tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2727351756030762092024-02-19T10:49:18.695-05:00Cycling AffairThe Two Wheeled Loves of my LifePaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13449363455877022951noreply@blogger.comBlogger431125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272735175603076209.post-71002471761560857302017-08-11T19:56:00.000-04:002017-08-12T19:57:16.496-04:00The FinaleDay 69 - 8/11/17 - Near Jamestown to Yorktown, VA - 29 Miles<br />
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Lori - In my arms<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHy0emlCOEqwu8GGLSzG1FpbFST1FenC2OMR5Lg0FqfDT7Ur1MHGg-a0RWegVTQbTSWyfYN5WDUoCAhyphenhyphenoveWFHplY4sHPSUGmzduMzHE2aipB9ts2pXbD4q2T_0f_s1VWYoRJHv7jwl8Og/s1600/10697.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHy0emlCOEqwu8GGLSzG1FpbFST1FenC2OMR5Lg0FqfDT7Ur1MHGg-a0RWegVTQbTSWyfYN5WDUoCAhyphenhyphenoveWFHplY4sHPSUGmzduMzHE2aipB9ts2pXbD4q2T_0f_s1VWYoRJHv7jwl8Og/s320/10697.jpeg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Average Speed - Between 10 and 11 mph the whole trip<br />
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Lodging - HOME<br />
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After...<br />
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More than 4000 miles<br />
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More than 400 hours sitting on a bicycle seat<br />
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Around 2,000,000 pedal strokes<br />
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70 nights away from home, sleeping in campgrounds, city parks, county parks, fairgrounds, behind stores, fire stations, jail houses, hostels, churches, houses and motels.<br />
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More than 300 bottles of water/gatorade<br />
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Crossing 10 states<br />
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Being chased by too many dogs<br />
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10s of thousands of feet of climbing<br />
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Enduring cold, heat, wind, humidity, hail, sleet, snow, rain<br />
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...I awoke on the morning of the final day of this incredible adventure.<br />
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I invited folks to join me on this final day, but when I was awoken by rain falling on my tent, I really wondered if anyone would show up. It was awesome when Bob, Dean, Tom and Greg met me at the campground. When we got to Jamestown, Tim was waiting and joined us. Between Williamsburg and Yorktown, Joann (Greg's wife) joined our group. It was really nice to be riding with friends. Their support really meant alot.<br />
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When we got to Yorktown and we crested the final hill and turned toward the finish, I was overwhelmed to see the number of folks that showed up to cheer me to the finish. I can't begin to put into words what it felt like. I was overwhelmed and humbled by the show of support.<br />
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From the bottom of my heart I want to thank everyone that rode with me...everyone that showed up at the finish...everyone that followed along on the blog...everyone that left comments, sent messages, called and prayed. I am truly blessed to have such a great family, friends and coworkers.<br />
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So how do I bring this thing to a close? Well, it's a Finale, so what does that look like??? <br />
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The final camp...<br />
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It's Back to my Real Bed After This</div>
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The final sunset...<br />
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Over the Chicahominy</div>
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The final breakfast...<br />
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I Miss My Smoothies</div>
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The final prep...<br />
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The final ride...<br />
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Colonial Parkway</div>
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The final destination...<br />
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The Pacific</div>
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The Atlantic (well The York River, but close enough)</div>
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The final post...thanks for following!Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13449363455877022951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272735175603076209.post-14845316436614978062017-08-10T20:20:00.000-04:002017-08-10T20:20:25.502-04:00I Just Gotta Do 60 MilesDay 68 - 8/10/17 - Ashland, VA to Near Jamestown- 64 Miles<br />
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Lori - 28 miles away<br />
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Average Speed - With this kinda terrain you would expect it to be up there<br />
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Lodging - Chicahominy Riverfront Park - $31<br />
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I just gotta do 60 miles. That's what I kept telling myself day after day after day... To face over 4000 miles was too overwhelming. Well, as I sit here in my campground on the final night of this journey, I'm ecstatic to be able to say that I don't have to do 60 miles anymore.<br />
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I'm less than 30 miles from finishing!!<br />
