Viva La Vagabond: FRIENDS IN THE HILLS

Greetings from Boone nc! Contrary to popular belief, vagabond Jordan and Israel are still alive and riding! After a much needed week off in Murfreesboro TN, the vagabonds have continued their way east. Riding out of Murfreesboro, Jordan and Israel were accompanied by their trusty friend Matt Tucker! Through lots of hills and hollows we made our way to Sparta, tn where we took shelter from a storm at a local Sonic. Tired, wet and famished we decided to take a small hobo nap in the middle of the city park. After siesta time, with some time to kill before turning in, we decided to visit Calfkiller brewery. At Calfkiller's head quarters we met one of the owners and were able to get a small private tour and some samples of their new brews. The brewery is by far the best experience that Sparta had to offer. Later that night we returned to our hobo camp, where we were visited by some creepy teenage night owls.

The following morning started with bad news... Jordan's phone had by stolen while we slept. Taken by one of Sparta's goons we were once again robbed blind, the loss was felt by all :( Out of Sparta, we climbed up Cumberland plateau towards Crossville. The climb out of Sparta was probably the biggest elevation gain we'd had since the Rockies. Reaching Crossville after climbing forever, we made our way to a heaven sent Chinese buffet where we gorged ourselves into a food coma. Four plates deep and a few strange looks later, we were back on the road after "cracking-out" in order to beat the "itis." With our Blood-caffeine-level way past the legal limit, we blasted to Kingston where Jordan convinced Israel to push towards Lenoir city with 1.5 hours of daylight left. Too caffeinated to know better, we continued to bike through some very dark, curvy, wooded roads. In complete darkness and scared half to death we reached Lenoir city. Upon reaching Lenoir city the thought of showers and beds being 20 miles away was way too tempting. Having wanted to complete a century ride the entire trip it made the most sense to go for it. It was at 10:30 pm, that we embarked on our last 20 miles into Knoxville. Shortly after reaching the 100 mile mark, we crashed with our good friend Sean Knox and his cousin Coleman Bradley. Our first off day In Knoxville we hung out with our good friends Nealy, Meagan, Emily and Sean. Our second off day we visited with Jordan's family and Jordan got to see his dad for the first time since the beginning of the trip.

Saturday morning we left Knoxville and headed towards Newport. On our way to Newport we crossed over the beautiful French Broad. Luckily after reaching newport,we were able to hook up with Jordan's old buddy Seth and were able to crash at his raft-guide pad for the night.

Still skirting the Appalachian mountains we hopped over to Johnson city. The trek to Johnson city proved to one of the longest days ever. Despite the beautiful mountain scenery and wonderful road conditions, the mileage just couldn't be done fast enough. Several hours later we arrived at JC and headed directly to The Acoustic Cafe for some local flavor. At the Cafe, we met up with the amazing Haley Traver/Casey for dinner and beers. Jordan also got to catch up with some old local friends who joined us later. Once out the cafe, we were In for a very dark cold and sketchy ride back To Haley's mountain home. To our surprise, Daniel "Shag" Casey (Haley's hubby) was there to greet us despite his night of heavy grad school work. After trying some of Haley's home made granola, stuffed we laid our weary heads to bed.

Awaken by Haley's smiling face and delicious breakfast ready, our day was started off right at the Casey's. Sad to leave their good friends, the vagabonds took to the mountains into the Cherokee national forest. The end of Tennessee marked the beginning of their last leg of their journey into North Carolina. That is all for now, we shall report back from NC in a few days!

Matt Tucker seeing of his boys!