Rain Drops Were Fallin' On Our Heads

May 26

Henderson to Lewisport, KY

66 Miles

Total Miles to Date ~ 849

Kentucky Countryside

6:30! We were out of the hotel by 6:30 -  first out, first at the 20 miles SAG stop, and we stayed pretty much at the head of the group most of the day. Lois, Marilyn, and Marilee arrived in Lewisport before we did - but we expect nothing less from them.

Decked out in our rain gear we three members of the Class of '98 headed out onto Tamiami Trail (Just another name for US 41 in South Florida) and .6 miles later we began a day of twisting and turning our way to Lewisport, following the Ohio River and crossing the Green River at one point. Our longest run without a turn was at 57.5 miles when we rode for 7.7 miles on the same road. Otherwise, it was a lot of distances from less than one mile to 3+ miles,  with 5.3 miles on SR 405 North. We crossed a lot of railroad tracks today - perhaps ten sets. Always a risky move, but more so in the rain. On the third day of our 1998 X-country ride I went down on tracks when I lost my concentration - breaking four ribs in the process. Since that time, I have not been a fan of crossing tracks, always giving a big "thank-you" to G-d when I cross over safely. Today, two of our riders went down on some tracks in Owensboro. They and their bikes are a bit banged up, but once again helmets saved lives, and both Judy and Joan seem pretty OK. 

It rained most of the day, but after we left Owensboro the sky opened and we peddled in a downpour. Just as Holly said, "All things considered, not too bad.", there was a huge clap of thunder followed by some lightening. We headed for a house with a large veranda and were given refuge by a lovely couple (did not get their names). It was nice to get out of the cold rain for a while. When things seemed to quiet down, we headed out again. By 54.9 it was pouring and there was thunder. We pulled into a gas station/store and I called the van to pick us up. Cold, wet, not wanting to ride in the rain anymore, and fearing more thunder and lightening, I had had it - as had Mary. Holly was not happy. The van was at the hospital with our fallen women, and as we waited the rain let up, my spirits picked up, and I said we should ride in. And we did - 12+ miles. We are at a Best Western that sits in front of a huge field, as if it had been dropped in the middle of this farm land, with no other signs of civilization. I guess we are on the outskirts of town. 

FLORA AND FAUNA UPDATE:

Did I mention the Appaloosa pony we saw a few days ago? A beauty!

Saw a couple of small turtles crossing the road, and one that didn't make it.

More road kill - including skunks, birds, raccoons, and one opossum.

Birds flying across the road - birds I cannot identify but wish I could.

Freshly mown hay rolled into bales dot the fields. On a day when the sky is Caribbean blue and dotted with cottony clouds these bales shine in the sun. It is so beautiful - reminiscent of Idaho.

Irises - blue, purple, pink, yellow, white - they are so lovely.

All sorts of wild flowers along the road.

Those white cows again - Brahmans?

Drying out our gear after today's ride.

The terrain has flattened out, with rollers, and some small climbs. This my kind of riding and I am happier, although tomorrow may be filled with climbing. It seems that from here on out our accommodations should be the usual - this morning we even had waffles and eggs at the hotel's breakfast. Dinner in an hour or so, and I am headed out to the lobby to visit and find out how the rest of the group managed through the day. The skies are dark - tomorrow looks iffy.

Thanks so much for dropping by. Judi and Holly