the starting temperature was very chilly. Outside the city, there had been a hard frost in places like the field in the right of this photo.

As I wrap up this trip, I will leave you with the lyrics I put together to humor myself during the challenging parts of this week. The initial inspiration came in our very first gravel section which was full of pot holes. It brought to mind the church hymn Holy, Holy, Holy. Once the song popped into my brain, it stuck. So, with no disrespect intended, here is what was running through my brain during hard sections by the end of the week.

Prayers of an Old Cyclist

Holy, Holy, Holy
Lord God Almighty
Choosing a ride like this
Shows the utmost hubris
Holy, Holy, Holy
Lord God Almighty
Gravel washboard, single track
Rocky downhills, can’t turn back

Holy, Holy, Holy
Lord God Almighty
Eating gravel dust and sand
Off the back is where I am
Holy, Holy, Holy
Lord God Almighty
Wind and rain is in my face
Come on guys, it’s not a race

Holy, Holy, Holy
Lord God Almighty
To climb up this nasty hill
I need power, not just will
Holy, Holy, Holy
Lord God Almighty
With the mountain up ahead
Resurrect me from the dead

Holy, Holy, Holy
Lord God Almighty
If you help me through this ride
In your house I will reside
Holy, Holy, Holy
Lord God Almighty
Is that the end I see
Praise the Lord and Blessed Be