Saturday, May 30, 2009
Check this out.....
Check out this New York Times article on "Cycling through history..." on the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route.
Mike's Bike Tour: By The Numbers
20 Days into Mike's Underground Railroad Bike Tour!
Crossings of the Tombigbee River: 5
Crossings of the Ohio River: 5
Number of times Mike got lost: 2
Number of days Mike rode in the rain: 5
Bike repairs: 3
Number of states so far: 6
(Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio)
Churches who provided Mike lodging: 8
Church leaders who hosted him in their home: 2
Church buildings he slept in: 1
Churches who paid for his hotel: 4
Unoccupied buildings Mike slept in: 4
Acquaintances who hosted him in their home: 4
Number of times Mike paid for his night's lodgings: 1
Number of times Mike camped out: 0
Number of nights Mike spent at home: 1
To learn more details about Mike's goal to raise money for diversity scholarships at Lipscomb University, go to biketour.lipscomb.edu.
Crossings of the Tombigbee River: 5
Crossings of the Ohio River: 5
Number of times Mike got lost: 2
Number of days Mike rode in the rain: 5
Bike repairs: 3
Number of states so far: 6
(Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio)
Churches who provided Mike lodging: 8
Church leaders who hosted him in their home: 2
Church buildings he slept in: 1
Churches who paid for his hotel: 4
Unoccupied buildings Mike slept in: 4
Acquaintances who hosted him in their home: 4
Number of times Mike paid for his night's lodgings: 1
Number of times Mike camped out: 0
Number of nights Mike spent at home: 1
To learn more details about Mike's goal to raise money for diversity scholarships at Lipscomb University, go to biketour.lipscomb.edu.
Traveling Underground in Ohio
Friday, May 29
Miles Traveled: 61
Average Speed: 11.6 mph
Elevation Gain: 3,800 feet
Maximum Speed: 38 mph
Cumulative Miles: 1,188
Miles To Go: 882
Mike had his most exciting day of the trip on Friday as he came to one of the most active stations in the Underground Railroad. Not only did he finally have beautiful weather in Kentucky, but he crossed the Ohio River, the landmark that brought escaped slaves into the free North.
"Free at last!" Mike crossed the Ohio River on Friday.
Just as the escaped slaves did, Mike traveled on to Ripley, Ohio, where he stopped to tour various historic sites related to the Underground Railroad. He stayed the night with Sonja Cropper, the tourism director for Brown County, Ohio, and a member of the Adventure Cycling Association's advisory board for the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route. She gave him a personal tour of some of the sites in Ripley.
While Ohio was in the free North, slave catchers were still authorized by law to catch escaped slaves and return them for rewards of $50 to $100. As Ohio was just past the border, it was a convenient place to catch escaped slaves, so the network of friends on the Underground Railroad still had to operate in secrecy. Cropper showed Mike the riverside Rankin House, a large house owned by John Rankin, one of the leading "conductors" of the Underground Railroad, that escaped slaves could recognize because it had three front doors. The Rankin family was large and everyone was involved in shuttling the escaped slaves from safe house to safe house in Brown County in the middle of the night.
Here is a description of Ripley and the Rankin House from the Brown County Tourism Department's Website:
Mike also toured the Parker House in Ripley. Here's more from the tourism department Website.
Mike also visited a church in Ripley, and guess who was buried in the cemetary? Aunt Jemima!
Miles Traveled: 61
Average Speed: 11.6 mph
Elevation Gain: 3,800 feet
Maximum Speed: 38 mph
Cumulative Miles: 1,188
Miles To Go: 882
Mike had his most exciting day of the trip on Friday as he came to one of the most active stations in the Underground Railroad. Not only did he finally have beautiful weather in Kentucky, but he crossed the Ohio River, the landmark that brought escaped slaves into the free North.
"Free at last!" Mike crossed the Ohio River on Friday.
Just as the escaped slaves did, Mike traveled on to Ripley, Ohio, where he stopped to tour various historic sites related to the Underground Railroad. He stayed the night with Sonja Cropper, the tourism director for Brown County, Ohio, and a member of the Adventure Cycling Association's advisory board for the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route. She gave him a personal tour of some of the sites in Ripley.
