We escaped the polluted DC Metro air for the somewhat less dirty air over Shenandoah National Park over the weekend. Starting from Thornton Gap we rode a mostly uphill 16 miles to the top of Mt. Marshall. It was a good workout, a training ride for an upcoming trip to the mountains of the West Coast. A large black bear was spotted next to the road, rooting through the brush, occasionally lifting its head to sniff the air. Later there was a huge rattlesnake beside the road. Unfortunately it was when several cars were passing so we didn't get a good look, but it was big, about 4 inches in diameter and maybe 2 feet long.

Lance rode a great race yesterday, countering Beloki's attack on the summit of Mont Ventoux by dancing by him and finishing 2 minutes ahead. He wasn't able to catch Virenque but that really didn't matter. It would have been nice to win the historic Mont Ventoux stage, but it was good to see a great climber like Virenque take it.
posted by Bruce Wright at 9:51 AM #