NYC -2- ATL

We awoke today to pristine skies and the warmest temperatures we’ve seen yet. We packed up at the sub-par motor lodge and remembered to take the bungie cord we used to fix the toilet seat. As we began the trek south, the change in weather became more evident and what I’m referring to as a filet of rides began to unfold.

We traveled beautiful small peaceful roads. A gentle tailwind pushed us south though more farmlands. I quickly shed my jacket, and it felt so nice to feel the warm breeze in my jersey. We stopped several times by fields, at churchyards, and of course in cemeteries. When lunchtime came, a small town appeared and we found sandwiches at a grocery. We stopped five miles later on the steps of a large church at a crossroads to eat.

I waved at a lot of strangers today, and almost all of them waved back. To people out walking or checking their mailboxes, I’d say “Hello” or “Good morning.” It felt like the beautiful day had put everyone in a great mood.

At lunch, Dad made contact with our lead for getting across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. They used to have a shuttle service for cyclists and hikers, but COVID had forced them to shut it down. They had instead referred us to a local shuttle service, and we had made brief contact before the trip. Passing over the Chesapeake Bay had indeed been one of the largest unknown obstacles of pre-trip planning and discussion.

We made plans to meet our driver near Cape Charles at 4:00 pm. When we arrived, we phoned again and told him we would be in front of a Dollar General where we split a pint of ice cream. When he arrived, I could tell that Antonio from Wave Rider ESVA was a friendly and laid back individual. He had a large van and had a new bike rack he was going to install, but when my dad asked if we might be able to load the bikes inside instead, he happily took some extra cargo over to his grandmother’s house nearby so we could fit everything inside.

We loaded up and made for the 17.6 mile bridge-tunnel. Antonio told us all about the area and answered our crazy questions about the crops we had seen. He got us to the entrance of a park near the far side of the bridge, and we unloaded the van and said goodbye. If you’re ever in the area biking and need safe passage over the CBBT, Wave Rider ESVA has you covered!

From there, the beautiful ride continued right where we had left off. A bridge with a wide, separated biking and walking path took us over the inlet. A new bike path kept us off the roads and took us a few miles to a State Park, where another bike path through the woods led us right into town.

We’re staying in the nicest place yet tonight—an eleventh floor suite right on the beach. The room is deluxe and quite the contrast from last night. Fighter jets buzzed the beach as we watched the sunset view from our corner balcony. We showered up and walked a few blocks to a bourbon and burger bar for dinner. We’re already planning to stay an extra night here and make tomorrow our first official rest day. I’m glad. This town seems fun!