We made it out of Kentucky!

It's been five solid days of riding, and we just couldn't be happier to be on the road and feeling good. The weather is truly a dream come true... mid eighties, sunny, and breezy (but not too breezy. Kentucky was rough on us, mainly due to the stinking stomach flu, but we will hold onto a few fond memories and try to forget the bad stuff.

I wanted to mention some people who have been really incredibly generous to us along the way in Kentucky. The Lucas family at the Double L Grocery near White Mills are pretty much the friendliest, kindest folks we've encountered. They made us feel right at home and poured their hearts into making sure we were happy. Also, Pastor Wayne Garvey of the United Methodist Church in Marion. His enthusiasm for meeting cyclists, exchanging stories, and helping people made us feel great. Thanks for the comfortable place to shower and sleep. Thanks finally to whoever's in charge at the Utica Volunteer Fire Department for leaving the door unlocked and welcoming cyclists in for the night.

We're now in Carbondale IL, a college town with a vegan(ish) restaurant and a food co-op. So we're happy and considering staying for a day off. The plan right now is to leave from here and head off the route up to St. Louis, where Erica's brother Jacob and his wife Dani and their dog Louise will be visiting family. We can't wait to see them and do some touristy stuff in St. Louis.

From Transam2010