Escaping the To-Do List
It was a long list. [It always is] It was also supposed to rain. [But it didn't] And who wants to be stuck indoors yet again for another rainy day? [Not me]. And we are supposed to have an overnight frost [so they say] so bad time to plant the veggies in the new garden just yet [I agree]. Mowing the lower field needed to be done [but...isn't the ground still too wet? Yes, yes it is...] and weedwacking the back field fence line [not my job, sorry], and cleaning the house [don't remind me], and vacuuming out the car [later, I promise]. And ride your bike.
Well, that was one item I could check off the list...
But...isn't it supposed to rain?
[Studies the clouds overhead] Well, how about I just strap my rain jacket to the top of the back rack and cross my fingers? And I'll stay on the paved roads this time. Maybe head south into Fauquier? Roads should be quiet this time of day. Just a short amble, a nice loop down then home? Plenty of time in the afternoon to catch up with other "stuff". How does that sound?
Huh. Sounds good to me. Go have fun, and take pics. The list can wait.
[It always does]
My chosen route was almost all paved road (because the gravel roads were still wet from the rains and my Vado is only supposed to be for paved road riding). I had to traverse 5 miles of gravel roads to avoid 3 miles of (in my mind) rather dangerous high speed paved road in my neck of the woods to get to Rt. 50. Once on the quieter, less hairy paved section I headed due south, across a main E-W highway (Rt. 50) onto Atoka Road a state designated scenic highway in Fauquier County.
We are in the eastern border of Piedmont Foxhounds hunt country, close to the northwestern border of Orange County Hunt territory. Now, just a bit of Virginia hunt history - back in the 1890s through the 1920s there was a flow of northern foxhunting folk from Orange County, New York who found the southern winter climate of Virginia to be just perfect for hunting through the season. They brought their hounds (American - red and white), their hunt buttons (not hunt "colors" for the hunt coat collars which is usual for most hunts), and their original hunt's county name, established this Virginia hunt in 1900 and were recognized in 1902 with territory in northern Fauquier County just below Middleburg. As a result, thousands and thousands of pristine acres of farmland have been preserved, and the beautiful vistas are still as they were for centuries (with the exception of the main roads being paved, not gravel). Atoka Road is close to the borders of these two hunts, so biking down the road gave me views of both territories.
Surprisingly, for a main North/South highway, Atoka Road was extremely quiet. I could count on three fingers the number of cars that passed me on my side during those tranquil miles. A few more in the opposite side, everyone polite, waving hello. I really, really enjoyed the ride.
The varied walls of Virginia Hunt Country. Mostly stone walls and board fencing, some quite decorative while still being functional. The decorative fencing was usually reserved for thoroughbred horses in residence. The more utilitarian board fences were reserved for cattle and hay fields. Saw a lot of farm tractors out, mowing fields. They had no problem checking off their To-Do Lists. All of them smiled and waved hello as I passed. Bet they were wishing they were out riding a bike rather than a tractor!
Rectortown, the bottom of my loop. Sign is a bit small in this pic, it says the town was established in 1772. In 2004 it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Very quiet, very historic little enclave. Not much of a town anymore. Just a few old houses beautifully renovated.
The open countryside bounding Rectortown Rd. These were my views as I head back on the return leg of the loop.
Yes, that is rain. No, it wasn't hitting the ground. Yes, it is called "virga".
No, I didn't get wet. Yes, that made me happy. No, I didn't linger to take more pictures of it. Yes, I was actually worried it would change to "real rain". No, it didn't, thankfully.
The views of southern Piedmont Foxhounds territory heading back towards Loudoun County.
A stone wall just outside of Upperville at the very border between Loudoun and Fauquier Counties. There were several of these "holes" in the long stone wall that bordered the main highway. Can you guess their purpose? (Hint: it does have to do with foxhunting)
[Answer: it was a built in gap for the hounds to get through when hunting so they weren't forced to climb/leap the stone wall. This wall predates the paving of the main road through Upperville back in the early 1900s, and the increase in both traffic and speed. Nowadays, a hunt Whip (staff member) would be stationed on or near the road to stop all traffic if the hounds were running in a direction that would cross the road through these gaps.]
A lovely (almost) 30 mile cruise through a county known for its beauty and landscape. Luckily missing the rain. Not missing the To-Do List whatsoever.
(Yes, I did get one other thing on that List done - mowing the lower field just before it actually did begin to truly rain. No, no simply virga. Yes, real rain drops. No, it hasn't stopped raining since. Yes, it rained all night long. No, I'm not pleased because it means the To-Do List is being set back another day. Yes, I am considering the fact that I will soon have lakefront property. No, I won't buying a boat...at least not yet. Yes, I will try to sneak out for another ride today...if it will stop raining. No, I don't have a lot of faith that it will stop. Yes, tomorrow will be a better day to ride, especially as I have plans to ride with my neighbor, fingers crossed. No, I'm not going to look at the To-Do List again. Yes, I'll get to it later...maybe.)
