Michael checked in tonight to say that he and C&C are camping on top of a mountain near the intersection of Lee County, Owsley County, and Jackson County, KY. They left the Hamblin family house this morning only to be followed for about 2 miles by the family's German Shepard. They stopped in Buckhorn to see the cathedral which has an impressive organ and considerable flood damage from a flood in the 60's. Michael said he took some pictures, so hopefully they'll be coming soon. They stopped in Booneville for a lunch/dinner at a diner there. In addition, they met their first West --> East biker: a guy going from LA to NYC.
In total, they did about 50 miles of hills today. Soon they'll be out of hilly country and on to the flat, flat Great Plains. (Just to give an idea, it's pretty darn impressive how big the Appalachians are still considering they are 480 million years old! In contrast, the Colorado Rockies are only about 75 million years old.) They're aiming to hit Berea, KY tomorrow and take a half day break. Michael said he's having some trouble with his tire being "sketchy" and that Calum is having trouble with his cassette. So they're hoping for a bike store in Berea. That's all for today!
Friday, June 6, 2008
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Slow Day
Michael called late tonight, nearly midnight Eastern time. I was expecting that they didn't have service tonight, but apparently it was just a very long day. Here is the map of the past two days.
View Larger Map
Last night the crew stayed in Hindman, KY. Michael got separated from C&C (Claire and Calum) and waited for them at the main crossroads in the town for a while. They had planned to stay at the Bed and Breakfast in town because it had specials for bicyclists. He rode up to the B&B after waiting for a while and then C&C didn't show up until 9:30 or 10 at night. They ordered pizza for dinner and didn't get to bed till about 1.
As a result, this morning they didn't get out until just after noon. They hoped to make it to Booneville today, but because of the late start and setbacks they didn't make it. Just north of Hazard, KY Claire was having cramps so they went to a clinic there to get her some medicine. Nearly 4 hours later they were back on the road but much behind schedule. They were unable to stay in Chaives, KY and were planning just to "stealth camp" somewhere along the road, but a sheriff pulled up and told them that they had to continue to the next town. Somewhere in here a family pulled up and said that they would pick them up and take Michael, C&C to their home. Michael said that they are staying in the family's basement and were fed some dinner as well. The house is in Gays Creek, KY between Chavies and Buckhorn on the map.
Michael was unsure of the plan for tomorrow, but they are hoping to get out early to make up for today's lost time. Still no pictures, but maybe coverage will be stronger near Lexington, KY and we can get some more photos. Maybe even one with Michael in it!
View Larger Map
Last night the crew stayed in Hindman, KY. Michael got separated from C&C (Claire and Calum) and waited for them at the main crossroads in the town for a while. They had planned to stay at the Bed and Breakfast in town because it had specials for bicyclists. He rode up to the B&B after waiting for a while and then C&C didn't show up until 9:30 or 10 at night. They ordered pizza for dinner and didn't get to bed till about 1.
As a result, this morning they didn't get out until just after noon. They hoped to make it to Booneville today, but because of the late start and setbacks they didn't make it. Just north of Hazard, KY Claire was having cramps so they went to a clinic there to get her some medicine. Nearly 4 hours later they were back on the road but much behind schedule. They were unable to stay in Chaives, KY and were planning just to "stealth camp" somewhere along the road, but a sheriff pulled up and told them that they had to continue to the next town. Somewhere in here a family pulled up and said that they would pick them up and take Michael, C&C to their home. Michael said that they are staying in the family's basement and were fed some dinner as well. The house is in Gays Creek, KY between Chavies and Buckhorn on the map.
Michael was unsure of the plan for tomorrow, but they are hoping to get out early to make up for today's lost time. Still no pictures, but maybe coverage will be stronger near Lexington, KY and we can get some more photos. Maybe even one with Michael in it!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Kentucky!
Michael has called in to say that he, Calum, and Claire have made it to Kentucky! They are spending the night in Elkhorn City, KY. Apparently the day was a bit slow and disappointing mileagewise. I'm not aware what the total mileage was however, sorry!
The group was in hilly country and Claire even saw a bear! Michael and Calum were/are jealous of this sighting, though from what I could tell Claire wasn't best pleased to be the "lucky" one to spot it. Perhaps there are more to come, but they might just have to wait till they get to Wyoming for bears.
The group road out of Council, VA early this morning. They rode up to Haysi, VA and got some groceries. Then they rode on up to the VA/KY border. There was a quick break at the "Grand Canyon of the South," a gorge along the route. Continuing on, they next stopped and spent a good deal of time at Breaks Interstate Park trying to find a log for bikers to sign in. It was important for the three to find this log and sign because the log is used to promote awareness for alternative transportation and bicycling in Virginia. Then they pushed on to Elkhorn City, KY for the night.
