What a family!

Lexington, rolled up to Olivia's house. She had asked if I'd need help procuring transport... this time I around I didn't! It was great spending time with her and her family and friends - all great hosts. Her mom helped me pack in calories for later use, her dad pulled strings and got my bike checked out in a snap and friends Michael and Patrick treated us to a great horseback riding adventure (for me at least). Horses are so cool. Like a very independently minded pet that if you develop a good relationship with, can also be your transport. My horse friend, Moonlight(?), really wanted to book. I did not. She cooperated, but I felt a little bad that we couldn't just tear-it-up.
The incredible part: Olivia did all this entertaining while preping for her 1st day of college! What a burden, but thanks, so much fun.

It felt like an important stop too. I met Olivia's aunt Susan several months ago. She was so supportive with this bike idea and even sent a package of essential enabling gear.

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Along the way to Lexington from Berea I met a fellow biker who guided me in all the way to the street I was looking for. We rode together for maybe 20mile. Everytime I get the chance to ride with someone I'm so grateful. All the climbs just dissapear amongst the chat. Yesterday I met Sam, biking east, his parents were joining him for a short leg. One would bike, the other would drive all the gear, then trade. It seemed like it could be a good break. They shared with me so much food! I also spent some time with Bernie who treated me to a sandwich and I wished me lots of luck. I hope I can catch Jon and James (they are almost two days ahead of me since I detoured). But maybe someone else will catch me!

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huray a K

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Big Buckhorn Country Music Festival

At a country music festival outside Buckhorn, KY. Hitched a ride in from a pickup, entry was free. Camping here too. the big group really made me feel alone. Not lonely, but the good kind of alone. (likely) alone in: biking here, being unknown to everyone here, being from out of town, writing thoughts down right NOW.

There are frequent helicopters coming and going. I witnessed one carrying away a heartattack victim receiving vigorous chest compressions. A boy was evacuated by ambulance after a car hit him... Everyone is flying around in their trucks, 4x4s and off-road golf cart contraptions. I'd caught the ride b/c the roads just didn't seem safe, but even my tent is surrounded by buzzing engines. I've got bike reflectors strategically placed around my tent. The helicopters even seem more wreckless. Flying towards crowds as they ascend... Possibly alone in thinking, "I sure hope that thing don't fall on me."

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Finally Kentucky

Yesterday I crossed into Kentucky and while I'm thankful for the great hospitality of VA, it's real nice to be in a new state. The last couple days I've been biking in coal country and while the trucks are big and frequent, so far they seem courteous. Everyone has warned about the KY dogs. Mia and Rebecca (two eastbound transAmers) even armed me with dog mace as a, "last resort..." It was really nice to spend the evening with them in Wytheville. The town sets up bikers in the park pavillion and that where we met. Hearing their stories reminded me I've got to take my time and enjoy this; no dealines for me. They all had some helpful saddle hints. I got a kick out of talking w/two young women about my dude-part related concerns, but they were in the know! Couple days ago I met James and Jon, first bikers I've seen going same direction as me. We camped together at Breaks and witnessed a
beautiful evening. Sunset, stars, cool breeze, leafy rustle and heady chit chat. Be present, dude.

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Peaks of Otter my first predetermined destination: Task complete!

Peaks of Otter, where my friend Katie is a ranger is on the Blue Ridge Pkwy, but not on the TransAm, so I did some improv and dtoured. I found this great route that avoided a huge elevation gain... Unfortunately, 2miles from my destination was an in inconquerably steep climb. Exhausted, I took lunch, I sat and meditated, I unplugged my odometer and ultimately I walked the bike. Oh well, at least no one offered me a lift, I may have taken it. At the top I found Katie at her Park service digs and spent... Maybe the next hour chatting on the steps while recovering.

Wow, what great hosts she and her roommates are. Stars, and swimming, movies and homemade meals. It was the perfect day off and totally fun! The day I left, Katie had a kids fishing program so I finally got to see her in uniform; you can too! She'll through October and is totally wort.

After I left her roommate Kris raced out miles, back tracking over all possible routes to return my forgotten towel. They ARE important!

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Travel magic

I finish the last 60miles of skyline drive, it's getting late and the next place I know to camp at is farther than I want. My phone is out for taking my triumphant photo... And it rings. What luck! With it packed, while I'm riding, I never hear it. Habitat Philadelphia's Cassie is calling. She asks me if I visited the "Afton cookie lady?" and I'm clueless. Apparently, somewhere near the Blue Ridge Pkwy a bicyclist enthusiast invites TransAm-ers into her home for cookies, food, shower and a place to eat. More miraculously, Afton is a mere 2miles from my spot. I'm about to hook into the TransAm network.
Since 1976, June has been inviting thirsty and weary bikers into her 2nd home; now called the bike house it is covered wall to wall in post cards, pictures and paraphenalia left by guests. June and Steve, a biker coming from west, chatted on the porch.
But man, this magical place was that much more magical b/c of how I ended up there. How'd Cassie know the perfect time to be calling?

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