July 14th Louisville, KY I must say the universe must feel that it is time to let loose because good times have been the theme of the last few days and I must say the good times are not over. Festivals are in the air and I am now making them all instead of missing them like in the past. I finally had to leave my new home of Louisville and head out. I did not leave till noon but with these long days it was still light till nine so even leaving that late I got nine hours of riding in. I got chased by a dog again and this boxer snuck on me without a sound. I am sad to say that it might have had its voice box removed which has sadly been a theme with a few dogs I have seen lately. I can say with confidence and little concern for what you may think of me, but if you are into harming animals I feel your genetic code need to be erased from this planet and you can come tell me differently if you wish. But this funny little guy whom was fast as lighting got my new defense I picked up in Louisville. I armed myself with the water bottle and gave him a squirt in the face. It works like a champ – all I warn is that you make sure not to swerve into the road for you get a little off balance when you are concerned with something else. It is like talking on the cell phone while driving. One only has a 100 percent and when you do two things at once both activities lack the appropriate attention – it’s just math. I followed Hwy. 3 until dark and rested under a … [Read more...]

July 6th Memphis, TN to McKenzie, TN It was time to move on up the road. I had breakfast and a lovely morning chat with Gabrielle and her mom till about 10:30. It was hard to leave but I knew it was time. I hit the road at a nice pace and the wind was almost not even a bother factor. I am at peace with all things to do with weather and I just moved forward. It is my only mission and I have come too far to fail. I must say that the spin class cracked me up a bunch throughout the day and the instructor’s form just did not help me in my ride. I also love not having the obsession of looking at the mileage computer – it really takes away checking that stupid little machine and that no matter what it says, it does not change what I am doing. I rode until the sun began to set and got some water in Trezevant. I hung out there for a short break and must say there is just a blanket of water that is in the air making the heat just a little more unbearable. I am fine but the humidity is something to note about the states east of the Mississippi. I began to talk to the people in the gas station and soon was talking to the Chief of Police named David. He was very nice and without any warning asked if I would like to stay in his garage ten miles north in McKenzie, TN. I was shocked and, of course, said yes. Even before my response he was on the phone with his daughter and she was blowing up the air mattress. I was happy with the surprise and honored that he … [Read more...]

June 28th                                Springfield, IL to McBride, MO It is a beautiful day and the weather is great, but the heat is rising. I really have not minded too much though – it just reminds me of Atlanta. I was ready to go and headed off to some slightly strong wind. The wind really does not bother me anymore either – I just think of it as a way Mother Nature talks to me. The ride was great and before I knew it I was in Chester the home of Popeye and the end of Illinois. I went over the Mississippi River which always puts me in awe at it size and power. It was getting dark and right after a popcorn factory in McBride, MO I was camping under a bridge relaxed as ever. June 29th                                McBride, MO to Wardell, MO I slept in a little and left about nine. The weather was the same and I was excited to get through Missouri. I have to say that it was this day that I had to end the use of the mileage computer on my wheels. It is weird how you just are bound to what that computer says and how many times I look at it in a day for it to tell me what I already know. It is like looking at an elevation map for a hike in hopes that the mountain coming up will change. In no way does it change my reality ahead – it just makes me doubt my abilities to complete the upcoming task. I was through and the computer is dead to me. It was turned to the side after not … [Read more...]