View Larger Map
In addition to the roads, thunderstorms rolled over throughout the day. Here is a radar from this evening of the east coast. Notice the storm cells located now over VA. In the afternoon these were moving from Kentucky to Virginia, right over the crew's route. There were no problems, but Michael reported very wet roads and rain. Right now the radar shows scattered, light showers where Michael is staying and very severe weather to the north, along the Ohio border.
The weather tonight should not be a problem, however, because the three are staying in the basement of a church. Some female church members had a dinner meeting tonight and there was enough leftover food that they invited the three bikers to share. Michael said he was stuffed with deviled eggs, salad, ham sandwiches, chicken sandwiches, pasta, cheese and crackers, strawberry jam, and chips. Finally lots of dessert. The following list is a direct quote from Michael and he said that he had some of each thing listed: peanut butter things, chocolate and nut things (bar form), chocolate cake, chocolate pie, coconut cake, and gelatin peach goodness with nuts. Now off to bed sleepy and full!
Tomorrow the crew is aiming for Pippa Passes, KY. Good luck!
The group was in hilly country and Claire even saw a bear! Michael and Calum were/are jealous of this sighting, though from what I could tell Claire wasn't best pleased to be the "lucky" one to spot it. Perhaps there are more to come, but they might just have to wait till they get to Wyoming for bears.
The group road out of Council, VA early this morning. They rode up to Haysi, VA and got some groceries. Then they rode on up to the VA/KY border. There was a quick break at the "Grand Canyon of the South," a gorge along the route. Continuing on, they next stopped and spent a good deal of time at Breaks Interstate Park trying to find a log for bikers to sign in. It was important for the three to find this log and sign because the log is used to promote awareness for alternative transportation and bicycling in Virginia. Then they pushed on to Elkhorn City, KY for the night.
View Larger Map
In addition to the roads, thunderstorms rolled over throughout the day. Here is a radar from this evening of the east coast. Notice the storm cells located now over VA. In the afternoon these were moving from Kentucky to Virginia, right over the crew's route. There were no problems, but Michael reported very wet roads and rain. Right now the radar shows scattered, light showers where Michael is staying and very severe weather to the north, along the Ohio border.
The weather tonight should not be a problem, however, because the three are staying in the basement of a church. Some female church members had a dinner meeting tonight and there was enough leftover food that they invited the three bikers to share. Michael said he was stuffed with deviled eggs, salad, ham sandwiches, chicken sandwiches, pasta, cheese and crackers, strawberry jam, and chips. Finally lots of dessert. The following list is a direct quote from Michael and he said that he had some of each thing listed: peanut butter things, chocolate and nut things (bar form), chocolate cake, chocolate pie, coconut cake, and gelatin peach goodness with nuts. Now off to bed sleepy and full!
Tomorrow the crew is aiming for Pippa Passes, KY. Good luck!
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Pictures!
Michael has been staying at the Place, a hostel for hikers and bikers, in Damascus, Virginia the past two nights. The town is a crossing point for both the Virginia Creeper Trail (bikes) and the Appalachian Trail (hiking). As a result the town is very friendly to bikers and hikers who pass through. Apparently showers, internet, phone, and gear stores are readily available. Michael and the crew spent two days relaxing and resting in the friendly atmosphere there.
This morning Stavros and Dan rode out for Asheville, NC. Tomorrow Michael, Calum, and Claire will ride out towards Kentucky and then farther west. I don't know yet if they have a destination for tomorrow night, but the ride will be resuming then.
I'll try to get him to send some more photos soon and hopefully one with him in it too! Good luck kid with the next state! One down (almost), only a few more to go!
This morning Stavros and Dan rode out for Asheville, NC. Tomorrow Michael, Calum, and Claire will ride out towards Kentucky and then farther west. I don't know yet if they have a destination for tomorrow night, but the ride will be resuming then.
Here are pictures Michael sent me from the first few days of the ride. He's been taking them on his cell phone and then can send them via email. Unfortunately there are none of him since he's behind the camera. The first two are from a short hike Michael took in Stone Mountain park to Stone Mountain Falls, the second is of Stone Mountain itself. The next is of a section of the New River Trail. The final one is of some beautiful countryside in the Draper Valley, VA with rolling green hills and clouds. So at least Michael is seeing the beautiful country out there!
I'll try to get him to send some more photos soon and hopefully one with him in it too! Good luck kid with the next state! One down (almost), only a few more to go!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
One big happy biking family
Michael met up with the rest of "the clan" today at Pulaski, VA along the New River Trail. The bikers remaining at this point were Michael, Stavros, Dan, Nate, and Michelle. Nate and Michelle are leaving tomorrow for unknown reasons and might join up again later. Trevor pulled his Achilles tendon, but he hopes to be able to meet back up with the crew later on. Calum and Claire are about a day behind the rest of the group, but they too hope to catch up at some point. They are all backyard camping tonight in some friendly backyard 500 yards northeast of the intersection of I77-I81. And I even hear they got showers!
