Redneck logic

DAY 13
Lookout, KY to Hazard, KY

We've found that 95% of drivers are very polite and patient when it comes to cyclists. These folks wave at us, maybe even give a friendly honk. But most importantly, they safely pass wide to the left. I'd say 4% of drivers are polite or courteous to a fault. These folks will idle behind us forever, never intending to pass. We know you're there, no we're not going to pull over on a hill. All you're doing is making us nervous and frustrated, please go around when the opportunity presents itself. The remaining 1% of drivers are simply bad people. There is no other way to describe them. Angry horns blare as they squeal by, dirty looks combined with dirty exhaust. Let's do some basic critical thinking. What are the purpose of roads? A local redneck might say "for cars". My response would be, "well what are cars for?" Their response, "for people". Even through simple redneck logic, you can see that if roads are for cars, and cars are for people, then ultimately roads are for people. So my next question would be, "why do you and your gas guzzling tricked out pickup have more of a right to any given road than me and my bicycle?"

One of the hundreds of coal trucks that pass us daily in Kentucky

I feel like I need my passport to be traveling through Kentucky. Never before in my own country have I felt so out of place. From the unique culture and accent of the people, to the dense mountain jungle terrain which is reminiscent of Thailand or Nepal. Even down to the thick smell of exhaust and filth, the mangy dogs awaiting around every corner, and the trash carelessly littering the roadsides. If it weren't for the countless American flags proudly being flown from each house, I'd be certain I was overseas. 

Just the local liquor and beer shack at the top of the hill

With torrential rains forecasted for the afternoon hours, we rise in the dark and pedal away from the Freeda Harris Baptist Church at dawn. 66 miles to Hazard. We'll be cutting it close if we expect to arrive dry. An erie fog hangs in the valley. It's early, but still countless coal trucks pass us on hills and curves without hitting their brakes. A picture of the 'Welcome to Kentucky' sign flashes in my mind. At the bottom it reads 'Americas Energy Capital'. Bands of coal are visible on every exposed rock. It's literally falling onto the roadways and crumbling from every hill.

Some nice scenery before the rain

Enjoying a blizzard at Dairy Queen, we can see the dark clouds massing. 1 o'clock with 20 miles remaining until Hazard. 100% chance of rain tonight, our only plan for the evening is to not sleep outside. Becky has called the local fire department to inquire about sleeping arrangements inside due to the storm. Fire Chief Sam Stacy makes some calls on our behalf and is able to secure us a night at the Twin Rocks Bible Camp 13 miles south of Hazard. The firefighters will drive all 5 of us and our bikes to the camp this afternoon and bring us back in the morning. But first, we have to make it to their station. 

Jason, Eric, and Becky. Wet, but happy to be out of the rain

Hazard Fire Dept, District 1

We had gotten up at 5 am in order to get an early start and beat the rain. We should have gotten up at 4:30. A deluge of rain and wind soak us as we roll through Hazard in search of the fire station. A friendly group of guys greet us, offering us dry towels and unbelievable kindness. After drying off, the chief and firefighter Jason drive us with all our bikes and gear 25 minutes south of town to the Bible Camp. Preacher Mike is there to welcome and show us around. The church owns 167 acres of secluded Kentucky paradise. Becky makes us tacos for dinner and we turn in early dry and happy. We'd like to thank Fire Chief Sam, Preacher Mike, Jason, and all the Hazard firefighters for their above and beyond kindness.

Twin Rocks Bible Camp, the sign has seen better days, but the lodgings were superb!

Dry and cozy two nights in a row!

Stats:
Miles: 75.02
Average speed: 10.6 mph
Max speed: 34.6 mph