28: The Buffalo
Buffalo Mountain, Floyd Co., VA B U R K S F O R K, V A The traction control warning light flashes as my right front tire spins in a rut of the steepest, washed-out section of the road leading up Buffalo Mountain – a mountain once owned by Confederate General Robert E. Lee. The engineers who designed my car must have had these type roads in mind when they developed this traction control system which transfers power to the wheels that are in contact with the road. Winter’s snow melt and a wet spring have taken a toll on this minimally maintained dirt and gravel road leading to the summit’s trailhead. Thankfully though, the engineering works. My car pops up and over the challenging rut and begins following a less steep and less washed out section of the road. The traction control warning light remains dark for the rest of the ride. I had a backup plan for if my traction system failed me, but that plan is not call...