This was a great day. Left early and was nervous about the route because I was told by some locals that my main route, (route 44) was really dangerous with lots of hills and very winding with very little shoulder AND heavily trafficked by semis. Well, I’ve ridden some hairy roads but this sounded really bad. So I got recommendations from other locals and the optional route wasn’t supposed to be much better. I fretted all night about this stuff. I hate that.
Turned out, the optional route wasn’t bad at all except the first few miles had some hills that made me sweat profusely at 7 in the morning. The shoulder was acceptable and I made good time. I was shocked. It was longer than the main rte but I still got to Franklin before the bike shop opened. By the time I found the shop, I only had to wait about 10 minutes.
So I got my tires pumped up and my cleats greased and adjusted. I was having trouble getting them to click in and now they go in real easy. Also, got info on the next stretch of rte 44. Was told part of it was good and part no shoulder. The guy must not have driven out there in awhile because the whole stretch was beautiful and with my pumped up tires, I flew.
The bike mechanic was really funny. He tried to pick up my bike and couldn’t. He wanted to weigh it. I could have lifted it enough but I didn’t want to embarrass him. He thinks I’m carrying a lot more than I really am. I’ll just let him think it.
The hardest part of the day was finding a place to stay. This town is really strung out and has multiple roads coming into it. I had to stop twice to make sure I was on track. Sometimes roads aren’t signed very well.
At one of the gas stations, a gentleman stopped to talk and couldn’t believe what I was doing. He was very encouraging which always makes me feel good. At that same station, as I was getting ready to leave, a fellow had a cigarette in his fingers and wanted to know if I had a lighter. Really????? You meet all kinds.
So tomorrow’s forecast is for morning thunderstorms. Yikes. I may have to start later than I really like to. Supposed to clear off for the afternoon. And then get hot. Plus I have to take a detour due to a bridge under construction. The motel clerk found me an all back road route complete with detailed instructions as when to turn and how far I go on each turn. I feel prepared for this detour. Just hope there are lots of farm houses along the way if I need cover from lightning.
One of my best days so far.
53.0 miles today. 1436.8 total
BikerAl Across America 2018 
Ride safe – we used to live in Missouri and some of the storms we had there were like none I’ve ever seen. Lightning, 1-2″/hour rain. Interesting to watch but maybe not from the saddle.
Enjoying your travels. Thanks for sharing them!
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