Viva La Vagabond: HOME IS NOT PLACES KY/TN

As we last remembered, our story left us a the edge of the Ohio River crossing into the proud state of Kentucky. From the new shores of Kentucky, we made way for the town of Grand Rivers on the north side of Land between the Lakes. We had 30 miles ahead and 3 hours of daylight before reaching our destination. A strong pace through the Kentucky hills left us at Birdville, a small town with a big southern presence. Our afternoon was cut short by our extended lunch, which left us biking after dark. It was then that only 5 miles from Grand Rivers that Jordan snapped his firsts chain. Luckily Jordan’s former NASCAR Pit Crew skills kicked into gear and he had his new chain popped in and ready within minutes. Landing in the dark town Grand Rivers was strangely comforting after all of our previous shenanigans. Weaving through the town, we finally found ourselves at Canal Campground where we snagged a sweet shelter to keep us out of the rain. In complete darkness we had our very first pasta night, which lifted our spirits beyond belief. After dinner, we crashed for the night smelling like wet dogs on our 4^th night of no showers…

The following morning we were woken up by a thunderstorm that kept us in the shelter till 11 AM. Two breakfasts and a morning nap later, we headed for the North entrance to Land Between the Lakes. The first 3 hours of our days ride were wet and a rollercoaster of hills. Rolling into our halfway point at the Golden Pond Visitors center we binged on the free Powerades we’d scored the day before. Nothing has ever tasted so good! With only 9 miles to go, we made a beeline for the TN State line. After our stopover at the visitor’s center the weather shifted to our favor. Dry roads and sunshine marked the entrance into our great state, Tennessee. Once we had reached the state line a very interesting sensation ran through the vagabonds knowing we were almost home. Many pictures and random cheers later we started to ride away but not 10 feet into TN Jordan got his first flat. This was a very significant moment since Jordan and Israel alike had 0 flats for over 3,000 miles. While we changed Jordan’s flat, a forest ranger pull over to help us and get us on our way but not before he was moved by our mission (as well as our smell) and invited us to his guest home for the night. The last 13 miles put us outside of Dover, TN where we decided it was time to take up Dickey on his hospitality and take showers. The ride to his place was one of the most hilly roads that we have come across. Exhausted, burnt and greasy we pulled into Dickey’s guests home, which automatically felt like paradise with AC, Showers, Beds and a real kitchen!

The next day after a much-deserved long nights rest at Dickey’s we parted towards Nashville. We blew past the first 30 miles into Clarksville with lots ease. After lunch we zigzagged through Clarksville’s streets trying to out run the eminent rain. The clouds finally caught up to us just in time for us to take cover in under a hospital overhang. Once the storm passed and we had left Clarksville, Jordan had a second flat on a very high traffic road. All afternoon we had dodged after work traffic with a 6 inch shoulder lane with rumble strips, hoping none would do us in. Consequently, after Jordan’s second flat we decided to call in the cavalry and have his brother pick us up. The rest of our night was spent catching up along with beers and burgers at Nashville’s own, Melrose. Happy to be in Nashville but even more excited to get into Murfreesboro, we made our way out of the Metro area and unto Murfreesboro Road. Fired up we rode right through LaVergene and Smyrna pumping out 38 miles into the heart of Murfreesboro. Entering Murfreesboro we had to undoubtedly ride through our local Greenway. Both excited and in disbelief we rode through our old streets smiling ear to ear. Headed towards our old town square we knew there was only one place to celebrate our contentment, Liquid Smoke. There we had many of our close friends meet us which made us feel incredible. The next few days have been spent resting and catching up with family. We are very happy to be home but also keeping the road ahead in the back of our minds. The trip to the coast continues on the 18^th and we promise to keep you posted more often from here on out. Till next time!