Research Trailer Park

July 3-4 400 km Brevet

Well, after having slept most of the day away on Sunday and a good portion of Monday too, I am finally recovered enough to offer my thanks to Tony and the volunteers, Mary, Maria, John, and Paul (hope I’m not leaving any out) for an absolute EPIC ride. I try not to use words like “epic”, “brutal”, etc. to describe rando events, because I think they are overused, but in this case I can’t think of a more apt description. The course was spectacular and breathtaking in several aspects—the scenery, the overlooks, the small towns, and of course the climbs. I guess Tony thought that the 10-mile climb to Little Switzerland wasn’t enough so he threw in another 16 miles on the Parkway which included it’s own 6-mile gut buster? And to make sure we got our money’s worth, he gave us 9 bonus miles—thanks for being so generous!!

OK—a little tongue-in-cheek there, but I did enjoy it; well, most of it anyway!

HUGE congratulations to everyone who rode and especially, to use Maria’s word, to the “Animals” who rode the 600! And to the newcomers Cole and Isaac—mere words can’t describe the admiration I have for you for tackling these rides so early in your Rando careers. Welcome to the club.

I've attached a few pictures and a short video of the July 4th Parade in Little Switzerland. Enjoy.

JP

John O. and Lowell Grubbs in Lenoir (above)
Field of sunflowers near Lenoir or is that le Noir?
John at Bear Cliff in the Lake James region
No explanation required—the beginning of the climb to Little Switzerland
View from the back porch of the Alpine Inn of the valley at the beginning of the 10-mile climb
Parade Picture
The “Loops” overlook on the Parkway
Parade Video