We started pedaling at 6:45am in order to make our long day in a reasonable time. We were amazed to be in the town of Cumberland Gap by 11am. Riding on Hwy 58 was amazing. The traveled along a ridge all the way into CG. Today was our first taste of rain but it made for a lovely ride. The clouds climbing over there can hardly be described. Thanks Mish for the camera; I don't have to try! Lee threatened to stay in SW VA because he loved it so much. Lee described them as looking like waves abut to crush down upon us. The clouds climbing the mountains brought me back to years ago when I lived in the Hominy Valley and would watch this same wonder at the base of Mount Pisgah.
We had been forewarned that crossing the Cumberland Gap would be a challenge as cyclists are not peritted in th tunnel. We stopped in the local outdoor store where we were told that we would not be able to cycle over the gap. Well, we did. I did not predict that we'd be mountain biking on our touring rigs but there was no other way over that gap without catching a ride through. Crossing into Kentucky was like entering another world. The first person we spoke to at the visitor's center was Brit named Alan. We were also chased down by a few who wer eager to give us free healtcare. Lee put it best,"I feel like we just entered a Socialist Union of sorts." Not to mention the fact that we were heading for London, KY. There happened to be a mobile unit called Rural Area Medical (RAM) that was offerg free car to anyone who showed up without even asking for ID. What a revolution. If we had another day, we could've each gotten our teeth cleaned, gotten any necessary dental work, and eye exam with free glasses! Too bad we couldn't stay... Lee cannot read road signs to save his life. This illusion was smashed as soon as we go back on the road and the first thing we saw was a KFC. Yes, we still in 'merica, ya'll. The clerk at he Dollar General asked me "where yenz is headed ta?" I have always heard of this "yenz," today was my first encounter. Eastern KY is full of abject poverty. It's right frightenin' to cycle through it in full lycra.
Lee's crankarm held till 2 miles outside of London. Locktite is amazing. However, I'm going to push for us to find an old crankset in Bloomington that we can snag for free/cheap and pickup a new BB. We'll see what Bloomington has to offer.
We are now at a friend of Bill's house in London KY, Sam and Beverly G. I have no doubts that they'll treat us "right nice" as dinner is cooking now. We arrived at 4:45... a shockingly early end as we planned on arriving around 7pm.
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Luke- Here is what one of the tech guys from cane creek had to say about the BB.
ReplyDeleteDuuuude -- bad news. Steel BB + alloy arms = rounded bolt. From Pete: "Once it goes, there's nothing they can do." Even the Loctite isn't going to help.
Step 1: Try a new arm;
or
Step 2: A whole new crankset with BB. It's a tapered BB, but doesn't need to be -- threads are most likely English.
Also, there used to be a good bike shop in Corbin KY. I also have a buddy in Summerset that I could hook you up with if need be.
Nolan... thanks for all your responses. We have a new 8 speed Sora triple and bottom bracket that came off a trek cross bike. We're picking it up in Louisville for $25!
ReplyDeleteLuke- you are now a day close to Bloomington- 2 days away hooray!
ReplyDeleteBy the way- I don't think the bike project is open when you are here...
actually I think they do have hours on monday from 5-8pm or 6-9 pm.
We can check with Adam. Luv you! Ginelley!