This morning we started with a long and steep climb followed by a few more during the morning. Eastern KY is hilly and scenic, except for the coal strip mines (as you will see). We experienced a rumble from a dynamite blast at a strip mine. We had heard about the coal trucks but hadn’t encountered one yet. We heard it coming long before we saw it. It was huge, loud and fast. We knew it wasn’t going to give us any space. It fills these small roads. So we traveled on a few larger roads. After lunch we rode on a shaded road next to a creek that was flat with little traffic. It seems we outwitted the coal trucks. As we headed for Pippa Passes, we had not idea what we’d encounter. Guess what, more hills and winding roads.
The mangy dog count was down today. Seems the word is out that we don’t run. As it turned out Tod was just behind us and the three dogs heard the horn and our referee whistle and they peeled off before they hit the road seemingly confused.
We have a photo of a Log Cathedral in Buckhorn. It was built in 1928 when logging was at its zenith in this area. It is an architectural gem.
We learned that the reason this area is so poor even though it has had (or is having) two huge natural resource busineses is that carpetbaggers came into these hills and paid paltry amounts for timber rights and mineral rights. They highjacked the profits from these businesses and exported them to other areas of the US leaving these hill people with huge scars on the land and nothing to show for it.
We were in the saddle for 4 hrs and 8 mins and climbed 3,420 ft.
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This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 17th, 2008 at 3:30 pm and is filed under See All of Dick & Jim's Posts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
I don’t know why you didn’t get the following message the other day when I originally sent it, but here it is again.
The smiles on your face as you held Cassidy was heart warming Jim! Regardless of what was driving the smiles. I’m happy for you and you entire growing family. Please pass on my congratulations to everyone. In my heart of hearts I actually wanted to join you for the occasion and ride on to the Atlantic with you afterwards. So much for good thoughts. I new that wasn’t very realistic but am happy for you and your family. Not to mention the rest of us following the blog. Thanks for keeping it up so well Dick.
I’m also glad that Stan and Mary will be joining you at the Virginia border and am hoping and looking forward to riding on with you from the Tabscott / Machanicsville area. Kristin and work keep reminding all I should be attending to before I jump on a plane to rendezvous with you. However, the miles we rode in Wyoming and Colorado remain some of the most exciting, challenging and rewarding times of the summer. Tia and the cure are a wonderful cause to ride for. Keep up the good work. Ride on! And where are you hiding all those pies and milk shakes Dick? Wherever they are going, you seem to be wearing them well.
Love,
Jeb, Kristin and Dylan
Just read the description of your encounter with a pick-up truck dude. Best laugh
of the week, so far. In fact, if all your fans had read it at the same time, there
would be a giant “laughing” sound all across the country!
The picture of Jim with his first grandchild is priceless - loved it!
Dick
congrats on your continued progress. You were heartily saluted at the Crow Cup and greatly missed when we ordered the wine at The Saloon. Hope thousands of miles on a bike doesnt damage your golf swing and you will join us next year.
Tony Dona