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I started riding early this morning and spent the first half of the day working my way around the outskirts of Richmond. I rode through numerous civil war battlefields and stopped often to read the historical markers. The last half of the day I rode on the Capital Trail. It was nice to be on a bike path and not have to worry about looking in my mirror to monitor the traffic behind me.<br />
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For dinner tonight I rummaged through my food bag and ate everything there was minus what I will eat for breakfast. Tomorrow my gear will be the lightest its been on this trip.Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13449363455877022951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272735175603076209.post-55903754500998153582017-08-09T18:43:00.001-04:002017-08-09T18:43:36.173-04:00Portrait of a Bike TouristDay 67 - 8/9/17 - Mineral, VA to Ashland, VA 44 Miles<br />
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Lori - 90 miles away<br />
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Average Speed - I almost passed my first cyclist, but he turned into his driveway<br />
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Lodging - Americamps - $11<br />
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I like this picture, because it captures pretty well how I see myself as a bicycle tourist. One would think that toward the end of a long journey that the picture would be more clear, but I'm finding quite the opposite to be true. So many experiences...so many thoughts...so much inspiration...so much exposure...all in such a short period of time...too much to process! <br />
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In the beginning and it's all so new. <br />
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I'm in the middle and just focused on a day at a time.<br />
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I'm toward the end and the whole experience catches up with me and blows by me like a loaded logging truck on a narrow mountain road. It's hard to hold a straight line.<br />
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I could go on, but this is a blog about bike riding, not philosophy, so let's focus on the ride.<br />
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I woke up this morning to nice cool temperatures. After a cup of coffee and a sandwich from the nearby convenience store, I loaded my bike and was off. The ride today took me through some nice Virginia countryside...<br />
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My original plan was to ride to Mechanicsville and stay in a motel, but they were crazy expensive, so I made the day a little shorter and stopped at a campground. I was a little frustrated with not doing the miles I originally planned until I noticed this across the street...<br />
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Happy...Happy...Happy!!<br />
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To start out so deep. To end so shallow. Wecome to me!Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13449363455877022951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272735175603076209.post-54968928995726268452017-08-08T15:18:00.001-04:002017-08-08T15:18:17.971-04:00Winding DownDay 66 - 8/8/17 - Charlottesville, VA to Mineral, VA - 58 Miles<br />
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Lori - 135 miles away<br />
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Average Speed - Calculating this everyday makes my head hurt<br />
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Lodging - Camping at Volunteer Fire Station - Free<br />
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Today was an uneventful day. I bid Sonny farewell this morning and rode away on a bike fully laden with gear once again. The mountains are done, but don't think for a second that the climbing is over. I climbed over 4000 feet today over undulating hills. <br />
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I rode at a relaxing pace, with no sense of urgency. I'm trying to process the fact that this is my final week. <br />
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Speaking of my final week, let's talk a bit about the end of this ride. I'm expecting to ride into Yorktown on Friday (8/11). Thursday night I will be camping at the Chickahominy Riverfront Park. I plan to start riding at 8ish AM on Friday morning and ride the Virginia Capital Trail to Jamestown. I will be in Jamestown around 9ish AM. I will ride the Colonial Parkway from Jamestown to Williamsburg. I will be in Colonial Williamsburg around 10ish AM. I will continue riding the Colonial Parkway to Yorktown and expect to conclude the ride at the Yorktown Victory Monument at around 11ish AM.<br />
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If you would like to ride with me on the last day for all or any part, I would love the company.Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13449363455877022951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272735175603076209.post-45996260256906884092017-08-07T06:50:00.000-04:002017-08-08T06:51:10.872-04:00Mountains...I Bid Thee FarewellDay 65 - 8/7/17 - Vesuvius, VA to Charlottesville, VA - 61 Miles<br />
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Lori - 195 miles away<br />
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Average Speed - One Word...Vesuvius<br />
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Lodging - Hampton Inn, Charlottesville , VA<br />
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Today was an epic day. After more than 4000 miles and The Cascades...The Bitteroots...The Rockies...The Appalachians...I coasted downhill and finished the mountains. However, before then I had to square off and face the climb out of Vesuvius. It's not the tallest pass. It's not the longest pass. BUT, it's the steepest pass by a long shot. Turns out that today was an absolutely horrible day from a weather standpoint...rainy...cold...foggy! If you want to envision that climb, think wet...from rain...from sweat...from tears...from drool...think wet!<br />
