From Charlottesville I rode to Afton, just at the beginning of Blue Ridge Parkway. Nothing to say about the landscape, not different from the day before, except that last steep climb into Afton. Had a late start and about 10 miles before I made it to Afton a storm came in. Smart as I am I seeked shelter at some farm sale and it turned out to be a good choice. Minutes later literally a wall of rain hit me - hadn't seen something like that before.
I'm gonna upload a video on YouTube later.
Well, finally I made it to the Cookie Lady's house in Afton.
Who's the Cookie Lady? Bicyclists know here, but some words:
In summer 1976 America celebrated 200 years of independence. A group of bicyclists decided to do a ride across the country as part of these celebrations. The word was spread and about 4.000 people joined the ride that summer.
June Curry already lived in Afton that time. When she saw all the cyclists passing by she decided to offer them free water. Long story short: After water came food and later she turned the house into a "Bike House" where cyclists could sleep.
Since then several thousands have stopped at the bike house, posing for a polaroid, signing the logbook and leaving some memorabilia behind. The house is full with postcards, letters and other stuff beyond imagination. Being there felt like visiting a time-capsule - I didn't want to touch anything.
June Curry died about one year ago, the house is still open for every cyclist seeking shelter.
Pictures will follow, I'm probably not able to get internet the next 2 days.
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