Holy Rollers Tour: Day 1 New Market to Staunton

Holy Roller Tour

Day 1

Friday,

New Market to Staunton 67 miles

For me and most of the group, this was the hardest day. Remember the slight descent I had to New Market? Well, we had to slowly go from 900ft to 2000ft. The roads were greatly exposed to the a nasty headwind and 95+ degree temps, and it took its toll on the group.

We met at Mt. Jackson UMC where Pastor Flo Legg provided a light breakfast and a place of worship. Edward led us in Word and Holy Communion. He gave an inspiring message regarding the hand of God shaping this mountains and valleys that we are about to ride through.

I pimped my ride for this trip. I added a spider man boost pack for those tough sprints. Unfortunately I lost it on a fast descent.

The rally horn, sounded as our leader shouted, "Holy Rollers, Lets Roll"

We rolled out of Mount Jackson and the ride officially began. The group consisted of about 15 riders and 10 sag support. The riders ranged from young beginners to old veterans. I brought along a local youth, Greg Bartocci. Below is a list of participants

NAME
DISTRICT
PARTICIPATION

Bartocci, Greg Staunton Rider
Blinn, Bob Danville Rider
Buchikos, Julie Roanoke Rider
Carswell, Warren Staunton Rider
Conrad, Haden Charlottesville Support
Gravitt, Hugh Ashland Rider/Support/Photographer
Gravitt, Julie Ashland Support
Harris, Daiquan Charlottesville Support
Harris, Shortie Portsmouth Support
Hibbitts, David Charlottesville Rider
Hollar, Barry Penn Winchester Rider
Hope, James Charlottesville Motor escort
Hope, Carolyn Charlottesville Support
Hopkins, Edward Charlottesville Rider
Hopkins, Isaac Charlottesville Support
Hopkins, Janet Charlottesville Support
Hopkins. Jeremy Charlottesville Rider
Kirkland, Sandy Peninsula Support
Mather, Brett Winchester Rider
McDonald, Bob Roanoke Rider
Moran, Lisa Roanoke Rider
Moyers, Tony Charlottesville Motor escort
Palmer, David Danville Rider
Palmer, Joshua Winchester Rider
Pence. Jeff Rider
Purdy, Bill Lynchburg Rider
Randel, Emmett Winchester Rider
Reed, Ray Roanoke Rider
Stearns, Ray Peninsula Rider
Un, Won Ashland Rider
Walker, Tizzy Rappahannock Support

Rolling out. Notice the haze. It was to be a hot, humid day.

The ride started out slow and smooth for the first 10 miles. Then the youth started attacking. Ok, we are just a few miles into a 3 day journey and this isn't a race. But there is something about guys, testosterone, and bikes. From nowhere, Greg "The Italian Kid" Bartocci sprints up a slight hill. Ah, I'll let him go, then Brett "Hokieman" Mather, who is a grad student from VT and a triathlete. Man, I can't let this happen. So I respond and grab his wheel. Then another guy, Josh "V-Twin" Palmer took off. His style is a little unorthodox but he is extremely strong. We later gave him the name "V-Twin" because his legs moves like the pistons on the V-Twin engine pumping hard.

Tizzy "Wilson" Walker (have you figured it out yet?) and Sandy "Mercy" Kirkland preparing Kimchi for Won "Kimchiman" Un. Won, next year we will have Kimchi and crushed red peppers. I might can mix it together with my hammer gel. Maybe come up with a new endurance fuel "Kimchi Gel"

After several short, steep hills Brett and I broke away from the field and arrived at our next checkpoint, Donovan Memorial UMC located in Singers Spring. Barry "Ole Wise One" Hollar presented a historical note on how the town became named Singers Spring. It was so moving, I can't remember anything he said:) Maybe he'll read this post and provide some info.

UPDATE, THE WISE ONE HAS SPOKEN. BELOW IS THE CORRECT INFO

Hey, its "Singers Glen," not "Singers Spring." It got the name
because a Mennonite named Joseph Funk had a music school and printing business there in the 19th century. He taught using a "shaped note"
method and printed hymnbooks in German using the shaped note system.
It was called the Harmonia Sacra. Anyway, he was shipping out so
many hymnbooks, the authorities decided there needed to be a post office in the village. Until then the area had been called "Mountain Valley,"but Funk named the post office "Singers Glen."
Pay attention next time. There will be a test.
Barry

THANKS BARRY!

Once again, we had snacks and made a lap around the town with several of the local children. We refueled took some kids riding around the block and rolled on.

We had about 5 kids riding around the block with us. That was too cool. A few of them broke away on this little climb.

The day continues to get hot and the sun is beaming strongly upon our backs. Next stop Bridgewater UMC for lunch. I am beginning to like this stuff. Ride, eat, ride, eat, ride, eat! Below is a pic of Edward "The Pope" Hopkins and his son Jeremy "Rocky" Hopkins. I give Edward his title because he is our holy, infamous leader.

After more food and fellowship, we travel to our final destination, St. Paul UMC in Staunton. This last leg of the day was extremely difficult, hot and marred with mechanical problems. Ray "LW" Reed flatted. Oh yeah, LW stands for Lawence Welk:) Remember those sounds and bubbles? I think Ray was one of the oldest riders and was as strong as any there. Brett, Ray, and I worked hard to regroup with the peloton. The Bartocci kid was on a lone breakaway about to spoil the day but with just a few miles to go, Brett and I caught the Italian kid and were going to duke it out to the finish. We were exhausted and spent when we saw the hilltop finish to the church and The Italian Kid shouts, "sprint to the top." The hilltop finish was about 300 meters with about an 8% grade. I took the lead into the corner to get the job on the other two. I hammered hard hoping to discourage the Kid and VT, but the Kid was too strong. He took me in the last 100. VT was closing fast but his legs cramped before the line. We finished strong but exhausted. Shortly afterwards the rest of the crew came in. Some cramping and some pushing their bikes up the steep drive. BUT NONE QUITTING.

A photo from the top of the finish.

Man this final climb was steep! It goes up about another 200 feet then turns left. Ray and Ray battling it out.

Good job Kid, I'll get you next time.

The podium.

I am really not that short. Just standing on the low side:)

We showered and received a grand spaghetti dinner provided by the ladies of St. Paul. We were talking about how good the meal was and Greg responded, "I know why it is so good. It was made with love." Wow, what a statement from such a young lad. The ladies brought him extra brownies and ice cream.

We were blessed with a personal trainer Carol "Stretch" Hope who worked out the kinks and soreness from such a long, hot day. Well its about 9pm, lights out, another long day tomorrow.