Hey there. I'm in Haysi, VA and I'm utterly exhausted. We've had a whole string of bad luck and I'm just looking forward to getting out of VA and having one state under my belt. Thanks for all the notes of encouragement! So upon leaving Wytheville (where my last entry was), we took a shortcut to try and save ourselves some hill-climbing. The shortcut went through Marion, VA and everything was going well until after lunch. We ate some Mexican food and were about on the edge of town when Jacob's rear tire blew out. Dry rot or something. We went back to the bike store and much to our dismay they didn't have his tire size (partly because its an outdated size, but mostly because it was a rather small and outdated store!). We went through possible solutions and the best we could come up with was to have Jacob's father overnight the proper tires from a cycle store in Apex. We headed over to Hungry Mother State Park and camped for the night. After a thorough soaking that night, we rolled back to the bike store at about 1130 or 12. Unfortunately, as I was going about 45 mph down a hill I was unable to dodge some glass and quickly heard the "pfffft...pffft....pffft" of my rear tire deflating. I patched it up at the bike store, Jacob got his new tire and we headed out about 4 PM. The first patch gave up after about 7 miles or so, and I threw on a second patch, which made it roughly 50 feet. At this point I was about ready to throw my bike on I-81. I put a new tube in the tire and it seems to be working out. We finally made it out of Marion, but couldn't reach our destination of Rosedale. We spent the night at a church in Meadowview. An incredible guy who lived across the street from the church welcomed us warmly, offering the bathroom and kitchen of the church to us (apparently you don't lock churches when you're out this far). I also awoke to a note saying how they wanted to help us on our journey...and 30 bucks for breakfast!!! There may be quite a few things wrong with America, but I am continually amazed by the kindness Americans are willing to show to complete strangers.
We each ate a rather large breakfast at the local corner store and headed out to conquer some mountains. It was a rough day; three or four tough climbs and 90-95 degree heat. Some awesome descents though...still makes me want to go skiing (and also allows me to realize how fast I must be going when I'm skiing!). Now we'ere here in Haysi and we have to hunt down a place to camp. There is a pavillion across from the library that looks real tempting. It's sitting right on a river too (hobo-bath!!!). The only problem is the police station is right here next to the library...hmmmmmm. I think I saw 3 pizza shops as we rolled down the main drag, pretty impressive for a town with a population of 190. I think I could eat a whole pizza today.
No cellphone service around here and I'm not sure when to expect it, but apparently its still easy to find internet, so drop some notes on the blog or send me an email! I love hearing from all of you, it provides so much encouragement. I'll put up the few pictures I managed to snap, so be sure to scope out the albums on the left. This post is already sort of rambling, so I'll bid you adieu and think my next post out a bit more clearly. Cheers!
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10 comments:
Rob -your face looks thin
I was going to say thinner and your Dad corrected me..Is that right?
Love, Mom
Hey Rob!
I think Uncle Ev's idea about the beans is a good suggestion!
Remember this..."Believing in a brighter day can raise you up more than any difficulties can set you back."
Brighter days ahead!
xoxo aunt pat
Cheat/Steal:
Are you in Haysi or Hayseed? Either way the result is the same. Eat beans and push with the right foot and then the left foot to get out of town and on to the next $30 gift. I suggest that you consult with your accountant brother on whether you must claim the $30 gift on your 2007 income taxes. I think that there is a bean deduction that you can use to offset the gain but I am not an accountant. Keep peddling though, Paris Hilton is out of jail on the west coast. Maybe you can hook up. It may be an incentive to push the right foot and then the left. But remember, early settlers went west fightingnative americans , weather, no roads, horse power and horse droppings. You only have blown tires, sore legs and you get $30 gifts that the settlers didn't get. You are lucky.
Rob (&Ev),
To answer your query, the $30 is not part of your taxable income. You rendered no goods or services, making this a gift. Gifts are tax free because no consideration is given.
Financially Yours,
Actually, under the Clean Air/Dirty Trouser Act of 2007, you may qualify for "relief" if you manage to leave 50 "skid marks" in your biker shorts before the trip is over. This will "wipe out" (no pun) any tax liability from income earned during the trip.
Rob
It's Aunt P. Did my comment go thru? I have been trying to leave a note and your mother says the Sprain side is looking bad!! You know I suck on the computer.
I'll keep trying. You look awesome, your face is not to thin.
G-ma and Fran say hello!!
Love Aunt P
Hey Rob,
Its Uncle Jeff and cousin Jonathan and you're looking good out there on the open roads of the good old USA!! You probably have a big group of bicyclists following u across the country - kinda like forrest gump had his runners... Keep your tires inflated, and keep smiling at the ladies!! we will keep some cold beers in the frig for you, if you can stop by! Go Cavs!!
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