PART NINE-Conclusion

 Part nine-conclusion

Biking the Damascus to Abingdon section of the Virginia Creeper is something I have wanted to do for some time and I’m very pleased that I finally made the time to bike it. The trail is not a great adventure, but it was a fun challenge for me. I was somewhat concerned about my worn-out knee joint, but it never gave me any problem, during or after the ride. 

I wasn't wearing these to keep my knees warm!

There are sections of the trail with no cell service, but Millie was able to track me the entire distance. I guess the phone’s GPS was bouncing off satellites during those cell outages or it just used dead reckoning to plot my progress. 

Millie said at times I would go seven and eight miles an hour, but I wasn’t trying to race across. I pedaled at what I thought was a leisurely rate and just enjoyed the journey. I got on the trail at about 9:45 and arrived in Damascus at 1:30.

I had no mechanical problems with the bike until I got to the highway 58 bridge. I had used 4th gear for the entire run until this last little bit when I shifted down to 3rd because of a slight uphill section. While in 3rd gear if I pedaled backwards the chain would come off the sprocket. The derailer must need some adjustment. 

Would I do it again, yes indeed. In fact, I’m already thinking of doing the whole 34 miles in one day. Starting at White Top on a rental mountain bike from one of the shuttle services. I think wider tires are prudent for the downhill portion. I would then switch to my bike and do the second 17 miles to Abingdon. 

34 miles on gravel, sounds like fun to me!