12.5 miles today. Not a massive post today on the cycling-front as there’s not a whole lot to write about.
I set off from Cape Charles this morning, after a great nights rest and a decent cereal breakfast. Begun cycling and just had no energy.
Anyway kept going for about 9 miles until the Toll Plaza for the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel to get a shuttle off the Delmarva Peninsula (no cycling allowed). Phoned ahead this morning so they were expecting me, so it was a very hassle-free process of just waiting for a shuttle van for about half an hour.
And then the driver showed up. Meet Jim Davis. An ex-union worker retiree who now works part-time at the Bridge.
It’s great having met such a variety of people already, only being a week-or-so in to the trip. Just yesterday I was with Dora from Cape Charles, who radiated positivity. In contrast to that, Jim is very passionate, and has got strong feelings about working conditions and the state America and Virginia is in at the moment.
Excuse the poor quality – shot on phone on the fly:
Along the bridge we stopped off at the pier at Chesapeake Bay – North America’s largest estuary. It was awesomely windy and there were some pretty hardcore fisherman out there having a blast / getting blasted. Jim mentioned that on really big swell days, fish can get thrown on to the road!
Back to the cycling, after getting dropped off at the other side of Chesapeake Bay, at Norfolk, I continued cycling for 3 and a half miles, and the energy had just gone. So I called it a day. It doesn’t help in the overall game of averages but I was content enough with knowing that another light day was needed before getting back into the big stealth days.
Tomorrow the rain arrives, which I’m quite excited about in a weird way. Should add a new element to the project!
10 replies on “Day 9: Cape Charles to Norfolk, VA”
These emails r great,really enjoy reading about your trip,
Thanks for the pics and vids. I was wonderin how you would do gettin thru and over the CB Bridge/tunnels. Where did you spend the night? Please show maps of where you are ridin each day. Also projecting your approximate plan/route for the next day or 2 may give readers ideas to help you on the way. You may even pick up some host if readers had an idea where you may be in the next few days. We once hosted a bicyclist at our campground site at Myrtle Beach State Park. Campgound was full but officials told him he could stay if he could get one of the campers to let him pitch his tent on their site and we were glad to.
I’d like to second Tony’s “let us know when you’re coming” suggestion. Good way to get some intros to people & places—to say nothing of the occasional shower & meal! I’m 3K mi from your current position, but should you eventually becoming through the area we’d be delighted to host you, and I’m sure many others along your meanders will feel the same way.
Great interviews with Dora and Jim the past few days. This is what your trip is about so make sure you keep getting the time to meet and record the people you meet.
Night cycling is a downer, but don’t forget the sunshine coming from the people. Maybe some one-day (or even a few hours) advance planning for specific people to talk with/interview would make that “no people” feeling a bit less bothersome.
Remember, the bike and miles are the means of transport, not the only goal. Keep up the good work.
Great pics and videos. Wake up daily hoping you have a new post. Good idea from Tony to let us know where you are headed. We could contact friends to reach out to you along the road. Nice to know you are wise enough to not feel it’s all about the miles and taking care of your physical self as well. Look forward to the morning post
Looks like things are going very well. Enjoying watching your video clips. Just had two days at the Kendal Film Festival, I look forward to seeing some of your footage there next year. Keep on rolling you are doing a great job.
Dave, You need to eat more protein and carbs. You are not fueling yourself properly. Long distance riders and folks who tour pound down the food because they need to fuel. You not having energy today is the first sign that comes.
Hey Isaac, you’re right I think. Have been focusing on nutrition for the last couple of days and feel much better / less lethargic.
Hi Dave, I’ve just joined the team and am looking forward to looking on. Looking good!
Cheers Jim, hope you enjoy and all is well!