While Ohio was in the free North, slave catchers were still authorized by law to catch escaped slaves and return them for rewards of $50 to $100. As Ohio was just past the border, it was a convenient place to catch escaped slaves, so the network of friends on the Underground Railroad still had to operate in secrecy. Cropper showed Mike the riverside Rankin House, a large house owned by John Rankin, one of the leading "conductors" of the Underground Railroad, that escaped slaves could recognize because it had three front doors. The Rankin family was large and everyone was involved in shuttling the escaped slaves from safe house to safe house in Brown County in the middle of the night.
Here is a description of Ripley and the Rankin House from the Brown County Tourism Department's Website:
"The village of Ripley was an important stop on the Underground Railroad. Situated on the banks of the Ohio River, a dividing line between slavery and freedom, this borderland community had some of the most active stations in Ohio. The geography helped shape its role; creek beds threw off tracking dogs, and hills and valleys provided excellent hiding places and escape routes.
"It as in this setting that Rev. John Rankin crossed the Ohio River on December 31, 1821, to begin his new life in a free state. An active abolitionist and Methodist minister, Rankin and his entire family became well known by both freedom seekers and slave holders alike for their role in the Underground Railroad. The Rankin House, located on Liberty Hill, overlooks the Ohio River and the town of Ripley and is one of the most recognized sites on the Underground Railroad. Rankin said, 'My house has been the door of freedom to many human beings but while there was a hazard of life and property, there was much happiness in giving safety to the trembling fugitives.'"
Mike also toured the Parker House in Ripley. Here's more from the tourism department Website.
The Parker House, owned by John Parker, advanced his status from former slave to successful patented inventor and businessman in Ripley before the Civil War. He is credited with assisting hundreds of slaves as they made their way north to freedom. According to Parker’s recorded journals, the real warfare against slavery in the borderlands along the Ohio River was waged around the few houses at the top of the riverbank on Front Street in Ripley.
Mike also visited a church in Ripley, and guess who was buried in the cemetary? Aunt Jemima!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Carrollton to Falmouth, KY
Thursday, May 28
Miles Traveled: 62
Average Speed: 12.4 mph
Elevation Gain: 2,800 feet
Maximum Speed: 38 mph
Cumulative Miles: 1,127
Miles To Go: 943
Poor Mike had more rain on Thursday. He says it's rained so much he's just gotten used to it, even though he still hates starting the morning all wet and chilly.
He traveled to Falmouth, Ky., where he stayed with Deane Tennant, who read about Mike's trip on the Internet and offered to provide lodging. Turns out, Tennant is an alumni of Lipscomb University, Mike's employer and the beneficiary of his fund-raising campaign. He was on campus earlier this month for graduation when the Class of 1959 was honored at a Golden Circle reception and announcement during the commencement ceremony. Tennant earned an education degree and Lipscomb and has had a successful career as a superintendent of schools in Kentucky and Ohio.
Don't forget, if you would like to donate to Mike's Underground Railroad Bike Tour Diversity Scholarship Fund at Lipscomb University, click here.
Here are more of the sites along Mike's Underground Railroad Bike Tour.
Miles Traveled: 62
Average Speed: 12.4 mph
Elevation Gain: 2,800 feet
Maximum Speed: 38 mph
Cumulative Miles: 1,127
Miles To Go: 943
Poor Mike had more rain on Thursday. He says it's rained so much he's just gotten used to it, even though he still hates starting the morning all wet and chilly.
He traveled to Falmouth, Ky., where he stayed with Deane Tennant, who read about Mike's trip on the Internet and offered to provide lodging. Turns out, Tennant is an alumni of Lipscomb University, Mike's employer and the beneficiary of his fund-raising campaign. He was on campus earlier this month for graduation when the Class of 1959 was honored at a Golden Circle reception and announcement during the commencement ceremony. Tennant earned an education degree and Lipscomb and has had a successful career as a superintendent of schools in Kentucky and Ohio.