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It was only fitting. My first major pass of this trip was McKenzie. If you'll remember, I was met with cold...rain...sleet...snow. Why should my final pass be any different?<br />
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My friend, Lee, drove up from Newport News, parked at Afton mountain and then rode the Blue Ridge Parkway south to meet me. We intersected just as I crested Vesuvius. We rode the rest of the day together. They say misery loves company...I'm here to tell you, it's true!<br />
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<br />Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13449363455877022951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272735175603076209.post-61473626401444994782017-08-06T19:30:00.000-04:002017-08-06T19:30:11.926-04:00Familiar GroundDay 64 - 8/6/17 - Roanoke, VA to Vesuvius, VA - 67 Miles<br />
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Lori - 255 miles away<br />
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Average Speed - I wish it would make up it's mind<br />
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Lodging - Hampton Inn, Lexington, VA<br />
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This morning the temps were in the mid 50s. I had to add a layer for the first couple hours. Temps in the 50s and low humidity...in VA...in August...how cool (no pun intended) is that?<br />
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This morning I rode into Buchanan, the gateway to the Shenandoah Valley. I crossed the James River...<br />
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I passed through Lexington and crossed the Maury River...<br />
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...and for the first time on this trip, I found myself on roads I've ridden before. Every Summer, my friends, Steve and Bob, and myself spend a weekend riding in the Shenandoah Valley. These roads are our pedaling grounds.<br />
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My ride today ended in the little town of Vesuvius. I am happy to report that my name now decorates the walls of Gertie's Country Store.<br />
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<br />Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13449363455877022951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272735175603076209.post-1821344191061429652017-08-05T19:19:00.000-04:002017-08-05T19:19:00.077-04:00A Dream RealizedDay 63 - 8/5/17 - 32 miles west of Christiansburg, VA to Roanoke, VA - 64 Miles<br />
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Lori - 329 miles away<br />
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Average Speed - Maybe the fastest yet<br />
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Lodging - Hampton Inn, Roanoke, VA<br />
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This trellis is part of the New River Trail, a 50 mile rail to trail that parallels the New River between Pulaski and Galax. A few miles into the ride this morning I came to the little town of Draper. This is where the New River Trail and the Transamerica Trail intersect. A few years ago, I was riding the New River Trail and stopped in Draper to buy some batteries in the small country store across the street. It just so happens that there were some riders on road bikes that were fully laden with panniers front and back. I struck up a conversation with them and they were riding across the country. Here I was riding for the weekend and they were riding across the country. I was envious. After they rode away and I continued on the New River Trail, I kept thinking about how I would like to ride across the country someday. Well that someday is today. It was a moving moment.<br />
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The ride today was very pleasant. I enjoyed amazingly cool temps, low humidity, minimal traffic and beautiful mountain views.<br />
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After a ride like today, what could make it better? How about visiting a brewery or two...<br />
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<br />Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13449363455877022951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272735175603076209.post-72281574413855279622017-08-04T21:15:00.000-04:002017-08-04T21:15:11.427-04:00Sag Support is SweetDay 62 - 8/4/17 - Abingdon, VA to 32 miles west of Christiansburg, VA - 71 Miles<br />
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Average Speed - Decreased by plus 40 lbs<br />
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Lodging - Hampton Inn, Christiansburg, VA<br />
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I left Abingdon early this AM after a difficult goodbye to Lori. To get back on route, I took highway 11 almost the entire day. It was a direct route, with minimal traffic and gentle grades. It was a pleasant ride.<br />
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My friend Sonny met me in Wytheville, relieved me of my gear and I finished the day pannierless...This kinda treatment could spoil me!<br />
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Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13449363455877022951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272735175603076209.post-44127859553409950292017-08-03T05:23:00.000-04:002017-08-04T21:11:48.058-04:00No BurdenDay 61 - 8/3/17 - Breaks, VA to Abingdon, VA - 74 Miles<br />
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Average Speed - Increased by minus 40 lbs<br />
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Lodging - Quality Inn in Abingdon<br />
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his morning it was back in my work clothes and pedal away.<br />
