Day 10 Breaks to Hindman, KY

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Miles 70.08     Total 596.32     Daily Avg  59.63
Avg Speed 13.7 mph     Max Speed 37.2
Atl climbed 4542 ft       Temp 85 degrees

An eventful day with four long mountain climbs on our ride to Hindman.  Leaving Breaks, we rode along several swollen creeks and rivers following yesterdays rain.  Water cascaded off the rock walls, and in at least on one spot, a landslide had temporarily closed Route 80 which we were traveling on.

Kentucky held true to it's reputation for dog chases.  According to Kelly, the dogs were like zombies. They always hear and see you first, only announcing their presence as they are right on your wheel.  At that instant you have to decide to out pedal it or try and play defense.  It's like they are just waiting for you, sitting on their front porch, watching and anticipating your arrival.  These dogs know it's biking season and we are only the appetizers for the main course further in the season.  My strategy is to be first and get by them before they know what has happened and let Kelly deal with them when they are all excited and wound up.  Kelly usually has a great touch with animal and either handles them playfully or sternly tells them to go home.  The latter works best, especially if we don't want any following us, thinking we are there to play.

The second hazard today were the coal trucks.  They barreled down these narrow country roads all day long.  When we hear them approach we would pull over and give them all the space they need.  One driver did stop and talked while we were on a long uphill climb.  I think he told us we had a long way to go to the top,  the country accent and idling truck made for a difficult conversation.

Joey rode ahead and secured a hotel reservation in Hazard for the night.  He is doing a great job with logistics and planning.  We realize that after 70 miles peddling on a bike a room on the first floor is very  appreciated

Kelly at Kentucky state line

Coal truck headed our way on narrow road.  Driver stopped for a country roadside chat.