Stationary Bikes
We have arrived in Nashville, TN and my mother’s home. After more than two months, 2000 miles, eleven states, and a District of Columbia, we have finished.
Alexa rejoices over leaving the state of Kentucky
In the last three days we have covered the 150 miles or so of scenic route from Mammoth Cave, KY. We entered Tennessee yesterday, staying in Springfield last night, and then making it the last 50 miles today. We have been on pretty good riding roads the last few days despite having to make our own route. Also, arriving in Nashville was much easier than expected.
Alexa’s view of Nashville
So, it’s done. It’s amazing how things just end, and that’s it. No summary required, or really even possible. Tonight, we don’t have to find a place to sleep, prepare for tomorrow, or grow anxious about the impending mechanical failure. Actually, one of the interesting things about the trip is that we have not had a flat tire since Charlottesville, VA, and Alexa only had one flat tire for the whole trip. Alexa’s one flat tire was patched and so she finished with the same tires and tubes that she began with in Maine. However, she had a wheel replaced, a spoke replaced, and a conspicuous wobble. But, her bike, Lolly, made it as well.
We may write more. For now, we would like to thank everyone who was involved, at any level, in our trip. From Kay and Tom for their gift of a bicycle to Alexa in the spring, to those who gave us a place to stay at night (Deb and Lonnie, Aunt Carolyn and Uncle Larry, the Lee family, Bethany Spring, Bonnie and Phillipe, Jay at the nursery, Brad in Lexington, the Cookie Lady, and others), to the many bike shops for all their help, and to our families and friends who have been so generous.
Frankly, this trip was a lot… of everything. So, our gratitude is genuine, because every person who made this trip even the slightest bit simpler or easier had a lasting effect on our days and nights. Thank you, and may you do it again and again for others.
Here are some pictures from our weekend near Gethsemani.
A monk at play
Immediate Friends
Alexa’s pilgrimage to the hermitage
‘Neck-deep in grace’
