May 23, 2001.
Ashland to Lake Anna, Virginia. (52 mi.) Mile 175
Lost
on TransAm Map #12, Section 146
Maybe it was getting only an hour
of sleep next to the freeway last night, but today we got lost twice. The
first time we tried following a "shortcut" back to the route. This
cost us less than 10 miles, but the second time, we ended up way off course,
probably due to inattention. Other lost TransAmers had preceded us though,
according to those we asked for directions.
Our route passed many old
or abandoned buildings
Here's what we learned about
navigation:
If you and your partner come into
a convenience store looking exhausted, wearing bike helmets, bike jerseys,
bike gloves, bike shorts, and bike shoes, and the person behind the counter
says, "Are y'all the folks wanting gas on pump #4?", this is not
the person to ask for directions. 
If you are happily cruising along
with a tailwind thinking you are going west, and the sun is on your right,
think again.
If you have been appreciating
those Bike Route 76 signs and begin to notice its been a long time
since you've seen one, heads up!
If the person you ask for
directions says, "Listen Honey! I don't care what the map says, I've
lived here all my life, 95 years, and if you want to get to Ashland you have
to cross 95", those directions are OK.
The weather was perfect for biking
as we started leaving the coastal humidity behind and climbing into the
hills. The scenery only improved after we became lost toward Lake Anna where
it seemed to be Ride-On Lawnmower day. Riding past miles of large manicured
lawns and pastural scenes, we were seldom out of earshot of a lawnmower or
weed-eater.
Many TransAm
journals have the Cyclist Rescuing Turtle Picture.
Bicyclists
probably identify with the turtles.
To make a long,
exhausting story short, we ended up at Duke's Creek Marina on Lake Anna to try
to camp, but it was closed. As we set up to outlaw camp, someone reported our
presence, and the owner roared up in his Porsche to collect money. At least we
had the whole place to ourselves and the only noise at night was the hooting
of a Great Gray Owl in the woods.
