Day 4 - the “Granny Gear” - Rollin' ocean to ocean - CycleBlaze

May 13, 2023

Day 4 - the “Granny Gear”

One of the big differences between a regular road bike and a touring bike is the gearing. A bike chain goes around chain rings at the front by the pedals and around a cassette at the back. Road bikes have two chainrings where a touring bike has 3. Shift to the smallest chain ring in the front and largest cassette in the back and you are in the Granny Gear. This allows a rider to stay seated and climb.

Today I only did 46.6 miles but my elevation gain (uphill) was 5,000 feet. I descended (downhill) 2,290 feet.

I started at the green arrow and ended at the red arrow
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George CastleThat’s a lot of potential energy being converted to kinetic and back! Looks like an interesting route with lots of tradition. I hope you are enjoying yourself as much as you appear to be!
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11 months ago
Beautiful church with a unique copper roof
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Wyant’s Store has been run by the same family for 130 years. A fixture in White Hall, VA
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From the front we have Dave the biker, Dave whose brother ran the store for 40 years, and his son Dave who now runs the store. On the wall behind Dave are pictures of every family member who ran the store
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White Hall was having a ride to raise money for ALS. This is Susan who told me to take some time at a refreshment stop run by her family . Treated to a banana and some water
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I was following biking route 76 through Virginia
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The Cookie Lady of Afton, VA is a legend among those who bike the Transamerica route. Short video about her

Jane passed in 2012 but her house in Afton is still a shrine to her. Bikers can stay free in the house which contains hundreds of pieces of memorabilia

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Today's ride: 47 miles (76 km)
Total: 247 miles (398 km)

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Elizabeth HendersonWhat a climb today! Glad you were able to see the Cookie Lady’s home. She is an inspiration to extend kindness ❤️
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11 months ago
Steve ClarkWhat a day of climbing! Love the red shirt. Bright and noticeable. You’re doing great. Love the tour photos.

How’s traffic treating you?
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11 months ago
Robert OwensSeeing American this way must be a real treat. Again: Interesting people!
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11 months ago