Day 36 (6/1/22): Trail Angels

Start:                  Booneville, KY

End:                    Hindman, KY

 Mileage:             67 miles

Elevation:           5,353 feet

 I’m reversing the order today based on the wonderful people I’ve encountered over the past 24 hours.

What am I Grateful for Today?

It’s raining trail angels. 

I was joined by another cyclist at the church campground in Booneville last night.  Tom is heading west (like everyone else) and decided to pitch camp in the same place as me.  The facilities weren’t great (good thing the Dollar General was within walking distance and didn’t mind cyclists using their restrooms), but they worked.  Tom is riding to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s.  His family and friends have been impacted by this awful disease, and he’s decided to do something about it.  It also turns out Tom is a part-time bike mechanic who managed to figure out how to solve the problem I mentioned with my gears in yesterday’s entry (my tinkering was not the right solution).  He also figured out how to adjust my saddle—something Tish and I could not get right.  Let’s just say things were much more comfortable today.  Tom was just good company as well.  We had lots to share since we were each heading in the direction from which the other had just come.

About 10 miles from my destination tonight (Hindman), my GPS tracker tried to convince me I was off course.  I tend to listen when it tells me I’ve gone off track, so as I was trying to figure out where I’d gone wrong (turns out I hadn’t) when a gentleman from across the street asked me if I’d like a bottle of water and also take a break from the afternoon heat in his shaded yard with his wife and granddaughter.  The offer was too good to refuse, and I spent the next 30 minutes or so talking to Blaine, Sandy, and Katie (sorry if I’ve mis-spelled your names).  It was so nice to hear about how Blaine has lived in the same town all his life.  He pointed across the street to an old gas station that his parents used to run and the house next door in where he grew up.  We talked about the coal industry in Kentucky (Blaine was a machine operator for 50 years!), their 8 grandchildren (all within driving distance…how lucky), my trip and more.  A pure delight and the highlight of my day.

But wait, there’s more.

I’m staying in the Hindman Baptist Church Cyclists Hostel this evening (and next as it turns out out).  All of the westbound cyclists I’ve encountered raved about this place, and they were right.  They allow cyclists to stay in their youth hall (a couch tonight…no tent), allow you to use their shower and washing machines, and also provide full use of their kitchen.  It’s such a great and unique ministry.  I’m so appreciative.

Lastly, I’ve been communicating with Paula Fairchild—a JDRF riding coach in KY—since before I started the ride.  Like Scott Kasper in NM, we wanted to connect when I headed through her neck of the woods.  Tonight, she was good enough to drive 60 miles from her home to join me for dinner.  We had a great conversation about previous and upcoming JDRF riding events, marathons (she races as well), and of course T1D.  Her daughter is the same age as Lexie and was diagnosed at 8 years.  Her sister has it, and she has an uncle who has passed away from the disease as well.  It’s impacted her family very hard, and as a result, she’s become super involved in JDRF.  She’s a riding coach which means she helps riders prepare for the many JDRF riding events across the country and also participates in the events helping and motivating riders along what are typically 100-mile courses.  In addition to being a riding coach, she also advocates for more funding and faster approvals of T1D treatments in D.C. on a regular basis.  We’ve used the word “inspiring” a lot over the past few months, Paula (and Scott) certainly inspire me.  Paula was also kind enough to bring me a care package of snacks and other gear for riding.  On top of all this, we had a delicious dinner at the Italian joint across the street from the hostel.

Today’s Ride

A tough one as we get into the heart of the Appalachians.  Any time you climb more than a mile, you know you’ve put in a hard day.  Today’s entertainment featured eight, 400-800 foot ascents and some decent undulation in between.  The air was a still and heavy making things a bit rougher, but again, I put it in my lowest gear and just worked the hills. I was glad 6 of the 8 ascents were in the morning, and it was so nice to have all my gears working (thanks again Tom).

Funny dog story.  I was coming up to a small hill, and sure enough, there’s Fido just waiting for me.  But then the funniest thing happened.  He looked at me and just got out of the way.  Finally, I’m getting the respect I deserve.

I’m posting Wednesday’s update on Thursday, but my next rest day which was supposed to be Sunday will move to Thursday because of rain.  (Got that?)  Lots of ascending and descending on the next part of the route—not the type of stuff you want to do when it’s wet.  The folks at church said it’s o.k. to stay another day, so I’ll likely be holed up in the hostel all day.  No post for Thursday unless something inspiring happens.