Blogs from Kentucky, United States, North America - page 4

Today was a spectacular day for a bike ride; temperature in the 70’s, low humidity and calm winds. The pedaling was effortless as I made my way south toward Abraham Lincoln’s boyhood home followed by his birthplace. The change in scenery is dramatically different than that of Eastern Kentucky. Today I have been in corn country. It seemed more like Iowa than the endless hills I saw earlier. The real goal today was to see Abe Lincoln’s boyhood home, and his birthplace. First I stopped at Abe’s boyhood home in Knob Creek. He lived there from age two to age seven. I learned that Abe’s dad Thomas moved several times in his early years because of land disputes. One would think that in the very early 1800’s that would not be a problem, but indeed it ... read more

Today was a big change from the last week. The geography has changed from the Allegheny Mountains to the rolling hills of central Kentucky. The big climbs and steep downhills were non-existent today. Although the Garmin says I climbed over 3000’, it was far different than the leg busting climbs of the last several days. Today was a leisurely trip through the bluegrass pastures of cattle and horse country. The most surprising and fun part of the day was when I suddenly passed a deserted home with a sign signaling cyclists to stop for free water. I did stop, and took several pictures of the wonderful bicycle Oasis. There was a chest full of a variety of drinks and another with lots of goodies including home made treats, donuts, nutritious bars and many other items. There ... read more

Today I had the pleasure of touring Berea,Kentucky. I am throughly impressed with this place. The story starts in 1855 when an ardent abolitionist wanted to start a school where everyone was allowed to attend. White, Blacks, Indians and Women, a concept unheard of before the Civil War. He was givin the land to start his college by another abolitionist named Cassius Clay.( Not related to the boxer.) There was an interruption during the Civil War but it has continued with its original Christian based philosophy ever since. Today this beautiful school operates 100% on private funds and pays 100% of the tuition for every student. The students must come from Appalachia; they must have academic potential and their families must not have the ability to pay for College. Every student must work at least 10 ... read more

Today was very similar to the last several. Up and down all day. I passed Hollow after Hollow with small convenience stores every ten miles or so. A convenience store here has a variety of groceries, possibly a fast food diner with some clothing items and possibly a hardware section. It also seems to be a local gathering place. The small settlements I passed are probably not found on most maps. Carrie, Emmalend, Dwarf, Combs, Chavies and finally Buckhorn where I am now. There are no Hotels or Motels anywhere on this route. Nor is there beer or any alcohol since most of Kentucky seems to be dry! No problems with cigarettes here though. It seems the majority of folks smoke. Tonight I am in a nice little campsite next to a home built RV. The ... read more

Today was a short ride to Breaks Interstate Park where I have had reservations for 4 months. The Park proudly advertises itself as “ The Grand Canyon of the South” so I have been eager to experience it. The ride started out much the same as the last two or three days, lots of ups and downs followed by a big climb up to the Park. Although I saw 12-13% several times they were very brief and there were also stretches of 5-6% as a bit of relief. After grinding up 13%, 5% almost feels flat! Although Breaks Park is on the Virginia/Kentucky border, the countryside and dialect is much different than when Bruce and I were riding in the Shenandoah Valley. Very pronounced Country twang here. One would climb up over a very steep hill ... read more