Day 19...Welcome to Alabama

Entering Alabama!

I woke around 5 am to the sound of rain drumming down on the roof of the RV. Oh no. Before I let my mind start to race about riding in the rain. I thought, "wait, slow down Emi, maybe it will stop by the time you get up"...

6:30 am. Still raining. Ugh. I looked at the local forecast on my phone and, indeed, there was a 60% chance of rain ALL day. But, hey, no big deal right? We had already spent more than a few days riding in heavy rain in Virginia and we did just fine. Plus today, we had two things going for us:
1. It was warm(ish) outside
2. The roads were flat!

From the first pedal stroke to the last, the rain fell hard, and it was relentless. To make matters worse, I soon realized my bike computer wasn't working (it needs a new battery). This might have been my biggest struggle today: not knowing how many miles I had traveled. Seeing the odometer turn over is a HUGE psychologic boost while riding, especially when you're trying to ride at least 70 miles. I think we can all agree that watching oneself get closer to a goal, 1/4 way then 1/2 way there, for example, is a great motivator.

The roads were wet and very busy so I spent a lot of energy focusing on keeping my bike on the strait and (sometimes) narrow. 84 miles later and soaked to the bone we finally reached Scottsboro, AL. Jim found a great spot for the RV- the local community center parking lot.  We took a hot shower in the facility ($2 guest pass!!!) and for dinner: homemade whole wheat spaghetti + meat sauce. Tummy filled. Time for bed.

Alabama. Nice 'n Flat!

Cotton Fields!

Day 18...What goes up...

Crossing over Tennessee River
Leaving Loudon, TN

Today we rode 86 miles beginning in Karn, TN and traveling through Loudon, Sweet Water, Athens and Dayton, TN, and ending at Pikeville, TN.

Upon leaving Dayton, 70 miles into the ride, we continued onto Dayton Mountain Highway and passed a sign that read "Trail of Tears, Historic Route". For those of you who do not know, or cannot remember, the Trail of Tears refers to the forced relocation of Native Americans from their homeland in the southeastern United States as per the Indian Removal Act of 1830.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trail_of_Tears

Jim had warned us of a long, steep climb coming out of town but we figured it couldn't be as bad as the Blue Ridge Mountains. Or could it? Within 1/2 mile we started to figure out just what we were in for. We began what would be over 4 miles of steep climbing followed by another 3 miles of steep rollers, including one that crested at the start of Central time zone. (At least we gained an hour!)

Finally, after what seemed like hours grinding up the mountain, we reached the summit. At last! And, as we all know, what goes up, must come down! We began a 5 minute, 4 mile, 35-40 mph descent into Pikeville. A nice treat at the end of a long, tough day in the saddle. We found a local Italian restaurant for some pasta and will be hitting the hay early tonight. Tomorrow we will cross into Alabama!

Another bridge over the Tennessee River
Leaving Decatur, TN

Day 17...Footprints

There's something like a line of gold thread running through a man's words when he talks to his daughter, and gradually over the years it gets to be long enough for you to pick up in your hands and weave into a cloth that feels like love itself.  ~John Gregory Brown

The past few weeks my heart has been heavy waiting to hear each day from my dear friend Ali about how her father was doing. Mr. McJunkin (Ali's dad) has been battling with cancer for over 18 months and had, time after time, beaten the odds to live another day, another week, another month, another year, beyond what the doctor's expected. The last time I saw Mr. McJunkin was at Ali's wedding last July. He wasn't supposed to have lived that long and that was over 14 months ago. He walked his daughter down the isle and danced the night away with his wife and family. I can still see him smiling. 

I met Mr. McJunkin in the fall of 1992, when Ali and I both began our sophomore year at The Lawrenceville prep school. I remember Mr. McJunkin's enchanting enthusiasm, humble wisdom and contagious spirit. Mr. McJunkin became an integral part of my time at Lawrenceville and, for as long as I've known Ali (20 years), he has been more than a father to Ali, he has been her best friend. 