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If you study the above picture closely, you'll also notice something different about my bike. NO BAGS!!! With Lori being there, I was able to ride bag free. It took me a while to get use to the handling of the bike minus the bags, but given the fact that I climbed in excess of 6000 ft. today, it was a welcomed relief.<br />
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The first 41 miles on Route 80 were absolutely splendid. Big mountains and beautiful views. <br />
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The last 33 miles, I went off route and took highway 19 to Abingdon. Highway 19...a 4 lane road...a debris laden, piddly shoulder with a rumble strip down the center...traffic beyond measure traveling at speeds beyond measure...inconsiderate drivers...Those 33 miles were a ride from hell. Enough said!Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13449363455877022951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272735175603076209.post-44541304766797889012017-08-02T06:50:00.000-04:002017-08-03T06:51:06.838-04:00Taking a Break in BreaksDay 60 - 8/2/17 - Breaks, VA - 0 Miles<br />
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Average Speed - N/A<br />
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Lodging - Lodge at Breaks Interstate Park<br />
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My 2nd zero day of the trip. I should take more.Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13449363455877022951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272735175603076209.post-83239683633098567602017-08-01T20:08:00.000-04:002017-08-01T20:08:37.356-04:00VIRGINIADay 59 - 8/1/17 - Hindman, KY to Breaks, VA - 70 Miles<br />
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Average Speed - GRRRR Mountains<br />
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Lodging - Lodge at Break Interstate Park<br />
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It doesn't get any better than that...oh wait...I forgot to mention...Lori was waiting for me at the VA line. Now that's as good as it gets!!<br />
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View From Balcony of My Room</div>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13449363455877022951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272735175603076209.post-82958401351319617452017-07-31T19:45:00.000-04:002017-08-01T20:05:05.923-04:00So Much for an Early StartDay 58 - 7/31/17 - Booneville, KY to Hindman, KY - 67 Miles<br />
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Average Speed - Slowest day yet<br />
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Lodging - Hindman First Baptist Church Youth Center - free<br />
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I had a long day ahead of me in the mountains. So I decided to get an early start. As you can see by the above pic, the weather had other ideas. These narrow, winding mountain roads naturally limit visibility, the fog exacerbates that. I did the only thing I could do...adapt...I rode to a nearby cafe and enjoyed some french toast, sausage and coffee.<br />
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It was still foggy when I started out, but soon enough the fog cleared<br />
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As I suspected, today turned out to be a long day in the saddle...67 miles...over 7 hours riding time...8 climbs...countless hills...5918 feet of climbing! While I am tired, overall I feel good.<br />
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I lost count of how many dogs chased me today. I've gotten to the point that I don't fret it. I just deal with each one as they occur. There was one encounter that I found particularly troublesome. I was on a small, winding county road waaayyy back in the sticks...<br />
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I was worried that maybe I had missed my turn. I passed by this house, which was right on the road. The owner was sitting on the front porch. As soon as I passed by I heard him say, "go boys" and his two dogs lit off the porch and headed for me at full speed. I stopped pedaling and yelled at them to go home and they both stopped in their tracks. I guess I spoiled the fun of the owner, so he whistled and called them back. Unbelievable!Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13449363455877022951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272735175603076209.post-73446655124926201322017-07-30T19:41:00.000-04:002017-08-01T19:42:02.043-04:00Reunited with Mountains...NO DOG!!!Day 57 - 7/30/17 - Berea, KY to Booneville, KY - 51 Miles<br />
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Average Speed - See below pics of mountains<br />
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Lodging - Camping First Presbyterian Church - free<br />
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My breakfast this morning started with this.<br />
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There was a row of blackberry bushes just 50 feet from where I pitched my tent last night. I helped myself to a handful and this morning I added them to my frosted mini wheats. Delicious!<br />
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They say that Berea is the gateway to the Appalachians. 5 miles outside of town this morning, I found out why.<br />
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I've been out of the mountains since I dropped down from Hoosier Pass in Colorado. It's good to be back, kinda. I much more prefer long climbs where I can find a comfortable gear and get in a zone; versus the short, choppy rolling hills I've been enduring in MO, IL and western KY.<br />
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Before closing, let's talk a bit about dogs. All along the trip, I've run into folks that ranted about the dogs in KY. I've been riding in KY for 5 days and I hadn't been chased by a single dog. I was beginning to think all these folks were exaggerating the issue. That is...until today. Not only is Berea the gateway to the Appalachians, it is also the gateway to dogs gone wild! I was chased by half a dozen dogs today. I was prepared for them...<br />
