Ding, ding, ding! One of their best.

The Weight, The Band

Ian, I sent you an email.

Jeff

Thanks Jeff. You’re the second person to tell me I will be chased by dogs in Kentucky. My email is Iankgordon@ yahoo.com. If you are ok with sharing your contact info there I’d appreciate it.

I’ll look for halt at the next bike shop.

Ian

It's interesting that you're finding the drivers in Missouri to be mostly alright. I consider Missouri to have the worst drivers in the 40+ states in which I've bike toured. That was based mostly on my experience in Missouri on the TransAm in 2006, and a few short excursions other times, so maybe things have improved?!

When you reach Kentucky, I strongly recommend staying in the First Baptist Church in Sebree. It's very, very nice: Cyclist-only shower, a washer and dryer, and a kitchen.

I live about 24 miles north of Sebree, and am down that way a lot on the bike.

If you happen to need anything while you're in the area, don't hesitate to get in touch with me.

PS,
You will be chased by dogs in Kentucky, but it's really not that big of a deal. Maybe pick up a can of "Halt!" dog pepper spray if you see one (they likely have it at one of the Carbondale, Illinois bike shops.)

Jeff

I love that guy! Good Karma needs to find him!

George thanks for your comments. I’m finding the people in Missouri to be particularly nice and the drivers to be very courteous. As for the culture, my observation is that the areas the TransAm visits are mostly rural and culturally very different than the places I’ve lived and/or worked. Different isn’t bad, it’s just different.

Absolutely riding the ribbon! The biggest issue I have with it is that you can never get in a rhythm. Have experienced some 10-12% grades but they are very short. The ribbon on the other hand is relentless.

I’ve ridden the Blue Ridge from north to south and done a lot of centuries out there when I lived in Chapel Hill. Then moved to Oregon and now living outside Boulder, CO. So I guess I’ll see if I still have climbing legs when I get farther east.

Stay safe out there.

Ian

Since nobody warned you about Missouri, I'll warn you after the fact. MO has a few steep hills, but only a couple that are similar to the Appalachians in KY & VA. MO is mostly just a continuous roller coaster ride, but it will help prepare you for eastern KY and VA.

And just a brief "cultural warning" seems in order; MO & KY are backwards states with regards to education, healthcare, etc. Most of the folks are friendly, but unfortunately there are those who don't understand why a cyclist should be on "their" road and slow them down for a few seconds - hopefully you won't meet any such folks.

Is it too late to consider rerouting onto the Katy Trail? As a former railroad right-of-way it'll skip all those nasty Ozark dips and rises. You can pick up the TransAm once again when you cross the Mississippi at Chester, IL.

Ok you are not a wuss …..riding on a roller coaster in the pouring rain ……cold …..merits a dry night of sleep
I’d say you are being pretty darn smart ☺️

Oh yeah Jim Mcman says that part of Missouri sure is hilly 😜……guess you just didn’t ask the experts before you entered MO ……

Stay safe love ❤️ (stay dry and warm when ya can )😘

Whew, bro, it was looking a little dim for a while there. But based on the picture of you with Cookie, things are looking better now. Good pecan pie does that to you. You have already detected more diversity in what you see as you ride, e.g., 3 dead armadillos. The shower at the winery is hilarious.

Ya know love …..I think this is gonna be a good state …..your post already sounds sooooo much happier 😉☺️

I told mrs g you had to stop by here

Agreed barn 2 is the best one

“even a blind squirrel finds an acorn every now and again”….
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