Day 45-46: Buckingham, Ky to Rosedale, Va to Rural Retreat, Va
We often talk about what the toughest part of the trip has been for us. Some cite the long, slow grind mountains of the Colorado’s as the most difficult rides of the trips. Some remember the hot, dry Arizona desert as particularly draining. Understandably, some remember the last two days that included Flagstaff, AZ and early Colorado as rough because we had been on the road for over a week. If you ask me, however, I would say that these last two days through Kentucky and the beginning of Virginia have been the most taxing of the trip. It could be that I am shortly removed from a couple days in my own bed in Elizabethtown or perhaps because I have been battling a case of saddle sores. In any event, these couple days have blurred together so hard that I have written them together, after the fact.
The climbs these last two days have been a sort of hybrid of the most difficult we have faced yet. Whereas Colorado was long and low-grade, and Missouri was steep and high-grade, these eastern Kentucky climbs have been the worst of both worlds: steep enough to wear you out and long enough to do the same.
I hate to say that I have completely let the grind get to me these last two days. I listened and prayed for the people who we rode for but when I tried to make it up and down those hills I must confess that I was thinking only about my own survival. The fact that we have not had cell phone service and that we have been riding through either national forests or areas that aren’t too perceptive to individuals that have matching spandex outfits hasn’t helped, but I have just been trying to get to the next day. To make matters worse, I broke a pedal in the last mile of today, which has been a constant frustration for me this trip.
I hope that I can make mileage tomorrow. Right now that is my only hope, as I am sort of afraid history will repeat itself and these broken pedals will be too much for me to handle for a whole day.
We’re working for the cause. Hard.
-Cameron
I just wanted to say thank you for taking on this cause! I know it started for Tyler as a tribute to my Dad with the intent on raising awareness for the Alzheimer’s disease in our country and I thank you for joining with him in that. I was blessed to witness for a few days the adventure you’ve all had this summer. I also got to see what it takes to finish each day. You’ve had great days and crappy days but through it all, you have pressed on. I can’t even express how proud I am of you for joining a friend in this journey. Having you along has given Tyler a friend from home, a partner to argue with (which he loves to do so much), and someone he respects to ride along with every day. You each have contributed your own personality on this ride and you have touched so many people this summer. Keep on keepin on. You were the best support rider we had in our week with you all. If a broken pedal or pulled hamstring or saddle sores requires you to ride support with Jordan in the Burb, just know you did it all. You’re appreciated. You’re supported. You’re admired. And we love you Cam. See you in Virginia on Friday!!!
Cameron, I know the road seems uphill in all directions as you near the end, but take strength in the knowledge that so many people admire you guys and respect what you are doing. I love reading your musings about life and politics and good people and America as you relentlessly pedal along in the summer heat. I can tell that this trip has affected you in ways other than butt blisters! Just know that in a few days, the miseries of the trip will fade away and you’ll still have a million amazing memories of this incredible period of your life. We’re helping you push uphill and onward with our prayers! We love you and wish you continued success with reaching your goal!
Congratulations on your journey and great accomplishment. You should be very proud, and I know all of your family is. God Bless You.