Putting together the bike always presents a couple of challenges and leaving Knoxville was delayed due to two broken bolts which connect Jim’s seat and my handle bars to the bike. But a couple of trips to box store hardware stores near our hotel got us pretty much the parts we needed. So on the road it was outside of Knoxville Wednesday late afternoon. About 17 miles into our ride,
I heard what I thought at first was a gun shot, but which I quickly realized was our trailer tire blown out. We pulled over on Hwy 33, made several calls and using two dollar bills Jim temporarily repaired the tire (we had several spare tubes, but no spare tires) to get us to the nearest Wal-mart (a place we try to avoid at all costs, but were actually quite glad to find out carried what we needed in New Tazwell, TN). We got back on the windy, hilly road and a half mile down the road the tire blew again.My thumbing let to Rodney, in a big white pick up truck, pic
king us up and graciously taking us to Wal-mart and Inges Grocery store to get our dinner and then driving us to Cumberland Gap National Park in VA. (We have consistently found incredibly generous people on our travels- complete strangers who give us rides and invite us to stay in their homes.) So our first night was spent cozily in our tent in a beautiful park and with a new trailer tire. 
Last night was spent in a camp ground made for ATVers in Evarts in Harlan County, KY after a 50 miles day. We had an exiting time getting to Harlan County and met some amazing people once we got their. Today we opted for a Bed and Breakfast in Fork Oven, KY due to the rain (another 50 mile day). We’ll fill you in on the rest of our adventures tomorrow and post some pictures when we finally make it to a library. But know we are well, happy and relaxed (with sore behinds).
Above- Jim at our first nights lodging in Cumberland Gap National Park. Upper right- with Rodney after blowing our 2nd tire of the day.
L-Jim waiting on Hwy 25E as I find out where the closest bike shop is to look into our fraying brake cable (brakes- are not something we want any problems with on this mountainous trip!)R- at Brown's Bike Shop in Middleboro, KY with Richard "Bud" Biggerstuff, who whipped out his little black comb right be
fore posing for the picture.
fore posing for the picture.
Above- the Hillbilly's Country Kitchen where we ate dinner and breakfast in Evarts, KY (L- outside view, R- staff with ATV mural on the walls.
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