Don't forget, if you would like to donate to Mike's Underground Railroad Bike Tour Diversity Scholarship Fund at Lipscomb University, click here.
Here are more of the sites along Mike's Underground Railroad Bike Tour.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Jeffersonville to Carrollton, KY
Wednesday, May 27
Miles Traveled: 75
Average Speed: 12.2 mph
Elevation Gain: 2,800 feet
Maximum Speed: 32 mph
Cumulative Miles: 1,065
Miles To Go: 1,005
Finished 34 of the 68 maps
Today Mike hit the Eastern time zone. He arrived in Madison at 3 p.m., later than he expected as he was delayed by a rain shower (see video). While in Madison he saw the remain of the courthouse that had recently burned. The city had just finished refurbishing the courthouse when it suffered from an electrical fire. While Mike was there they were taking off the tower.
In order to leave Madison, Mike had to cross the Ohio River. However, the bridge was narrow with a sign saying “Caution, narrow bridge, no shoulder." This was unnerving to everyone as cars either had to go around Mike or follow behind him while he was crossing the bridge back to Kentucky.
Mike arrived in Carrollton, KY, about 5 p.m. (but really 6 p.m. now that he's in Eastern time). He found the Carrollton Christian Church and decided to see if he could find a place to stay. The people there were very receptive and were tickled to have him. Worship started 15 minutes after his arrival. Ron Lacefield, an elder at the church took him in for the night, took him out to eat, showed him around the town. He slept in Lacefield's guest bedroom. Mike enjoyed getting to visit with him.
During the church service Mike was inspired by a video he saw there. The video was about nine guys, from that church and the Baptist church in town, who took the paraplegic sister of one of the group to the Grand Canyon. It was a 33 hour van trip out to the Grand Canyon, and they took her down to almost the bottom of the canyon. They spent 21 hours taking her down to the canyon and then back up. Mike, who has led many adventure outings for Lipscomb students, admired the adventurous spirit of the guys at that church. It was inspiring to him, that they would do something like that to bring joy to a teen-age girl.
Mike plans to spend the next few nights staying with people who learned of his trip through the Adventure Cycling Association and offered to house him on the trip.
He plans to take his first total rest day on this coming Sunday, and is hoping to finish the route a little early, on June 14.
If you are interested in making a donation to the Mike Smith Underground Railroad Diversity Scholarship Fund, go to biketour.lipscomb.edu and click on "Give Online."
Miles Traveled: 75
Average Speed: 12.2 mph
Elevation Gain: 2,800 feet
Maximum Speed: 32 mph
Cumulative Miles: 1,065
Miles To Go: 1,005
Finished 34 of the 68 maps
Today Mike hit the Eastern time zone. He arrived in Madison at 3 p.m., later than he expected as he was delayed by a rain shower (see video). While in Madison he saw the remain of the courthouse that had recently burned. The city had just finished refurbishing the courthouse when it suffered from an electrical fire. While Mike was there they were taking off the tower.
In order to leave Madison, Mike had to cross the Ohio River. However, the bridge was narrow with a sign saying “Caution, narrow bridge, no shoulder." This was unnerving to everyone as cars either had to go around Mike or follow behind him while he was crossing the bridge back to Kentucky.
Mike arrived in Carrollton, KY, about 5 p.m. (but really 6 p.m. now that he's in Eastern time). He found the Carrollton Christian Church and decided to see if he could find a place to stay. The people there were very receptive and were tickled to have him. Worship started 15 minutes after his arrival. Ron Lacefield, an elder at the church took him in for the night, took him out to eat, showed him around the town. He slept in Lacefield's guest bedroom. Mike enjoyed getting to visit with him.
During the church service Mike was inspired by a video he saw there. The video was about nine guys, from that church and the Baptist church in town, who took the paraplegic sister of one of the group to the Grand Canyon. It was a 33 hour van trip out to the Grand Canyon, and they took her down to almost the bottom of the canyon. They spent 21 hours taking her down to the canyon and then back up. Mike, who has led many adventure outings for Lipscomb students, admired the adventurous spirit of the guys at that church. It was inspiring to him, that they would do something like that to bring joy to a teen-age girl.
