Day #19 Cookeville, TN to Morristown, TN
Looking pretty bad...
Looking Worse...The first group of the morning was Dawn, Tony, Nancy and Bruce. They awoke to clear skies, but that quickly changed. They left Cookesville and the clouds began rolling in. SB, Pat, Dennis and Kevin admired the darkening clouds from the safety of the Durango while loading up on some java. The riders pedaled up the longest hill of the day (nearly seven miles) and seemed to almost disappear into the low clouds. They realized that their rain gear really was water resistant. They managed to complete their ride and should have the feeling back in their hands by tomorrow afternoon.
Pat, Dennis, Kevin and Rob received the baton from Bruce’s group outside of Rockwood, Tennessee. The rain started to fall as they rode off, so much for staying dry. Their route had the normal big Tennessee hills, deep valleys with green trees, and sharp curves. Later the big storm clouds had passed, but the sky was overcast and the streets remained wet. The sun broke out with 15 miles to go so off came the rain gear and they were pretty well dried out by the end of the ride.
The last group, Craig, Fred, SB and Steve headed out towards the City of Knoxville under sunny skies and with a Police escort. After passing through the City they picked up a great tail wind and sped towards the end. As they approached the hotel off in the distance the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina could be seen. Fred could be heard saying “it was the nicest ride we’ve had so far.”
We are off to Virginia tomorrow; we’ve traveled almost 2500 miles far…
Here comes Dawn...
Bruce, Nancy and Tony working up hill in the rain...
Dennis, Kevin, Rob and Pat uphill in the rain..
Group 2 starting to come out of the rain...
Steve "Moose" enjoying a downhill with the wind...
Steve, Craig, SB and Fred "Just Flying"
Group 3 passing the wonderful scenery..
posted by PUT Coast to Coast at 10:10 AM
9 Comments:
Dearest Derf, We continue to be so proud of you and your fellow riders. That picture of you yesterday is the cutest EVER and I have to have a copy of it, PLEASE. SamBob is doing a wonderful job (no surprise) keeping the home fires burning and words can't express my admiration for what you are all accomplishing. It really seems like you're on the downhill side now and the OHP was right when he said you got in and out of Oklahoma at just the right time. We love you (or at least I love you)! Godspeed XOXOXOX The Okies P.S. Thanks for the reminder about the nickname, Mags Oh one more thing, the Okie with THAT nickname shot a 72 yesterday, par golf, the 1st time ever, with 7 clubs in his bag....XOXOX
It was bound to happen...a day full of rain! Glad everyone arrived safely (Moose, don't look so happy!) Keep up the great work...5 days to NY! Dawn...nice headgear (I know where you learned that!)
Hugs to you all!
lori W
DawnE:
Great picture of you today! Made me remember every time the sight of you heading toward me told me the climb was almost over.
Saving the $2Chuck for your welcome home.
You're my idol.
Morning Shane!
Send us that rain to Naples. We sure need it. Great pictures again this morning. You are the greatest with all the intense biking you're doing. Have a great day.
Emily, Elaine, Ruth, Josie & Brittany
Saw you guys on the news this morning!
Hi Everyone-Finally got a chance to catch up on the travels; amazing!! I can't believe they actually want me to work at work! I can't believe the weather you are dealing with. You all must be so overwhelmed with all the people you are meeting; what an experience! Nothing too exciting going on here at APD which is good no OT, NO CARDS. The boys are getting ready to leave Monday, the Captain shipped his bike out from the station on Monday and Bob is just taking his on the plane, don't know about Dave though. I'm really looking forward to seeing you in Washington; I'm sure you all are ready to be there too. Be safe and look forward to the rest of the ride by Blog with you all.Payroll Debbie.
Hey Fred,
Your Texas riding buddies are missing you, but WOW, what an amazing job you guys are doing. I have enjoyed the daily updates and pictures -- even your "mug shot" was pretty good a couple of days ago. Enjoy the remainder of the ride. Hope the bears are hanging in there!
Tailwinds,
Kay
Keep up the good work. Thanks for letting me hang out with you guys for a little while and help share your story. If any one would like to see the news story which ran in Nashville, TN you can check it out at http://www.wkrn.com/node/20374
There was just bound to be some rain along the way at some point....why tote all the rain gear for nothing...hahahha....You all are doing sooo great....what great team work!!! We all hold you in such admiration.....you have no idea!!!! We are all sooooo very proud of you. We are getting ready to leave on Sunday. It is hard to comprehend that you all have been out there for sooo long. Keep on truckin!!!!! God's speed!! Love, Tracye Fields
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