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My dog strategy is:<br />
- do not participate in the chase - that's what most of them want anyway. I simply stop pedaling.<br />
- with a firm voice yell NO DOG!!!<br />
- if they continue to pursue, I blast them with my horn.<br />
- as a last resort, if I feel endangered, I reach for the mace.<br />
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Today, the stopping pedaling and firm voice worked everytime. Let's hope that trend continues!Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13449363455877022951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272735175603076209.post-37096000428275245212017-07-29T16:58:00.001-04:002017-07-30T15:01:01.797-04:00Almost ChillyDay 56 - 7/29/17 - Springfield, KY to Berea, KY - 63 Miles<br />
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Average Speed - Need to factor in the winds<br />
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Lodging - Camping behind fire station - free<br />
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This morning when I pushed my bike outside the motel, I was pleasantly shocked with how cool it was. I was tempted to put on my wind breaker, when I recalled the stifling heat of the last several weeks. Ain't no way I was gonna block any of this cool wind. I relished in it for most of the day.<br />
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Today's ride was uneventful. More rolling hills through scenic, rural Kentucky.<br />
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I am camping behind the local fire station. The lieutenant that showed me around casually commented that tomorrow I ride into the mountains. Really? Did he have to say that? Can't I be given the luxury of relishing in completing another day without worrying about tomorrow until tomorrow? Now I have to worry about tomorrow tonight...Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13449363455877022951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272735175603076209.post-76834548339866329152017-07-28T16:55:00.000-04:002017-07-29T16:56:12.510-04:00I Got WetDay 55 - 7/28/17 - Elizabethtown, KY to Springfield, KY - 54 Miles<br />
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Average Speed - Nothing to sneeze at<br />
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Lodging - Springfield Inn<br />
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Today it misted, drizzled and rained on me pretty much from start to finish. It was a pleasant change to be wet from precipitation instead of wet from perspiration.<br />
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After a wonderful night at Ralph and Pam's home, I was back on the road at 7:30 AM. About 10 miles into the ride, I reached down to shift to my granny gear and nothing happened. My front derailleur was completely frozen. No up...no down...it was stuck solidly on the middle chain ring. Knowing the hills that awaited me, I knew this was bad. Scanning the map for bike shops, I realized that there weren't any in my foreseeable future, I knew this was bad. The first town I came to, I stopped at an auto store and bought some WD-40. I sprayed the derailleur down liberally and tried working it by hand, it barely moved, I knew this was bad. I finally gave up and started riding again giving the lubricant time to do its magic.<br />
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Just outside the town of Loretto, I came across this eerie site.<br />
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There were dozens of the huge black buildings on each side of the road. Was this some kind of secret military facility? Negative.<br />
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These are storage warehouses for barrels of Maker's Mark bourbon. Just think, in these buildings, with each passing day and year, millions of gallons of bourbon is slowly aging and becoming smooth.<br />
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As I neared the town of Springfield, the rain really started in earnest and so...being wet and dealing with a stuck derailleur, I decided to get a motel. I've been riding 70ish mile days for a while now and I was glad to be stopping at 53.<br />
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After getting all settled in my room, I spent a couple hours working on freeing up my derailleur. I'm happy to report that I got it working again.<br />
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<br />Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13449363455877022951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272735175603076209.post-35857839266052950322017-07-27T20:46:00.001-04:002017-07-27T20:46:27.870-04:00Logging Trucks and Amish BuggiesDay 54 - 7/27/17 - Fordsville, KY to Elizabethtown, KY - 69 Miles<br />
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Average Speed - I passed an Amish Buggy<br />
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Lodging - Ralph and Pam's (touring couple I met in WY) house - Free<br />
