Chris Wessel’s Cross Country Ride

2 day ago: “Rode nearly 60 miles to Wytheville today. As always, it didn't go perfect. Thought I'd follow 76 sign instead of doing Google Maps. I must have been following 76 WEST. After 3700, I'm better at directions. Well, I knew I was on a road going west. Did u turn. It cost me only a mile or 2. I wasn't about to be riding west long. Still sucked. The next 3 day's weather looks ideal. My projected finish is October 16th. Each day I'm getting closer. Go Hawks and Jaxon Rexroth!!!”

Yesterday: “Last night I stayed in palace. Today, probably not. Unless the Budget Motel has some serious upgrades. Rode 50 miles from Wytheville to Christiansburg. Man, was it cold. 32° when I left, not 50° when I arrived. That's cold, cold riding...the kind of riding where I hated downhill, loved uphill, and hoped for sun which doesn't come on backside of a mountain. Fun fact...TransAmerica ride has 12 maps for US trip...I've completed 11. I have 366 miles to finish spread over 7 days. If weather keeps being perfect... I’ll be done next Sunday!!!! Loi (his mom, my grandma) said something about me being alone this ride. That's not true. Let's put aside Tim and Matt visiting...especially, Tim going way out of way to take me to bike shop. That was huge. But do I need to remind people of the multiple times people came up to me as I'm resting...what do they say...do you need any help? It happens all the time. I don't need someone following me one bit. If I have problems...bet it works out. Let's not wish me any issues these last 366 miles!”

And today: “Again it was cold this morning so I left later than usual...like 9 am. But also did this because today's destination...Daleville/Troutville...only 42 miles. The ride was only modestly hilly and the roads great...Google Maps is way better than TransAmerica. I was flying fast today. Ever since I've been icing knee, no knee problems whatsoever. Beer helps too, I think. I got 2 more days ahead where weather is okay. The following day could be a rain out.”

Once again, I’m behind on these lol.

2 days ago: “I am not in Kansas or Kentucky anymore. Kentucky...if there's 2 inches which are flat...I never rode over either of them. Today's 64 miles nothing but hills. At mile 40 took break. Damn good thing...next 2.75 miles all uphill. Virginia also had some hill prepped and ready for me...just as long as the eye can see. So today...f**king hard day!!!!! Tomorrow is 38. Low number. But I need a break. And the 38 supposed to be hilly. So day after tomorrow also short. I am tired!!! Can't wait to get to Damascus...day after tomorrow...finally back on marked bike road...76...TransAmerica.”

1 day ago: “Now in Lebanon. Rode about 40 today. It was nothing but up and down. I had one stretch of down where I was SO happy it ended...like 2.5 miles down. Not one car passed me. It was zig zaggy. I had to be super careful for rocks on turns at such high speeds. Sure, I guess I'd rather go downhill because miles pile up fast. But uphill oddly a time I rest. One more day and I'm back on marked roads. Man, will I be glad for that. Virginians...they such kind people. People coming at me always wave. Had to stop multiple times today because driver behind me being TOO kind...they wouldn't pass me when I want them to do so. So I stop...and wave them by.”

And today: “Every day of this journey, something goes amiss. Today no exception. This morning when I went to open my contact case to put my right contact in...there's no contact! Stupidly, I brought only exactly the contacts I thought I'd need. Good thing my glasses have the tinting. They do work okay...not as well as sunglasses though as they vent better on hills. I'll adjust and treat glasses like they're gold. Because they are. Rode 36 miles. I actually think I've crossed much of the Appalachian Mountains already. Today's hotel is closer to a hostel. It's called Crazy Larry's Outdoor Inn. This will be interesting. Then tomorrow is the #8 rated Bed and Breakfast in the US. It looks stunning. Trinkle Mansion B&B.”

“Did 61 miles to Hazard, Kentucky. Google Maps today put me almost entirely on "Interstate like" road. Traded one danger (dogs) for another (semi's passing me within inches at 65 mph). Plus, I'm in Kentucky...there's not one inch of this state that's flat. Tomorrow I enter the final state...Virginia. It's a wide state. So it's going to take me a while to get across. Tomorrow also 63 miles. After that, doing 2 short days...both mileages in the 30s. Here's a fun fact too...October 6th my town Lebanon. October 7th, Damascus.”

I saw my dad briefly this morning, which will be the last time I see him until he finishes this ride! Here’s what he said today:

“Rode 40 miles to Harrisburg, Illinois roday. Boy, the first 30 miles like riding on I-80...65 mph speed limit...divided highway. I didn't even take one drink of water on that road...too focused on traffic. But the high level of cars and trucks really makes for an easier ride...wind and all. Great having Tim and Matt over last week. Matt left early today. Bike in great shape and should be okay to end. Now over 3100 miles. Soon...less than 1000 to go. Mid October this could be done!”

“Went from Lamar to Springfield today. Wind mostly okay. But I don't care what anyone says...ride 80 miles with all your Worldly possessions. It's not easy in Kansas or Missouri. But I did survive. Funny thing...at my 1st stop...mile 55...drank a 1/2 gallon of chocolate milk. Chocolate milk, candy bars...they're my friends. Again...I bow to Google Maps!! Rode 80 miles...8+ were on bike trail next to my highway. Google Maps has nearly killed me emotionally...many times!! But it's also done me well. Tomorrow only 25 miles. Then...family comes into picture...both Tim and Matt headed my way. So glad!!!”

Yesterday here’s what my dad had to say: “Made it to final city in Kansas...Pittsburgh. Winds strong and not overly friendly...rode 7 or so directly into wind. Been doing some calculating. My pre ride thought was I could finish in September. That thought wildly overly optimistic. Comes from guy who only rode 100 during ragbrai. I'll likely finish in mid October. Maybe even 3rd week. That's still about 2 1/2 months. Not bad for what I'm doing and I can't magically place hotels precisely where I want them. Still feeling good. Beer sales start here at 12 pm...better than rotten Scott City with none on Sunday.”

And today: “I am finally done with Kansas. The wind today even felt lighter. Only rode 25 to Lamar, Missouri. During ride I got a call from only hotel for this Wednesday in town of Mansfield. That was deflating to hear. But quickly scampered around on phone and now town after Springfield (tomorrow's town) will be Marshfield, Missouri. This location works well with my distance requirements. Tomorrow's ride close to 70. Next day to Marshfield will be short...like 25. Following day is Houston and it'll be 65. Glad I rode short day today to mess around with hotel planning.”

This weekend he’ll only be a couple hours from me and I definitely plan to go visit with him. I might even ride a day with him. We shall see!