decyclesindiananame

deCycles Southeast America 2014
Journal Entry
Day 19 ... Wednesday, July 9

Start: Gatlinburg, TN

End: Rocky Top, TN

Distance: 77-miles.  Over 6000-ft climbing.

Terrain: Rolling hills at 1000-ft elevation.

Climate: Mid 70s.  Cloudy, afternoon rain. Slight tailwinds at midday only.

5-days to go.  We've had 2-rest days in the past 3-days and there are no more rest days for the remainder of the trip.  Counting today, the deCycles have pedaled 1286-miles from Key West.  The bikes and bodies are starting to show it.  Spokes are popping, tires are getting worn, shifters are acting up, and chains are stretching.  The chains will need a lot of lubrication because we encountered the biggest rainfall of the trip.  We got soaked twice and pedaled all day with squishy feet.  The first rain was coming into Knoxville.  The riders could hardly see.  We had to play deCycles tag going into the city with lots of turns which were unable to be marked with chalk due to the rain.  The second rain was after lunch as we approached Norris Lake.  All the chains started to squeak after that point.

The deCycles had lunch at the site of the 1982 World's Fair Park in Knoxville.  We spent some extra time there since it was a pretty cool spot to hang out, lay down, and rest.  Many went into la-la land ... especially Bill Oliver.  He looked so comfortable next to a pool of cascading water.  It was a fantastic rest stop, and a ton of photos were taken.  Next was the 30-miles to Rocky Top, TN ... formally known as Lake City.  It just changed it's name in the past month.  The roads were smooth and winding ... much fun until the second rainstorm slowed us down.  Can't scream down the hills on an unknown highway during the rain.  So that delayed our departure in this little town of 1800-people.   

Upon arrival, the church was all prepared to offer showers and supper.  It was a spacious church and extremely accommodating.  They had enough food for everyone including cherry cobbler with ice cream.  After the meal, we attended their church service and we provided the message and song.  We were well received.  Many came up after the service and expressed their gratitude for our presence in their church.  They were amazed at the accomplishment of these student-riders.  Several said they wanted to get out on their bikes and try to do this.  We are in disbelief that people would be so kind to us.  They are also fixing us a hot breakfast in the morning.  This is a big church in a small town and they know how to take care of people.  We are so grateful.

The Goodwrench team is working late.  The kitchen crew is preparing tomorrow's lunch.  And everyone else is settling down and going to bed.  The rain got us very dirty and complicated getting down the road.  There were some flats today, but no big dramas out on the road.  The riders are settling in and not pushing it too hard.  

Lights are out.  Need to hit the sack.  Onward to Bloomington.

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