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So before I get to today, let me tell you a story about last night. As you can tell from my previous post, I stayed in a county campground outside Fordsville. I was the only one there and it was out in the country, away from any civilization. That was bit disconcerting by itself. Anyway, as darkness approached I climbed in my tent. As I was laying there a truck pulls up to a nearby dumpster and starts to throw away trash. They were there quite a while and it was a little uncomfortable. After a bit, the truck backed out and pulled away. I breathed a sigh of relief and promptly fell asleep, only to be awakened an hour later by another truck, without a muffler, pulling up to the pavilion I pitched my tent under. They must have stayed there for the better part of an hour. Once again, I lay in the dark waiting, with all senses on high alert. They finally started the engine and pulled away. I once again breathed a sigh of relief and fell alseep, only to be awakened a couple hours later (1 AM in the morning) by another car pulling into the parking lot. This is when things got interesting. Soon after they pulled up, I heard voices. It was a guy and girl talking as they walked in a big circle around the pavilion. After completing one loop, they started another, this time they were just outside the pavilion. I could just make out their silhouette. About 3/4 of the way around, they stepped under the pavilion where I lay in my tent. At this point, they must have noticed something and stopped just 10 feet from my tent. I heard the girl whisper to the guy "is someone here?" I responded, in a deeper voice than I intended, "just a man trying to sleep". I must have scared the living crap out of them because the girl screamed and started running. I apologized for frightening them and they went on their way. They must have continued walking and talking in the park until 3 AM. It was long night. <br />
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Anyway, today was a very nice ride. There were some big hills, but it was overcast and a lot cooler. That made all the difference in the world. About 30 miles into the ride, Ralph, a guy I met back in WY, came riding from his hometown (Elizabethtown) to join me. We rode the last 40 miles together. I am staying at he and his wife's (Pam) home for the evening. <br />
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A couple pics of the traffic I encountered today. It took a while, but I was able to chase down the horse drawn buggy and blow by them. That's the first vehicle I've been able to pass this entire trip.<br />
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<br />Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13449363455877022951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272735175603076209.post-91136599189845357982017-07-26T20:33:00.000-04:002017-07-28T05:38:20.422-04:00The Land of Dry CountiesDay 53 - 7/26/17 - Clay, KY to Fordsville, KY - 71 Miles<br />
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Average Speed - It seems to keep dropping the further I get across the country...I think<br />
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Lodging - County Park - Free<br />
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A cold beer or two after a long, hot day riding is like a little taste of heaven. No matter how hard the day is, when I take that first sip, I sigh and think..."you know it wasn't all that bad".<br />
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So far, I'm batting a thousand when it comes to picking overnight towns that reside in dry counties. Oh well...it is what it is...but it sucks!<br />
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Once again I was on the road early...<br />
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I've passed through a lot of farmland on this trip and seen all sorts of crops. Today the new one was...<br />
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Tobacco</div>
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The ride today was nice. The hills continue, so I just focus on climbing one at a time while ignoring the speed display on my cycle computer. Otherwise, I get frustrated and start yelling. That's not very productive.<br />
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I've taken to setting up my tent in picnic pavilions...<br />
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There's some practical reasons for doing so. First, I dont have to set up a rain fly so it is cooler at night. Cooler being a relative term. Second, the tent stays dry. There have been storms passing through the last couple evenings, in fact it's storming as I type this. I hate packing up a wet tent. Third, it is easier to pack up in the morning since there are no stakes or rain fly.Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13449363455877022951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272735175603076209.post-78789105161371301762017-07-25T20:26:00.000-04:002017-07-28T05:37:52.017-04:00Look out Virginia...I'm Right Next DoorDay 52 - 7/25/17 - Eddyville, IL to Clay, KY 67 Miles<br />
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Average Speed - That ferry ride brought it down<br />
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Lodging - City Park - Free<br />
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Today I took a ferry ride across the Ohio River. In so doing...<br />
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The Final Jab</div>
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The penultimate state. It is hard for me to get my head around it. I"ve pedaled across 8 states. In some ways it went by so fast and in other ways it seems to be taking forever. I'm ready to get home! This trip has been amazing, but Im tired...physically, mentally and emotionally.<br />
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However, I still have 2 states to finish and more things to experience and discover. So tomorrow it's put my big boy pants on and pedal!<br />
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<br />Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13449363455877022951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272735175603076209.post-21697389712846639532017-07-24T20:51:00.000-04:002017-07-24T20:51:42.636-04:00Rolling Hills and Barbed WireDay 51 - 7/24/17 - Murphysboro, IL to Eddyville, IL- 63 Miles<br />
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Average Speed - I couldn't seem to move it<br />
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Lodging - Hayes Canyon Campground - $15<br />
