With the time change I was up early as you saw from this morning’s post. The continental breakfast was minimal so I had coffee and juice and a couple of tiny donuts and hit the road by 7:30. It was a better time to ride because it was coolish. Last night I had plugged in what looked like a good route and for the most part it was.
I stopped around 9 for breakfast at a little place called Nana & Papa’s in a town called Cub Run. They had a pretty good home cooked breakfast buffet. That gave me the strength to ride for the morning. The back roads were great and I was in tree covered shade a fair bit. Brother Doug asks why I don’t stop more and spend time in places. It really is all about the riding (right Ross) - covering as many winding roads as possible and besides in this heat its the only air conditioning I have.
It is amazing how the people react. I have truckers that have followed for a while wave when we turn different directions. Or farmers along the way and people on the streets in the towns wave as I go by. I stopped for a butt break (since I don’t have a sheepskin) and a drink in the middle on nowhere and a lady pulled over to ask if she could call someone for me. There is absolutely no reason to worry when riding in this country.
I stopped in a town call French Lick. Now I want everyone to tell me what came to mind when they heard about this town lol. The story is that the town was settled by the French and there are mineral deposits that attract wildlife. Not nearly as exciting as my imagination conjured up during the long heat induced hallucination that I had the few hours before arriving there. There is an amazing hotel that was built in the 1900′s and another one up the road that is a casino hotel frequented by the Chicago gangsters during their hay days.
The French Lick Resort - circa 1900s
This is the back of the hotel taken from the gardens.
Lobby of the French Lick Resort Hotel
The lobby is magnificent. I bought an ice cream (French Mint) and licked it as I walked through the hotel and gardens. A lady who has stayed in both this hotel and the casino hotel commented on my ice cream and we struck up a conversation. It sounds like a great place to stay when we win the lottery.
I ate at Deny’s across from the hotel but after I ate I found there is a little place I could have eaten in the hotel. Oh well I had a great waiter (Joel) who was very good about giving me some background on the town. He is a busy guy working at Deny’s, the power company and the hotel. I gave him my blog card so we might see a comment here from Joel. He wants to visit Niagara Falls – go for it Joel – life is short – thanks for making me feel at home!
My ride from there to Nashville Indiana started out so-so. I had picked the route based on a recommendation off the Internet where they post “Great Rides”. The first part was on a major highway so I was ticked. I was going to get on and give them hell when I got a chance,
Story Indiana
but all of a sudden I ended up on Hwy 135. WOW what a great ride. Up and down hills, lots of curves, through some nice valleys and quaint little towns like Story. Maybe now I have to go on and complement them on the recommended ride. Part of it went through Browns County State Park.
I am staying in a little place called the Red Bud Inn. The owner is just out of the hospital and I had to disturb him to get the internet working. He came to the door in his night-shirt with two bottles with some red goop and tubes hanging down. I felt like a jerk for disturbing him. A bit later a lady came to see if I got it going. I did finally get it going as you can see.
The room isn’t fancy but its cheap. Actually come to think of it, it’s about the same as last night and I had a pool and more room – oh yeah and a phone. Oh well its ok.
Nashville looks neat so I will explore it tomorrow and maybe do a ride through the area.
I hope you aren’t bored with my ramblings everyone. Keep those cards and letters coming in.
TaTa4Now
Bob
I really hate those time changes…we should abolish them all!!! You should start seeing alot more Harleys in your ride because there is a rally in Richmond, IN this weekend-which was the main purpose for our ride. When we left this morning we pulled off on the interstate to help another biker who had lost an Ipod on the road-never did find it, but Amy did find a $100 bill along the road. This was good because when we were about to leave Florence, KY her bike broke down near the dealership. The guys at the dealership were GREAT and fixed the problem (starter gear broke teeth). Enjoy the rest of your ride, and here’s to the scenic wonders of the states.
Hi Hun!
You missed an earthquake this afternoon at around 1:41. It was a 5.0 and the epicenter was north of Ottawa but apparently felt as far as Boston and Chicago. One of our favourite Tim’s girls was telling me that she was sitting in her car at a traffic light and she felt it. I didn’t feel anything at school – too busy trying to keep 19 kids motivated in 27 degree (37 humidex) heat.
Your scenery today sounded really nice – the pics are amazing with Aly’s camera. Mmmm, French Mint ice cream sounds like a cool idea!
Love,
Pat
I’m not too sure what you mean by “two bottles with some red goop and tubes hanging down” but it doesn’t sound good!
I thought of you today, I went for a hike in the escarpment today with some friends and saw 2 amazing waterfalls. Wish I had a camera but i got some shots on my phone for you to see. I forgot your camera at home…oops! I climbed some scary rocks, slid down a slippey muddy sloap and got sufficiently dirty/soaking wet. It was a great hike and I’m beat!
Have a safe ride tomorrow!
Hi Bob:
Have enjoyed reading your blog – just checked it out for the first time today. Your trip sounds great – and what an experience!! Glad you are getting good vibes from the locals and help (mostly) from Emily….
G20 restrictions are on us tomorrow (June 24). I feel sorry for anyone trying to commute to Toronto and even Pearson this week. Substantial delays are forecast due to security restriction and road closures. Believe it or not, I am even grounded from flying out of Guelph. All planes arriving at or departing Guelph, or other fringe airports just outside the 30 mile restricted flying zone must have a transponder with a code assigned by Nav Canada. Since our plane doesn’t have that expensive equipment, I am forced to stay on the ground until June 28 (rats!!!!!!!).
I am looking forward to the day when I can have a summer off (it is getting much closer….). Our family is going to do a trip to Aruba for some snorkling/scuba in July. Next year Barb and I are going to cruise to Hawaii with Bob and Kathy Smith for a couple of weeks. I agree life is short – and have never seen a hearse pulling a U-haul….
Anyway, take care, and be safe!!
Geoff Gartshore
Bob … still following your exploits. Sounds as though you are getting in the groove and beginning to enjoy yourself. The places you describe sound wonderful and I will plan a similar route (only in my sports car with four wheels on the road) for a trip Diane and I intend to take next year.
Keep those blogs coming … they are great.
Hi Bob,
Sounds like you are having a great time, what a great idea to go for the ride and keeping the rest of us up-to-date on your adventure. Do not push to hard and take time to enjoy the different areas.
The family is heading to France on Monday for a three week adventure. I am looking forward to the trip and checking in on your trip from time to time.
Ron
Hey Ron – Have a great trip to Franch. We did that about 5 years or so ago and absolutely loved it. Where else is the wine cheaper than the gas – so drive less and drink more. I hope to see you in Halifax in the Fall.
Bob
It sounds like you have had a couple of good days albeit a little sweaty. It seems that a lonesome guy on a bike is bringing out the best in people. I was thinking that the Rose Bud Inn is likely named after the tree that comes out in pink flowers in the spring. We see it all through that area when we return from Florida. The tree is call Rose Bud. We’re getting lots of golf in despite the rain. We had a great day playing Pinestone last week at our Northern Dunes tournament. What a great golf course. L8R.
Hi Bob
Sounds like you are having fun and seeing a lot of the eastern US from the small towns vs. interstate!! I wish I was with you!!!!! Keep the shiny side up and tires down and love to read your stories!!!!
Take care
Graham