Surprise, surprise, we are still in civilization, if you can call Hazard, Ky. civilization. Actually, its quite the busy place. According to the guy holding the Stop sign at the road construction at the top of the mountain, it was a lot busier, but the coal industry is laying people off because of Obama's "Go Green" initiatives. Today we rode 102 miles and climbed over 11,000', the second highest day of total climbing (our most feet of climbing was our 3rd day when we climbed over Carson pass into Nevada). The weather and ride was almost ideal. The temperature was in the low to mid 80s, the sun was out, but we often rode in the shade of the back roads winding through the hinterland. Traffic was minimal and most importantly we had no dog incidents, not that the dogs didn't try. We were on high alert and called out boogies like fighter pilots. When contact was made we lit our afterburners to clear the hot zone. Since we had no offensive weapons we used stealth and speed to foil the dogs. According to Intel, we are still in enemy territory, so we will continue to remain vigilant.
Early in today's ride, Jere herd my gears clicking and clacking and said; "Gates! Are you doing that or is that your shifter?" I said; "Its not me, my shifter is acting squirrelly". A little further, Jere had enough. "Gates! I can't take all that noise, stop and let me check it out." After a very brief once over, Jere quickly concluded my shifter cable was fraying and about to snap, leaving me stuck in one gear on the mountain roads. I was incredulous of his conclusion, because the place where the cable was supposedly fraying was not obvious and Jere didn't look in that area. But, if there is one thing I learned on this trip (other than don't give a mechanic a clean-up rag) is, you don't ask Jere; "Are you sure?" Fortunately, the support team had regrouped from Day 30 and made it to the first rendezvous on time. Jere set up his bicycle stand and quickly replaced my shifter cable. Sure enough, the 20 strand cable was frayed and was hanging on by only 3 strands. Jere's diagnosis was spot on and a mechanical breakdown was averted.We are scheduled to ride 99 miles into Haysi, Va. tomorrow, June 23rd and the forecast looks favorable.
This will be the last blog I see until I return from Alaska, leaving in about 3 hours. Less than 1 week & your epic journey will be over. Be safe & enjoy the rest of your trip.
ReplyDeleteRich
In a past life, I was a poultry specialist for Pioneer Feed company. They sent me to Eastern Ky. to work with one of their salesmen, calling on chicken farms. I remember the ranshackle farms but what stands out most clearly is the barely sufficent motels.
ReplyDeleteI was glad to return to Lancaster county.
What a treat is in store for tomorrow evening. Haysi, Va. population 186 in 2000 . Some may have left town by now or died.
ReplyDeleteGrab a sandwich before entering town, doubt any restaurants.
There is one motel; Hilltop, a two star.
If'in you hear banjo music, I'd keep ridin!! Virginia! You should have aimed for the Homestead, that would be quite the relaxing stop over. Only about 430.33 miles to go from Haysi. You're doing great!
ReplyDeleteSteve
PA State Police continue to monitor your progress while we vacation in Deep Creek Lake, MD. Keep it rolling, Jr. Trooper stardom is just around the corner.
ReplyDeleteJere, I notice that your hair is getting long. Once you in Virginia, Yorktowne is just around the corner.
ReplyDeleteYour Barber
Keep biking guys!! I am amazed at your focus! You know in Kentucky they feed those dogs meat and entice them with sweaty bike shorts..BEWARE!! Looking forward to seeing you all soon. Love ya! amber
ReplyDelete