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Who woulda thunk that there were so many different kinds of barbed wire. Goes to show, you learn something new everyday if you keep your eyes, ears and heart open!<br />
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This morning I couldn't drag myself out of bed. I guess that 87 mile day yesterday wore me out more than I thought. I finally got on the road around 7 AM. <br />
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The hills aren't as steep as in Missouri, but they be a plentiful. Overall today was a pleasant ride. The roads were nice and the traffic was minimal. <br />
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These 60ish mile days are ideal, I need to try and keep my mileage to that and stop trying to push it to bigger days.<br />
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Tonight I'm staying in an actual campground. This is the first time I've paid for a campsite since Colorado. There's no pool either. I miss Kansas!Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13449363455877022951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272735175603076209.post-68535720814711862982017-07-23T21:13:00.000-04:002017-07-23T21:13:44.213-04:00Crossing the Mighty MississippiDay 50 - 7/23/17 - Farmington, MO to Murphysboro, IL - 87 Miles<br />
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Average Speed - I'm really getting tired of tracking this stat<br />
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Lodging - America's Best Value Inn<br />
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Today I crossed a couple milestones.<br />
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First, I crossed the Mississippi River and with that, I'm now in the eastern part of this country.<br />
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Second, upon crossing the river I entered Illinois, the 8th state of this trip.<br />
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Nothing but Net</div>
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As you can see by the mileage and the milestones, this was a big day. The first half of the ride was hilly, while the second half was flat. I think the second half was the more difficult, owing to the heat and the fact that there wasn't an iota of shade!! The sun beat down on me relentlessly. For the last half, I chose an alternate route, which was called the Mississippi Levee Alternate. I'm envisioned riding along this levee with idealic views of the river...NOT...I didnt even see the stupid river. I found myself out in the middle of nowhere...among one lane, poorly marked roads...trying to find my way...did I mention the unrelenting sun that beat down upon my pitiful head???<br />
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Not wanting to paint a doom and gloom picture, there was one bright (poorly chose word..since every pedal stroke was "bright" under that God forsaken sun), there was one oasis of respite along this alternate route...<br />
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The map showed a restaurant in the tiny town of Neunert, and low and behold, when I rode by, they were open! I staggered inside, starving, thirsty and spent. The two ladies working inside treated me like royalty. I drank glass after glass after glass of ice cold water!! I ordered the Reuben sandwich with potato salad and in short order devoured every morsel if this delectable treat. They even filled my water bottles to the brim with ice and water. All of this for the sum of 7 bucks and some change!!! I left there a new man...thank you ladies...or were they angels?Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13449363455877022951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272735175603076209.post-12734152250732001662017-07-22T21:17:00.000-04:002017-07-22T21:17:28.320-04:00I'm Sleeping in Jail TonightDay 49 - 7/22/17 - Ellington, MO to Farmington, MO - 61 Miles<br />
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Average Speed - I pedaled the whole time<br />
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Lodging - Al's Place Hostel - Requested Donation of $20<br />
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The city of Farmington converted the 2nd floor of the old county jail to a hostel for Transam Cyclist. What a jewel.<br />
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Today was an easier day than yesterday. There were less hills and they weren't as steep. I didn't have to push my bike...WooHoo!<br />
<br />Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13449363455877022951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272735175603076209.post-19746302195152416262017-07-21T18:34:00.000-04:002017-07-22T18:38:38.552-04:00Early Mornings...An Answer to Prayer...Simple LodgingDay 48 - 7/21/17 - Houston, MO to Ellington, MO - 71 Miles<br />
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Average Speed - I pushed my bike up several hills.<br />
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Lodging - Route 76 Bike Hostel - Free (donations accepted)<br />
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I like riding in the early morning. It's like the countryside is just waking up, but hasn't yet wiped the sleep from its eyes.<br />
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Today I hit the big or should I say steep hills of MO. For the first time on this trip, there were a handful of times that I couldn't spin the pedals another revolution and was forced to push. I'm not upset about it, when riding a fully loaded touring bike, pushing is part of the experience. It's not a pleasant one, but an experience all the same. I'm riding through the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and the scenery does not disappoint (that is when my head isn't down pushing the bike).<br />
