Day 16: Hindman, Kentucky

We finally made it to Kentucky! Today we rode from Breaks Interstate Park on the border of Virginia to Hindman, Kentucky to total over 70 miles of riding. It rained several times and I even hid under a bridge during one of the storms due to lightening.

We were welcomed into Kentucky by packs of unleashed dogs and 3 undereducated 12 year old rock throwing boys. We were expecting the dogs since Kentucky is notorious among bikers for its many dogs, but we weren't warned about the rock throwing boys who threw rocks at each of us as we passed. Most of the time the dogs are looking to play a game called "Chase The Bikers", but I have Hault (mace spray for dogs) waiting for the first dog that tries to eat me. Terry, Rick and I were chased for over a quarter mile by two dogs. It became quite humorous, especially watching the relentless dogs respond to Terry's dog zapper that gives off a high pitch tone inaudible to humans but really irritating to the dogs' ears.

Beyond the rock throwing boys and attack dogs, I have not been impressed with the first 70 miles of Kentucky. There is a lot of litter on the side of the road and many of the neighborhoods look like a collection of small junk yards with attack dogs protecting it. My favorite yard had a car turned on its side so the guts of the car face the street.

On the other hand, the people have been very generous to us. One lady made donations to each of Pete and Terry's organizations. Another lady gave Pete two bottles of water. Pete bragged to us that he is finished drinking that awful tap water.

In short, the group is glad to finally be out of Virginia but isn't so excited about Kentucky. I'm sure tomorrow will be another adventure and have many more dog chasings. Tomorrow's ride has been described as "a death march" by previous groups...so we'll see what that is all about...