May 30, 2022
Day 2: Hodgenville, Ky to Springfield, Ky
51.40 miles; 4:25:29 Ride time; 11.4 Ave MPH
Something about camping in the woods made me super inefficient with getting up and at ‘em. I’m still not quite sure how I want my items to be packed, but I also desperately needed to grab some drinks so I had to backtrack to the nearest store; it didn’t look like there was anything on the trail ahead of me for a good bit. I didn’t hit the road until about 10am.
After connecting back to the TransAm, 17 miles into todays ride I run into Wesley & Bill of Indiana at a deserted store. Friendly dudes! These guys are father and son headed towards Oregon. I met them, and the owner of the closed liquor store, in middle-of-nowhere Howardstown. They seemed baffled that I witnessed the two cyclists the day before; they keep hearing about these girls who always seem to be a day ahead of them. Bill pushed Wesley to explain his thesis over eastern Kentucky dogs-gives me an idea of what to look forward to, heh. I was pretty low energy but talking with them got my excited for my next days of riding.
After Howardstown I could see a noticeable change in ecoregion which had me very excited; feeling like I’m making progress on my ride.
The rest of the ride was a blur. I didn’t sleep too well the night before and was still pretty tired physically. I kept stopping on the side of the road to drink and check my map. At one these stops a kind stranger asked if I needed anything. The kind stranger happened to be the owner of a small business/gas station right before New Hope. I sat at his store for awhile, charging my phone and eating. The man said he didn’t realize how many cyclist come through here until he bought his store a few years ago and how he lets them camp outback. I Told him he should contact ACA to add his business to the map.
Loretto was the next little town I rolled through. As I was entering town, I see “Home of Maker’s Mark” then immediately notice the massive buildings housing the bourbon. The smell of bourbon was faint in the air but it was nice. I was enjoying myself on this little clip until some jerk came up beside me and revved his loud ass engine. We exchanged friendly gestures…
I finally make it to Springfield and find a way to get permission to camp at Idle Hour City Park (Memorial Day- all offices closed). I felt taken care of here; the bathrooms were kept open all night and they kept the park lights off in my area so I could sleep.
Tomorrow’s destination: Berea. Stay tuned!
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| Heart | 4 | Comment | 1 | Link |
Kentucky has so many historical markers, many of which commemorate relatively minor events and people. I try to stop and read most of them when I'm on the bike.
2 years ago
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Today's ride: 51 miles (82 km)
Total: 135 miles (217 km)
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