BuffettNews.com

So, my friend is trying to talk me into riding Bike Virginia this year. The theme is The Crooked Road, which has to do with the birthplace of country music. Riding the area around Bristol, VA. Anyone else taking part?? It sounds like a really good ride, but as I have ridden exactly once in the last 10 or 11 months, I'm not sure I'm ready for a lot of climbing!!!!

Bike Virginia

Won't be doing the Bike Virginia but am very familiar with the area since we have been down for the Nascar races at Bristol, TN, a few times. The area is very hilly, so I would suggest being in pretty good shape. The whole area is very pretty, it will make a very scenic ride.

Not sure of their route, but there is a very hilly winding road from Bristol to Boone, NC. It is very pretty on our bike (a Harley Full Dresser). A little less pedaling than what ya'll be doing.

There is a very good burger joint in downtown Bristol. This is where Hank Williams Sr. ate his last meal. It is not clear whether he ate there or if his driver picked up the burgers to go. A real good greasy burger.

I'm sure the ride will go by Bristol Motor Speedway and they may even have camping around the track area. If not going by there, make it a point to at least cruise by, it is pretty impressive. They have track tours daily, it's worth the time. Especially if you are at all interested in Nascar racing. There is also the Dragstrip on the property. As they call it, "Thunder Valley".

Have a Good Ride and Stay Hydrated!!!!

Yeah, my parents live in Johnson City so I know the area a little bit. We were actually down for Thanksgiving and went to BMS for the Christmas lights.

I am worried about the hills though. Suppose I'll do the best I can, & if I have to sag so be it.

My SO and I are doing it. He rides a lot and has done a few centuries. I ride a moderate amount (well, haven't done anything but the trainer since last October), usually a couple of metrics a year and 30ish miles three or four days a week. I figure I'll have to ramp that up in late april and may. We also mountain bike a good bit.

I'm worried about the hills, I have a bad knee that I blew a few years ago mountain biking in WV and it hasn't been "right" since - and not much hill training around us to build it back up. But, there's always the sag wagon. See you on that ?

If it helps, I've only ridden twice in the last year.......both of them within the last 2 weeks!!!! I have hills near me, so that's not a problem. I shouldn't say I'm worried about the hills. I'm worried about the hills combined with the distances!!!! I've done a couple of metrics, and if it was flat I wouldn't be concerned. I'm thinking the 4th day layover in Abingdon might end up being a rest day.

In any case, I'll do the best I can and try to have a good time. The friend I'm riding with does worse on hills than I do!!!!

We'll have to hook up and have a little BN get-together one night.

Well - I went out for the first time last saturday and rode 40miles. Other than my usual first couple rides back pain, it was surprisingly ... OK. Hoping to get done work early enough today I can do another 30 or 40.

The weather is not cooperating!

Good luck riding!