Mike plans to spend the next few nights staying with people who learned of his trip through the Adventure Cycling Association and offered to house him on the trip.
He plans to take his first total rest day on this coming Sunday, and is hoping to finish the route a little early, on June 14.
If you are interested in making a donation to the Mike Smith Underground Railroad Diversity Scholarship Fund, go to biketour.lipscomb.edu and click on "Give Online."
Mike's Already Half-Way!
Lipscomb students celebrate that Mike has reached the half-way mark on the Underground Railroad Bike Tour on Wednesday, May 27! Celebrate by making a donation to the Mike Smith Underground Railroad Bike Tour Diversity Scholarship Fund at biketour.lipscomb.edu.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Bradenburg, KY to Jeffersonville, IN
Tuesday, May 26
Miles Traveled: 48
Average Speed: 11.4 mph
Elevation Gain: 2,800 feet
Maximum Speed: 35 mph
Cumulative Miles: 990
Miles To Go: 1,080
Mike crosses the bridge from Indiana back into Louisville, Ky before heading back to Indiana.
You have got to love some fresh strawberries!
Mike biked to Jeffersonville, IN where he started looking for a place to stay. He went to one church and they could not help him out. Mike was about to get a hotel room, but decided to try the Meigs Avenue Church of Christ. He talked to Hayward Blanton an elder at the church. Hayward allowed Mike to sleep in the pastor's old, vacated house next to the church. In fact, Mike and his air mattress were the only things in the house that night.
While Mike was there, he got to know the pastor David Wright. He learned that David was one of nine siblings which all attended Falkner University. The most unique thing he learned about David was that he is blind. David showed Mike his books of the bible in braille which looked like Encyclopedias because of their size. They also discussed about the many of the changes in the Church of Christ. Mike says he appreciates hearing David's view on this.
Pastor David Wright says that he wears glasses because they protect his eyes.
If you are interested in donating to Mike Smith’s Underground Railroad Bike Tour Diversity Scholarships fund, please click here.
Miles Traveled: 48
Average Speed: 11.4 mph
Elevation Gain: 2,800 feet
Maximum Speed: 35 mph
Cumulative Miles: 990
Miles To Go: 1,080
Mike crosses the bridge from Indiana back into Louisville, Ky before heading back to Indiana.
You have got to love some fresh strawberries!
Mike biked to Jeffersonville, IN where he started looking for a place to stay. He went to one church and they could not help him out. Mike was about to get a hotel room, but decided to try the Meigs Avenue Church of Christ. He talked to Hayward Blanton an elder at the church. Hayward allowed Mike to sleep in the pastor's old, vacated house next to the church. In fact, Mike and his air mattress were the only things in the house that night.
While Mike was there, he got to know the pastor David Wright. He learned that David was one of nine siblings which all attended Falkner University. The most unique thing he learned about David was that he is blind. David showed Mike his books of the bible in braille which looked like Encyclopedias because of their size. They also discussed about the many of the changes in the Church of Christ. Mike says he appreciates hearing David's view on this.
Pastor David Wright says that he wears glasses because they protect his eyes.
If you are interested in donating to Mike Smith’s Underground Railroad Bike Tour Diversity Scholarships fund, please click here.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Entering Indiana on May 26
Mike made it to Indiana today. He'll spend the next few days jumping back and forth between Indiana and Kentucky.
Memorial Day on the Road
Monday, May 25
Miles Traveled: 75
Average Speed: 12.4 mph
Elevation Gain: 3,200 feet
Maximum Speed: 37 mph
Cumulative Miles: 942
Miles To Go: 1,128
Memorial Day brought new challenges for Mike as practically everything was closed. He did get a good breakfast from the Ellises in Owensboro, but had to stop for a picnic of crackers and juice at a park overlooking the Ohio River. He did find one store in Cloverport, Ky., open and four patrons were milling about the store. After striking up a conversation, Mike left with $12 donated to the Mike Smith Underground Railroad Diversity Scholarship Fund for Lipscomb University. Even on a holiday, he's hard at work raising funds for underprivileged students who desire a Christian education at Lipscomb.
