OnTheTrace: Tobacco Road

The day began pleasantly (our mornings almost always do) but the hills never stopped. We took a little break at Black Gnat, an unincorporated spot on the map, with a small convenience store that had probably been there since the beginning of time, and smoked in 24/7. But the little wooden park bench outside suited our needs fine, as we imbibed on the routine comestibles.

We were in the heart of Barren County. We traversed tobacco fields, a crop we had not seen before. Although the views were stunning, the hills made the ride less enjoyable. Late in the day, Diane lost control of her bike as she came to a stop, and toppled off her bike. Although she has fallen several times over her thousands of touring miles, she had gone over 6000 miles since her last fall. And for the first time, the fall was hard enough to crack her helmet. But no broken bones, only a minor abrasion on the elbow and brusing on the left arm, leg and tailbone. She was pretty shook up, but rode for a mile or so, to where we could get a truck assist.

Once again, a pick-up driver to the rescue. His name is Brian, an older gentlemen with a good sense of humor and sense of service to others. The sermon at his church that Sunday was about being a friend, and that was on his mind when he answered our plea for help. He delivered us to the lovely MyrtleDene Bed and Breakfast in Lebanon, Ky. We finished the night by eating large servings of Mexican food. Tomorrow we try to make 70+ miles but that may well prove undoable. Stay tuned for the day time reality show, The McDaniels Try to Make Their Miles.

One of the many Kentucky back roads of the day.