Unbridled Spirit

I have made it to my second state, Kentucky - famous for horse racing and whiskey, hence the unbridled spirit slogan (which I think is excellent marketing!).

I am slowly making my way out of the Appalachians, which although beautiful, are very hard to admire on a bicycle, when steep inclines are your worst nightmare.  I am looking forward to the plains of Kansas!  It is very hot and very humid at the moment, so add in the hills, and the riding has been difficult to say the least.

The area I have recently been cycling through is big coal country, and one has to be very careful of the juggernauts coming up and down the roads!  If I hear them coming, I just pull over instantly to let them passed - I have heard a number of stories about cyclists being in the way!

The night before last, I stopped for the night at a Methodist church which welcomed cyclists.  It had a kitchen and hall, adjacent to the church, with food and the choice of sleeping inside.  After a tough day, and a particularly hard climb before, I thought it was my lucky day.  However, maybe due to a lot of sun, dehydration and tiredness, the place creeped me out, especially as it was in the middle of nowhere and the house next door was empty (also through in a graveyard).  I set up by bed inside, and was tucking myself up and reading the cyclist guestbook, but I then read a number of messages saying that the place was haunted by an old lady, who although nice, liked to knock and check out the guest.  Well, I freaked out big time, and gathered all my stuff and set up the tent in the grounds around the church!  Did not sleep to well!

Yesterday I noticed that my back wheel had buckled and was rubbing against the brake, so we had a bit of a drama!  However, today, my faith in humankind was definitely restored.  I stopped at a shop asking for the sheriff's number (to get help in finding a bike shop), but the people were incredibly kind and offered to drive me to the next big town.  I could not have asked for more hospitable people to help!  If they read this blog - Donna, Brenda, Kevin and Tim - thank you so much!

Tonight I am in a non too glamorous motel in the town of Hazard!  I think dinner for one at the next door Taco Bell is calling!!!