In the spirit of escaped slaves who traveled the Underground Railroad almost two centuries ago, Mike has been relying on the kindness of strangers for lodgings, and sometimes for food, as he did on this day. He saw someone lounging in the shade by the road in Kentucky and asked for some water. He left with a Mountain Dew and the offer of a barbecue sandwich. He's been coming across lots of Mennonite establishments in northern Kentucky, including passing a horse and buggy on Sunday. He did just barely win that race, he said.
Memorial Day also marked Mike's first near spill from his bike when the tire got caught in a seam in a bridge. But he managed to pull it out and escaped with nothing more than a scrape on his leg. He's enjoying the great views of the Ohio River, as many of the towns he is going through are located right on the river.
He ended up staying the night at New Highland Baptist Church in Brandenburg, Ky., where Pastor Darrell allowed him to sleep on the floor of the fellowship hall. So Mike had another first -- he actually had to break out his air mattress and sleeping bag. Sleeping on the floor encouraged him to get an early start on Tuesday, so he was up and preparing to hit the road by 5:30 a.m.
Mike had a blast playing with Caleb and Zooey, the "preacher's kids" at New Highland Baptist.
If you are interested in making a donation to the Mike Smith Underground Railroad Diversity Scholarship Fund, go to biketour.lipscomb.edu and click on "Give Online."
Miles Traveled: 75
Average Speed: 12.4 mph
Elevation Gain: 3,200 feet
Maximum Speed: 37 mph
Cumulative Miles: 942
Miles To Go: 1,128
Memorial Day brought new challenges for Mike as practically everything was closed. He did get a good breakfast from the Ellises in Owensboro, but had to stop for a picnic of crackers and juice at a park overlooking the Ohio River. He did find one store in Cloverport, Ky., open and four patrons were milling about the store. After striking up a conversation, Mike left with $12 donated to the Mike Smith Underground Railroad Diversity Scholarship Fund for Lipscomb University. Even on a holiday, he's hard at work raising funds for underprivileged students who desire a Christian education at Lipscomb.
In the spirit of escaped slaves who traveled the Underground Railroad almost two centuries ago, Mike has been relying on the kindness of strangers for lodgings, and sometimes for food, as he did on this day. He saw someone lounging in the shade by the road in Kentucky and asked for some water. He left with a Mountain Dew and the offer of a barbecue sandwich. He's been coming across lots of Mennonite establishments in northern Kentucky, including passing a horse and buggy on Sunday. He did just barely win that race, he said.
Memorial Day also marked Mike's first near spill from his bike when the tire got caught in a seam in a bridge. But he managed to pull it out and escaped with nothing more than a scrape on his leg. He's enjoying the great views of the Ohio River, as many of the towns he is going through are located right on the river.
He ended up staying the night at New Highland Baptist Church in Brandenburg, Ky., where Pastor Darrell allowed him to sleep on the floor of the fellowship hall. So Mike had another first -- he actually had to break out his air mattress and sleeping bag. Sleeping on the floor encouraged him to get an early start on Tuesday, so he was up and preparing to hit the road by 5:30 a.m.
Mike had a blast playing with Caleb and Zooey, the "preacher's kids" at New Highland Baptist.
If you are interested in making a donation to the Mike Smith Underground Railroad Diversity Scholarship Fund, go to biketour.lipscomb.edu and click on "Give Online."
Change of Plans!
Sunday, May 24
Miles traveled: 102
Average Speed: 13.4 mph
Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet
Maximum Speed: 34 mph
Cumulative Miles: 867
Miles To Go: 1,203
Well, after a well-timed conversation with this blog reporter, Mike changed his plans on Sunday and decided not to stay in Henderson. Instead, he contacted Kim Chaudoin, Lipscomb's director of communication and creative services, and arranged to stay with her parents, Jim and Julie Ellis in Owensboro, Ky. That made for a long day, riding from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., mostly in the rain. He traveled the most miles in one day of any day of his trip so far.