Today's ride from Galax to Pulaski was difficult: Michael said the road was rocky, he got a flat tire, it was steep, and to top it off he was stung by a bee between the eyes. Ouch, but apparently he got it out pretty quickly. I think he's pretty relieved to be with the clan now because apparently camping in the backwoods isn't always rainbows and unicorns, on particular snafu was putting the tent's rainfly on backward. But with a group that knows the area they get luxuries, like showers and access to outlets for charging phones.
The past two days have been okay rides. Michael got up to Stone Mountain, NC the first night and then the following morning did a short hike to a waterfall there (pictures hopefully to come!). Then he had a shorter day up to Galax, VA. Today was meet up day. In total, Michael has done approximately 200 miles (he was in his tent and didn't want to get up to check the exact mileage). That's approximately 5% across the country!
Tomorrow they hope to get out early and head to Damascus. No not Syria, but Damascus, VA. It will be somewhere around 70-80 miles, so a fairly long day. We'll see how far they get in total. They will be on the Virginia Creeper Trail.
Below is the map of what Michael has done so far. I will be updating it as they move. I have put small comments on some spots, but by and large my contact with Michael has been sort and not very descriptive, so sorry if it isn't as complete as possible. Please let me know if anything doesn't work or there are questions!
View Larger Map
Today's ride from Galax to Pulaski was difficult: Michael said the road was rocky, he got a flat tire, it was steep, and to top it off he was stung by a bee between the eyes. Ouch, but apparently he got it out pretty quickly. I think he's pretty relieved to be with the clan now because apparently camping in the backwoods isn't always rainbows and unicorns, on particular snafu was putting the tent's rainfly on backward. But with a group that knows the area they get luxuries, like showers and access to outlets for charging phones.
The past two days have been okay rides. Michael got up to Stone Mountain, NC the first night and then the following morning did a short hike to a waterfall there (pictures hopefully to come!). Then he had a shorter day up to Galax, VA. Today was meet up day. In total, Michael has done approximately 200 miles (he was in his tent and didn't want to get up to check the exact mileage). That's approximately 5% across the country!
Tomorrow they hope to get out early and head to Damascus. No not Syria, but Damascus, VA. It will be somewhere around 70-80 miles, so a fairly long day. We'll see how far they get in total. They will be on the Virginia Creeper Trail.
Below is the map of what Michael has done so far. I will be updating it as they move. I have put small comments on some spots, but by and large my contact with Michael has been sort and not very descriptive, so sorry if it isn't as complete as possible. Please let me know if anything doesn't work or there are questions!
View Larger Map
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Off!
This morning Michael took off on his cross country bike trip. The rest of the group started from Richmond, VA late last week and Michael will be heading up to the VA/NC border to meet up. Here is his route, and hopefully within two days he will be met up! Good luck, safe travels, and May the wind be always at your back!
Saturday, May 3, 2008
The beginning of Summer!
Today I loaded up the bike trailer I am borrowing to test it out on the open roads. Here are some of those pictures. It was a windy day and I made sure to hit some of the biggest hills around. All told I did 14 miles in about 50 minutes; not far but enough to get a feel for the hills and trailer.
I'm riding a modified 1999 Lemond Zurich. It is in great shape and was a bargain with full Ultegra components. But now it has triple chainring, Shimano Sora shifters and derailluers, aerobars, Bontrager wheels, and a WTB saddle. it is a great bike.
I am borrowing the trailer from my PE teacher here at NCState. For today's ride I loaded it down with 30 lbs. of water and tools, plus the weight of the trailer to make a 45 lb payload. It was interesting to feel the trailer behind you, but it works great.
My first major trip with it will be to Charlotte this coming Monday. I'll pack a tent and other gear to make the 160 mile trip in 2 days. I just need to get to Charlotte in time so I can vote on Tuesday!
I'm riding a modified 1999 Lemond Zurich. It is in great shape and was a bargain with full Ultegra components. But now it has triple chainring, Shimano Sora shifters and derailluers, aerobars, Bontrager wheels, and a WTB saddle. it is a great bike.
I am borrowing the trailer from my PE teacher here at NCState. For today's ride I loaded it down with 30 lbs. of water and tools, plus the weight of the trailer to make a 45 lb payload. It was interesting to feel the trailer behind you, but it works great.
My first major trip with it will be to Charlotte this coming Monday. I'll pack a tent and other gear to make the 160 mile trip in 2 days. I just need to get to Charlotte in time so I can vote on Tuesday!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)