Larry's log:
It was another 78 degree morning when we departed at 6 am. The route out of town was a nice meander on some quiet, shaded, country roads. About 20 minutes later, we turned onto a more main road just in time for a freight train to begin crossing. As luck would have it, this was probably the longest one we have seen on this trip so far!
The remainder of Kentucky was pretty much rolling terrain, with crop and horse farms. There has also been a noticeable increase in the number of churches since we've been in Kentucky, although I had started noticing a few more in eastern Missouri and Illinois as well. We did pass by a strip mine and rock quarry, as well. However, all in all, this state was a very welcome change from Illinois. Also, it was not heating up as fast today, due to the trees shading the roads, and a few more clouds around.
The last "major" town we passed through before entering Tennessee, was Elkton. It was a nice Southern style town with the courthouse square and quaint, shady residential areas around. We didn't go far enough around the courthouse, and ended up on the wrong road heading out of town. But, we quickly noticed our mistake (when we saw two other cyclists backtracking!), and got back on the route. At least we got to see a bit more of this nice place.
At Mile 78 was the Tennessee border, and pictures again! A few other riders arrived at that spot just after we did, so I helped them snap a few photos, also. Then it was five more miles to lunch in the small community of Barren Plains, TN. On the way to lunch, I spotted what some might consider to be a stereotypical Tennessee setting; a porched wooden building on a large property, with a mobile home nearby and lots of goats running around (it was probably a goat farm). I halfway expected to see some guy come out barefoot to tend to the still in the backyard. But, other than that, the rest of the way to lunch was much as Kentucky had been. The only difference I think I really noticed was there were fewer black butterflies fluttering around Tennessee. For some reason, these seemed to be everywhere we rode in Kentucky.
After lunch, we were on TN Route 25, which was a quiet, scenic two lane road. One change I noticed was that while there were still many trees around, they were farther from the road now. But, that was made up for somewhat by an increase in cloud cover. About 15 miles past lunch we were in Cross Plains, TN. There was a sign that this had been the first settlement in this county; I think I read 1780-something. The "main" part of town with a few businesses and residences was maybe half a mile or one mile long. There were American flags on the lightposts and many of the houses were displaying them as well.
At about Mile 110, 20 miles from our destination we turned onto TN 109, which was a four lane, divided road for about five miles. Man, was it hot! All of the extra concrete really makes a difference. After it became two lane, we crossed the Cumberland River. I saw a local rider coming the other way on the road, reminding me that it was the weekend! Then, it was about 15 miles on a semi-rural/residential two lane road. About five miles from town, we passed by the Friendship Christian School. I presume it was a K-12 school, as it was huge. Coming into town, we passed a country club area, a commercial strip, then the downtown square, followed by a run down area, and then the motel strip.
The Weather Channel showed the local temperature as 98, with a heat index of 108. We are about 20 miles from Nashville. I saw on the news that Dell Computer is building a new plant here. There is one observation I have made about these high heat indices. I think when you start out in the morning and work into it throughout the day, it's more tolerable than if you just walk out into it from an air conditioned building later in the day. The last few days have been hot and uncomfortable on the bike However, the short walks to dinner have seemed far worse.
-- Larry Schwartz
Another hot and humid morning. Nothing new!! As usual, I had the theme music of the "Local Forecast" of the Weather Channel in my head for the first 20 miles or so!! The morning TV program of choice for us cyclists!!
The scenery was more of trees and the crops were corn and tobacco, for the most part. Passed thru a few quaint towns. Took a wrong turn in Elkton but actually enjoyed the scenery since they had some neat old homes. When we returned to main square, one of the town locals asked us how many miles we could bike on a gallon of Gatorade. I had to think about that one for a little bit. My guess is about 25 to 30 miles on a day like today.
We did the usual photos at the Tennessee border and continued to lunch. The ride today was fairly hilly, but there were not many steep climbs. I am continuing to have knee pain but I discovered that if I stand up sometimes on the climbs then I can relieve it. Plus Daniel can rest a little bit too.
The last part of the ride was a real experience for us. We missed a turn and ended up taking main highways into town. And the traffic made the temperature feel twice as hot! We both laughed at the sign that said "August Heat, Drink Plenty of Fluids."
The local news media was excited about our arrival and I did get interviewed for the local paper. I was asked about the good and bad and memorable parts of the trip. I'd love to get a copy of the article.
Tonight was my massage night and Barb, the trip's massage therapist, worked on my knees and back. Dinner next door at the Italian restaurant was great. Now it is bed time and we need to get some rest prior to the ride tomorrow. 128 miles and 7000 feet of climbing. Ouch!!!!
Judith Jolly (and Daniel Schaaf)