He arrived in Owensboro just in time to attend Sunday evening worship services at Owensboro Church of Christ. The Ellises were being visited by their son and two of their granddaughters, Sara and Montana, who enjoyed eating dinner with Mike after church on Sunday.
Miles traveled: 102
Average Speed: 13.4 mph
Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet
Maximum Speed: 34 mph
Cumulative Miles: 867
Miles To Go: 1,203
Well, after a well-timed conversation with this blog reporter, Mike changed his plans on Sunday and decided not to stay in Henderson. Instead, he contacted Kim Chaudoin, Lipscomb's director of communication and creative services, and arranged to stay with her parents, Jim and Julie Ellis in Owensboro, Ky. That made for a long day, riding from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., mostly in the rain. He traveled the most miles in one day of any day of his trip so far.
He arrived in Owensboro just in time to attend Sunday evening worship services at Owensboro Church of Christ. The Ellises were being visited by their son and two of their granddaughters, Sara and Montana, who enjoyed eating dinner with Mike after church on Sunday.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Drizzle in Henderson
On Sunday, Mike was stuck in drizzling rain all day. So he stopped short of his intended destination, Owensboro, Ky., about 100 miles away, and stayed in Henderson, Ky., about 65 miles from Cave-in-Rock.
Mike says the last few days in Kentucky have brought out his country boy roots, as he smells the overwhelming smells of honeysuckle and freshly tilled earth all around him on the route.
To learn more about the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route and Mike's goal to promote greater diversity at Lipscomb University with a scholarship fund, click here.
Mike says the last few days in Kentucky have brought out his country boy roots, as he smells the overwhelming smells of honeysuckle and freshly tilled earth all around him on the route.
To learn more about the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route and Mike's goal to promote greater diversity at Lipscomb University with a scholarship fund, click here.
Mike enters pirate country
Saturday, May 23
Miles Traveled: 51
Average Speed: 12.2 mph
Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet
Maximum Speed: 38 mph
Cumulative Miles Traveled: 765
Miles To Go: 1,310
The big news on Saturday?? Mike broke his streak of free lodgings. On the 13th night (appropriately enough), Mike paid for his own hotel room in Cave-in-Rock, Ill. Good thing, as the town has a sordid history! The town at the very tip of Illinois is named for a cave just off the Ohio River where priates would lure river travelers and rob them.
Here's the Cave-in-Rock State Park's Website description of the park where Mike stayed on Saturday:
"Sitting atop the high bluffs overlooking the scenic Ohio River, the heavily wooded park is named for the 55-foot-wide cave that was carved out of the limestone rock by water thousands of years ago. Trails winding along the riverbank offer views of riverboats, barges and other river scenes.
"Following the Revolutionary War, this immense recess came to serve as the ideal lair for outlaws, bandits and river pirates who preyed on the people traveling along the Ohio River. One of the most ambitious of these ruthless malefactors was Samuel Mason. Once an officer in George Washington’s Revolutionary Army, in 1797 he converted the cavern into a tavern which he called the Cave-In-Rock.
"From this apparently innocent and inviting position, Mason would dispatch his cohorts upriver to befriend unwary and bewildered travelers with offers of help and guidance. As they neared the cave, these henchmen would disable their boats or force them toward the yawning hollow, where the hapless pilgrims would be robbed, or worse. Few victims lived to tell their story."
Mike had to take a ferry across the Ohio to get to his lodgings in Cave-in-Rock. Luckily he crossed over without any priate intervention.
Memories of Home.... Crossing the Cumberland River
I was curious how Mike got the shot of him crossing the Tennessee River on his bike, as it looked like a pretty desolate place (see "Crump to Pineview, TN" post). So I asked, and Mike reported that there happened to be a couple of fishermen scouting out the best fishing holes on the bridge when he came by, and they snapped the photo of him riding over the bridge on his bike.
