Just started reading your journal - reliving old memories, the Transam was my first long self-supported solo tour in 2015 when I was 62. I think the coal industry had died down a bit from your tour to when I rode it in 2015 - there were a few coal trucks but not nearly as many as you experienced. Looking forward to reading the rest of your journal.

PS,

In an odd coincidence, we moved to within about 20 miles of Sebree a couple of years ago. I ride past the Baptist church all the time, and of course I see touring cyclists on the road down there fairly often in the summer.

Hi Amy, thanks for reading my journal - now almost 14 years old! It's hard to believe it's been that long since my first bike tour. Hopefully the journal is not too out-of-date to act as a resource for you.

You might want to check out this journal, another one from 2006, which is more entertaining than mine: https://www.cycleblaze.com/journals/circumtrektion/

That one was written by a woman doing the TransAm solo (except for the first week or so.) Perhaps I'm biased about its quality because I was avidly reading it while I was doing my own tour that year, and although I failed to catch up with her that summer, we met in person the next year, and have now been married for 10+ years.

Have a great ride this summer!

Hello! I found your blog as I've been planning my ride for this summer. I rode in 2016 from Yorktown to Goreville, IL and plan to resume and continue west! I loved the accommodations in Sebree. I didn't take as many photos as you did, so it's really nice to look through your blog. I'm also using it as reference for mileage and places to stay. Thanks for all the time that went into writing and posting! ~Amy

That’s quite an accomplishment!