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This afternoon I underestimated the amount of time it would take me to ride the last 26 miles. Why? Reread previous paragraph about steep hills and pushing. The map showed a NPS campground that was to be my water resupply point. Imagine my shock when I got there and it was closed. I had one bottle of water left and 14 miles to go. The temps were hoovering close to 100 and there was more pushing to be done. I prayed a silent prayer...God I need some help here. About 5 minutes later a rider catches me from behind. He is with a church group that is riding across the country. He gives me some of his water and then alerts his support group a couple miles further up the road. They have water and ice waiting for me!!!! Coincidence? I think not.<br />
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The Chamber of Commerce here in Ellington provides this amazing little place to stay.<br />
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The room is maybe 15' X 15'. They provide cots. A bathroom with a shower. A small fridge. The best part...a window AC!!! The last few nights I've been laying in my tent sweating profusely. Tonight I have my own little piece of air conditioned heaven!Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13449363455877022951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272735175603076209.post-36019431851144693262017-07-20T18:28:00.000-04:002017-07-22T18:36:13.657-04:00It Is What It IsDay 47 - 7/20/17 - Mansfield, MO to Houston, MO - 67 Miles<br />
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Average Speed - TBD<br />
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Lodging - City Park - Free<br />
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I was on the road shortly after 5:30 this morning. I could continue to drone on about the heat, humidity and hills, but, what's the point? It is what it is! Let's focus on something I can control...<br />
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Pedaling...<br />
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Enjoying the ride...<br />
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Once again, I'm staying in a city park and within a stone's throw is the community pool. I spent the afternoon lounging and swimming and eating freezer pops. Ain't nothing wrong with that.<br />
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The last couple days I've been riding and camping in the company of the couple from England (David and Jess) and Seth from CA. I've really enjoyed their company. In the evenings we sat around the picnic table and enjoyed a couple cold beers and talked. I suspect tomorrow we will be going separate ways. They are riding a short day tomorrow and taking a rest day the following day to enjoy a river float. I will be pushing on! I am saddened to part company.Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13449363455877022951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272735175603076209.post-47447829291119942242017-07-19T15:44:00.001-04:002017-07-19T15:44:56.445-04:00When the Route has Other PlansDay 46 - 7/19/17 - Ash Grove, MO to Mansfield, MO - 49 Miles<br />
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Average Speed - Higher than yesterday<br />
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Lodging - County Fairgrounds - Free<br />
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While I enjoyed my rest day thoroughly, it was good to be back on the bike. <br />
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This pic captures well what I faced all day today. The hills are challenging and I had to scale back my expectations of speed and distance. I must admit though, the curves and hills are a nice change from the long, straight, flat roads of eastern CO and most of KS.<br />
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My initial plan was to ride to Hartville, which is another 27 miles down the road, but the high temps and terrain had different plans.<br />
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I think the 70+ miles days are over for a while. I'm finding that it's much less stressful, mentally and physically, when I'm flexible regarding my schedule and just accept what the ride hands me.Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13449363455877022951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272735175603076209.post-89097157564385371862017-07-18T22:22:00.000-04:002017-07-18T22:22:47.488-04:00True Rest DayDay 45 - 7/18/17 - Springfield, MO to Springfield MO - 0, none, zippo, nadda Miles<br />
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Average Speed - N/A<br />
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Lodging - Staying with Family - Free<br />
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Finally, after 44 days of climbing on my bike and pedaling...today was...a day where my butt never touched the saddle, my feet didn't clip into the pedals, my head donned no helmet, my hands were free of gloves and spandex lay idle in my bag.<br />
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Though today didn't include riding, it was a busy day.<br />
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I showered my bike with some much needed TLC. After a good washing, I replaced the rear tire that I split back in Wyoming. I was amazed at how worn the thread was on it. I installed a new chain and handlebar tape. Finally I made adjustments to the brakes and derailleurs and then tightened all the nuts and bolts. Mechanically my bike is fit and ready to tackle the rest of this country.<br />
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It has been awesome being with family. Mary and Eric have been awesome hosts. Thank you both so much and Mary I want to specifically thank you for...the spaghetti dinner last night...the local and organic chocolate milk...driving me around...the filet mignon dinner tonight...the chocolate meringue pie...it was all very kind and thoughtful!!Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13449363455877022951noreply@blogger.com0