Today, 50 miles into the ride, I received a message from Ali saying her father had passed. It took my breath away and I was overwhelmed with grief. I pulled over on the side of the road with a heavy chest and took a moment of silence for the loss of a great man.  

Mr. McJunkin + Ali in the late 1970's

It is with deepest respect and indescribable sorrow that I write this blog today in honor of Mr. Thomas McJunkin and his amazing family.  Love to you all. 

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Route 11, TN

Today we rode 64 miles from Mooresburg, TN to Karns, TN. 

Day 16...1,000 miles and goin'

This morning was warm and dry. We headed out eager to finally get out of Virginia and break the 1,000 mile mark! With the help of google maps + a road atlas, we changed our bike route slightly to bypass Kentucky and, instead, we passed into Tennessee.

State: Tennessee
Capital: Nashville
Nickname: Volunteer State
Population 5.6 million.

Cherokee Lake
Mooresburg, TN

About 20 miles into our ride and just shy of the 1,000 mile mark....BAM, my front wheel popped and I got my fist flat of the ride. Hey, no big deal. I would be thrilled if I only got a flat every 1,000 miles! After a quick inner tube change and tire check we were back on the road. It was warm today and, by mile 60, the sun and heat had definitely fatigued me.

Jim greeted us on his bike at mile 65 and, together, we all road into Mooresburg, TN. After a good stretch and a shower (in the RV) we had a nice meal at a local restaurant called The Country Corner.

Dinner with a view in Mooresburg, TN

83 miles in the saddle today. 1,060 miles down! Tomorrow we will pass through Knoxville, home to The University of Tennessee. Another hot + sunny day is expected. Time to hydrate!

Day 15...Let it Roll

Foggy Morning in Damascus, VA

I never thought I’d say this, but today’s 60 mile ride was a breeze. I woke up sore and very apprehensive about how I would perform today after feeling so beat up yesterday.  The day started off quite cool with a dense fog hovering over Wytheville.  We took off up Route 11 and shivered our way for the next 60 minutes until the sun finally burned her way through the fog. Arm warmers off then shortly leg warmers came off.  Surprisingly, we both felt great.

We made a quick stop for lunch and took off again and, before we knew it, rolled into Damascus, VA. We took our bikes directly to a local bike shop for a tune up. We met some great characters in the store who were kind, funny and generous. Jim met us there. He had found a campground a few miles out of town and brought the jeep, a change of clothes and the laundry.

We ate a fantastic meal at the Whistle Pig Café, got the laundry done and shot back to the RV at  Mount Rogers camp ground for a shower and a look at the maps.  977 miles down. Tomorrow, we will leave the state of VA and enter Tennessee! Yee Haw!

Close up of 1 brick

Brick side walk in Damascus
Part of the Appalachian Trail!

Bike Store in Damascus

Post delay. We are fine just no gps service in Damascus!!

Day 14...Just keep pedaling

Start of Day 14

Today was supposed to be an easy day with an estimated cycling distance of 50 miles and no tough climbs. HA!!! Well, we ended up riding 60 miles and faced more than a few steep, steep climbs. I'm not going to lie, today was tough. I was very fatigued. So was Kevin. We grunted our way through each mile and focused on keeping the pedals and odometer movin'.  At least it was another dry, sunny day, 75 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. We rode from Christiansburg, VA to Wytheville, VA. Along the way we passed a stray cow that escaped from a paddock, an array of barking dogs, Virginia Tech, many halloween-themed houses and an endless stretch of mountains hugging us on either side.  We met up with Jim and the RV at around 3:30pm. We found a wonderful community center in Wytheville and went for a swim, soaked in the hot tub then took a long hot shower before a yummy lentil soup meal. I'm tired and will sleep well for sure.

Cow on the loose!

Halloween House

Cruising by VTech