Here are some scenes from the afternoon of Day 6. The first scene is shot in front of a nice pond along US62, and the buildings in the background of the second shot are from downtown Dawson Springs, Ky.
At 7:30 CDT, Team TdK rolled triumphantly into Ky Dam Village State Resort Park after an amazing 128 miles on the bike.
The riders were in good spirits, with any complaints relating to pain from their saddles.
Everyone is heading off to get some well deserved rest. Most people will tell you they don't sleep well on the road, but after a day like today, any bed is going to feel great.
Tomorrow is a 84 mile day, with similar terrain as today, with the last 30 miles in Missouri being as flat as a pancake. The area around Sikeston, Mo. is boring from a scenery perspective, but easy on the legs for a cyclist.
Team TdK just rolled into Eddyville, KY (infamous home of the Ky State Reformatory) for the last rest stop of the day. With 114 miles under their wheels, and only 14 to go, everyone is looking forward to getting to Kentucky Dam Village for dinner and some down time.
The ride has gone well. The terrain has been easier than we’ve seen the whole way, which is keeping speeds up and road time down.
We have arrived in Dawson Springs, KY or the 4th rest stop today. The ride is going really well, and the riders are looking strong.
Some of the riders that sat out this morning are on the road for this part of the day. Bob Redmon, Bill Turner, and the Piepmeyer’s joined the team for the last stretch, and held the paceline with the rest of the team.
89.5 miles down, 38.5 to go. One more rest stop coming in 25 miles.
I was told today that yesterday in Brandenburg we were also met by Jacquie Miller from the Meade County Messenger. Jacquie took some pictures of the team (which I will post later when better internet access allows). The Messenger published an article in their Wednesday paper as well. Apologies go to Jacquie and the Meade Co Messenger, and thanks to Karin Patterson for the correction.
At lunch today we were met by Debbie, our Faces of MS Champion for today. She shared her story with us after lunch, and as the team moves into the second half of their day, they needed her to remind them WHY THEY RIDE.
Also, here are some pictures from this morning.
First, Todd Malone salutes Dave Kimura, our photographer.
Next, Maurice John shares a new way to rest a sore rear end after miles and miles in the saddle.
Last, Jan Mooney shows off her well deserved "SAG Queen" crown.
The team has really stepped it up in the flatter sections of western Kentucky. We have reached Madisonville, KY for lunch at the local Wendy’s.
70 miles are under their tires today, with 58 to go. The last two sections are pretty smooth, and with the great weather we are having, I would expect to see the team really get rolling and finish strong.
Here is a video of the team rolling outside Sacramento, Ky. This was shot by setting the camera inthe middle of the road and waiting for the riders to pass. Once they did, the camera was spun to catch them dropping over the hill.
The team has reached Island, KY for the second rest stop of the day. The last stretch of riding was fast- smooth pavement and much better terrain.
The best part of the Island rest stop is the Island Dairy Freeze. It does appear that the Dairy Freeze is the only place in the town to get a meal, as it was packed for lunch.
The SAG team all had some time prior to the rider’s arrival to try a milkshake. Some flavors we tried were banana, chocolate-peanut butter, and chocolate-vanilla. I think everyone enjoyed the stop.
The team has arrived in Hartford, KY, where our Rest stop is set up on the side of the road. The first segment of today’s ride covered 29 miles, and was uneventful except for THREE flat tires from Kent Lee. He said he is having issues with his rim.
The weather this morning has been overcast and cool, but as we sit the sun is starting to poke through.
Our next segment is 19 miles to Island, KY, where we take a rest at the Island Dairy Freeze, which has an awesome banana milkshake.
Everyone is gearing up for the longest day of TdK 2008. A brand new route with all new scenery for ’08 combined with the prospects for decent weather have everyone energized and ready to go.
Phil Patterson is returning to the bike after a few days off due to some knee pain. I’m pretty sure no one (other than Phil) is happier to see that than Todd Malone, so their little playful competitive banter can hopefully resume.
Our stay at Rough River was top notch. If anyone from the Louisville area is looking for a weekend get-away for some rest and relaxation, the lodge here is a very comfortable place to do just that.
The weather as we launch is overcast and 53 degrees, with some gusts out of the north to northwest. Once we get moving west, we expect the skies to open, allowing some sun and some warming for a great day!
Yesterday I neglected to mention that we have added two new members to our SAG team. Brad Handel joins us as the planned replacement for John Pillitteri, and Carolyn Miller joins us in the "Sweep" van.
Day 6 marks the longest ride day of TdK 2008. This 128 mile "Super Century" will challenge even the strongest cyclist, despite gentler terrain than what we saw in Eastern Kentucky.
We depart Rough River heading west, through the towns of Hartford and Madisonville, where we eat lunch. We then turn southwest towards Dawson Springs and Princeton to Kentucky Dam Village State Park.
The weather forecast for Day 6 looks to be better than today, Partly sunny. Highs around 70. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph, which does provide a little headwind, but I'm pretty sure the team would trade the soaking they got today for a little wind!
