Confused: title says Indiana but text says Illinois. I'm pretty sure the text is correct, as Cave in Rock is on my itinerary too.

Thanks, Jeff! Yep, planning to stay at the church. Didn't know about the dairy bar or the drug store, so thanks for the tips!

The Dairy Bar in Sebree will have your ice cream, and there's also an old-fashioned drug store with a soda fountain in town.

The free lodging at the Baptist Church will help lower your daily expense average after your splurge in Falls of Rough ;)

Chad had a good idea about dog treats. I hope you don’t have another encounter, but keep some dog treats with you… nothing better than food to distract them.

You’re handling those obstacles (dogs, tornado, etc.) like a pro, Chris. I have so much respect for you. Your confidence is off the charts! Oh, and I'm happy Betsy was there to keep you company!

Excellent tip! Thanks.

Hi, Rick, thanks for reading and asking about this! I don't remember which post it was, but I mentioned in one of my blog entries why I'm describing as much as I am in each caption: It's because there is no way on this site to add "alt text," where you would normally put this kind of descriptive text, which is used by screen readers for those with visual impairments or blindness. I'll admit I don't have as much experience with this as I should, but that is the reason — I'm trying to give everyone access to what is shown in the photos, and much of that will seem obvious to those of us who can see them.
May I ask if you are using a screen reader? If so — and you think I'm going overboard with the captions— then your criticism is exactly what I need to hear, so thank you. If not, well, I still hear you and I'm trying to find a happy middle ground. (And if anyone else using a screen reader sees this, I'd be very interested in your feedback on the captions!)

Just a mild criticism. When you post a picture, you don't have to describe everything in the picture. Your bike, a tree, your gear, etc. Actually save you some time too.

Wet feet: when forced by circumstances to ride in the rain, I generally take off my socks. That way I don't have that extra squelchy layer to contend with. I'm just as wet, but less annoyingly so.

Get hold of some newspaper. Crumple it up and stuff it in wet shoes, letting it site for a good long while (like overnight). It helps draw moisture out of the inside and dries them more quickly than air and heat alone. They'll still be damp, of course, but the overall drying process will be quicker.

"...I'm going to run into scenarios that I didn't expect and I'll have to adjust my expectations and change plans. That's part of the adventure."

I'm pretty sure you've just described life in general, not just life on a cycling tour.

One thing I DON’T do any more is pull out the pump and use it as a weapon to ward the dog off. The last time I tried this was about 40 years ago, when I stuck it through the front spokes and went over the handlebars. It did however stop the dog, who seemed astonished.

We don’t bike in loose dog country often, so I generally get by with shouting and getting off the bike as a last resort. The water bottle is pretty useless in my experience. If I lived in Kentucky I’d probably carry Halt also.

Thanks, Jeff, great tip! And that's really nice of you to offer, but I'll look for it in stores, thanks!

The "Halt!" brand pepper spray is the best for stopping dogs, in my opinion experience.

It shoots in a stream, and is easy to aim, even while riding.

It's designed specifically for repelling dogs - mailman carry it with them.

I almost always carry it on rides. A sizeable percentage of touring cyclists I encounter carry it.

Most bike shops in this region sell it. A cyclist who stayed at our place last month left his behind by mistake, so I've got an extra can if you want it. The TransAm is probably too far from us to justify your riding here to get it, but I could probably bring it to you if you stop for the night in Sebree or Utica.

Ha, I'm glad you haven't let that go. I promise to visit the next chance I get. But unfortunately the original Cookie Lady has left this world, and I've heard you can still stop by the house to see lots of paraphernalia: https://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/people/twice-an-angel/?amp

Yikes, sorry to hear this! Thanks for sharing. Any tips for what to do when they get too close, or do you recommend the water bottle squirt or dismount and keep the bike in between?