I am unable to send them through the distribution list because they are too big.
At 5:50 am we left Pickwick/Shiloh, Tennessee. It was quite foggy so we put on all of our lights. The rain storm last night created a lot of moisture (as if there wasn’t enough already.) It is about 70 degrees-hoping for a cloud cover today.
As we biked today we thought about our biking colleagues who were doing the STP (Seattle to Portland Bike Ride) we talked about the first time we each did it and the first time we did it in one day. We both have fond memories of our first time.
Duct Tape is a wondrous invention! We always carry it on every trip. On one adventure we used duct tape to hold the stays on Bruce’s seat for 200 miles. As you know we used it on the Bob’s tire on our first day out, but we also put it on the derailer to keep it together. Can’t travel without it.
This is our 7th season on Bernice. We never tire of the silly things people say about a tandem especially a recumbent tandem. “She is not pedaling. He is not Pedaling. Where is the motor? I saw her knitting or reading. She is coasting. ”
Went through the Shiloh Military Battlefield early in the morning with the fog on the field. It was eerie with the fog hovering on the battlefield and over the cannons. Rather than being in an air conditioned car we are on a bike and I feel more present. It was one of the bloodiest battles in US history up to 1862. The Union was able to advance into Mississippi.
As we were leaving Crump, Tennessee we saw an Amish buggy going down the highway. It was fun to see something moving down a 4 lane road with cars buzzing by it.
Today was a quiet day-not much talking going on the bike. It was one of the worst dog days we have ever had. We were chased by a pack of dogs while the owner stood in the yard! I used the pepper spray not sure it did much good. Our greatest fear is two pronged –getting bit and the dog getting in front of the bike causing us to crash. I was pretty tired of yelling at them.
The terrain is back to corn and soy fields. As far as livestock we see more horses—goats are popping up on farms.
We were thrilled today to see “bike route” green signs on the roads for the first time. There were no signs in Alabama and Mississippi. They make you feel a little more comfortable.
Our arrival in Parsons was disappointing. Our bike part had not arrived!! We do not know where the hang up is—dealer or Fed Ex. Bruce spent the rest of the afternoon calling a bike shop in Grand Rivers, Kentucky where we will be in by July 12. Yes they had the part. So we decided that Bernice has “limped” this far, so can we. It is a mental things when your bike is not working probably—all you can do is a “wing and a prayer.” We decided that if it fails completely we will hope for the best of human kindness and someone will help us.
We also decided to change our route to Waverly, Tennessee . Not knowing how much life is left in the derailleur, we will try to take the shortest route to Waverly. Using the GPS we found a route that cuts off 13 miles and it is Sunday—low traffic. If we can baby our situation it will help us get closer to Grand Rivers.
This is the only time I can remember seeing moisture on a window—it has been on the inside of the window. Tonight I look out and see moisture running down the window on the outside!
Stats for July 9th
Arrived at 1:30 pm
65 miles, 10.4 mph, 6 hours 11 minutes, 3400 feet elevation gain (90 degrees)
Critter Count
Dogs 24+
Deer 3
July 10 Waverly, Tennessee
We left Parsons at 5:40 am with a few clouds and a new day.
The terrain has been slowly changing. We left the red dirt behind in Mississippi today we are seeing gray slate layered rocks. Black-eyed Susans are showing up in the fields—like them. I like watching the changes of the terrain.
What a find!!! We came to a Truck Stop with about 50 trucks. There was a real restaurant that served pancakes. The waitress was incredible –she tried to get us a good deal. We always order one meal and share it. Perfect way to start the day. J
A lady did a U-turn on the road to come back to talk to us. She yelled to stop and could we talk to her. Her husband has Parkinson Disease and she is looking for a bike for him to help with his brain receptors.(She would be the Captain and guide him.) We gave her a card and told her where she could get more information about our bike. Lovely woman.
Speaking of memory-you may or may not know that I remember things because I wear a small recorder around my neck. When I see or think about something I record it and then in the evenings I typed it all up! Lucky you.
Had our first squirt pop on the trip. So good. Usually we have 7up or Sprite—Squirt is our favorite.
Went over the Tennessee River today so impressive . Now we have been over the Tombigbee and Tennessee River that flow into the Tenn-Tom Waterway.
We have seen 3 Drive-In Theaters on this trip. They were all “operating” –matter of fact playing at one theater was “Zoo Keeper and Soul Surfer.”?
One thing we do not need on this trip is Chapstick. Our lips are moist and plumb. So are my fingernails growing like mad!
We met a couple at the hotel riding their bikes from California to Maine. They have been on the road for 9 weeks. Their trip will end in September as they will fly to Europe to see her family. They are taking a break from their work until they decide what they want to do with their life next. We are having dinner with them this evening at the Mexican Restaurant—no beer for Bruce it is Sunday.
Stats for July 10 Waverly, Tennessee
Arrival time 11:25pm
47 miles, 11.1 mph,4 hours 13 minutes,1400 feet elevation gain. The derailleur is still functioning.
Some of you may be thinking—what do they do about conflict/disagreements/arguments? Yes we have them. Our rule is “yesterday’s breakfast.” You can’t be on a tandem and have negative feelings about your partner. Cooperation is a must. We work through any disagreements and make it “yesterday’s breakfast.” Each day is a new day!
I love the common courtesies we get along the way—waving, stopping their mower as go by, wishing us a safe journey, helpful hints about the road ahead, weather reports, “Have a good day” (Really meaning it),God Bless You” and truckers and cars who move way over so as not to crowd us.
Critter Count
Rabbit 1
Dogs 4
Turtle 1
Happy Trails
Charlene and Bruce
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