Left Nashville back in Rhythm but Kentucky is ready to Rumble

Wednesday, September 24.  Diane took a relaxing approach to the morning, lingering over breakfast, taking her time packing up, and making sure this Blog was completely up-to-date, so we weren’t on the road until 9:25.  The first thirty miles were a relaxing roll out of Hendersonville, even as we made excellent time.  The hills were manageable, the weather agreeable, and we rode north on 31E on a 12 foot shoulder that was smooth and debris-free.  But then, we crossed into Kentucky.  OMG!  A narrow shoulder with a rumble strip down the middle, and ever-increasing traffic, including lots of semis. Those truck drivers were professional, courteous, and safety-conscious, as were the other motorists.  But riding in that situation was taxing and fatiguing at best.  So after four miles we decided to try a side road.  Mistake.  The hills took on the characteristics of a major rollercoaster - except you got to push your ride uphill. We self-corrected at Scottsville, and returned to 31E.   Surprise!  A brand new surface, wider lanes, huge shoulders, no rumble strips.  Unfortunately, this only lasted for 4 miles, when the new pavement stopped and the ugly stuff returned, in spades!  But we persevered, and arrived Glasgow in time to partake of an excellent steak dinner.  We are staying at the Hall B&B, a lovely home with a rich history.

A number of Tennessee acreages had slate fences.  This is the most impressive one we rode by.  

 

Just was struck by this vestige of the past.

Excellent Tennessee road.

 

 

Horrible Kentucky Hwy 31 rumble strip. Now imagine yourself riding the white line with two semi-trucks meeting each other. (As they say, Do not try this at home.)

 

 

But you can get a fine meal in Kentucky.  This "onion bloom" weighing in at one pound was excellent. (I tried to eat the whole thing, but failed - Rob.) And steak was perfectly done. 

 

 

 

PS



There seems to be two approaches to managing the items you take on a bicycle trip. Some people like to unload as little as possible from their panniers each night.  Thus minimizing the time it takes to be ready to ride each morning.

Others seem to want to make sure everything is still there each night and carefully  re-pack their panniers each morning .  (Diane, I am just saying - Rob.)