If you would like to support Mike in his goal to promote diversity on the Lipscomb University campus, go to biketour.lipscomb.edu. There you can learn more about his job as dorm director at Lipscomb and more about the history of the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route as well.
Miles Traveled: 51
Average Speed: 12.2 mph
Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet
Maximum Speed: 38 mph
Cumulative Miles Traveled: 765
Miles To Go: 1,310
The big news on Saturday?? Mike broke his streak of free lodgings. On the 13th night (appropriately enough), Mike paid for his own hotel room in Cave-in-Rock, Ill. Good thing, as the town has a sordid history! The town at the very tip of Illinois is named for a cave just off the Ohio River where priates would lure river travelers and rob them.
Here's the Cave-in-Rock State Park's Website description of the park where Mike stayed on Saturday:
"Sitting atop the high bluffs overlooking the scenic Ohio River, the heavily wooded park is named for the 55-foot-wide cave that was carved out of the limestone rock by water thousands of years ago. Trails winding along the riverbank offer views of riverboats, barges and other river scenes.
"Following the Revolutionary War, this immense recess came to serve as the ideal lair for outlaws, bandits and river pirates who preyed on the people traveling along the Ohio River. One of the most ambitious of these ruthless malefactors was Samuel Mason. Once an officer in George Washington’s Revolutionary Army, in 1797 he converted the cavern into a tavern which he called the Cave-In-Rock.
"From this apparently innocent and inviting position, Mason would dispatch his cohorts upriver to befriend unwary and bewildered travelers with offers of help and guidance. As they neared the cave, these henchmen would disable their boats or force them toward the yawning hollow, where the hapless pilgrims would be robbed, or worse. Few victims lived to tell their story."
Mike had to take a ferry across the Ohio to get to his lodgings in Cave-in-Rock. Luckily he crossed over without any priate intervention.
Memories of Home.... Crossing the Cumberland River
I was curious how Mike got the shot of him crossing the Tennessee River on his bike, as it looked like a pretty desolate place (see "Crump to Pineview, TN" post). So I asked, and Mike reported that there happened to be a couple of fishermen scouting out the best fishing holes on the bridge when he came by, and they snapped the photo of him riding over the bridge on his bike.
If you would like to support Mike in his goal to promote diversity on the Lipscomb University campus, go to biketour.lipscomb.edu. There you can learn more about his job as dorm director at Lipscomb and more about the history of the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route as well.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Land Between the Lakes
Friday, May 22
Miles Traveled: 54
Average speed: 12.2 mph
Elevation Gain: 3,200 feet
Maximum Speed: 37 mph
Cumulative Miles Traveled: 714
Miles To Go: 1,361
Mike rode through Land Between the Lakes on Friday, and was struck by the utter lack of convenience for miles and miles. Used to having a new town every 10 miles or so to stock up on carbohydrates and fluids, Mike rode 42 miles through Land Between the Lakes with no place to stop and stock up.
Mike's quick trip home made those 42 miles a little lonlier. It was hard to get back on the road after getting to see his wife and sons and sleep in his own bed on Thursday night.
Mike thought this was a convenience store in Land Between the lakes!
Alas, it was actually an old furnace.
In the back there you can see some Lipscomb Bisons who are summering at Land Between the Lakes!
Mike ended the day ay Grand Rivers, Ky., located on the Ohio River between where the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers meet the Ohio. This location played a big role in Nashville history, as the original Nashville settlers cruised in barges the length of the Tennessee River to the Ohio, and then pulled the barges upstream on the Ohio to the junction with the Cumberland, so they could sail back down to Middle Tennessee and the chosen site for Nashville. Mike stayed Friday night with Bill and Irene Morgan, the parents of a good friend of Mike's wife, who hosted him in Benton, Ky.
Grand Rivers, Ky., where Mike ended Friday's ride.
Miles Traveled: 54
Average speed: 12.2 mph
Elevation Gain: 3,200 feet
Maximum Speed: 37 mph
Cumulative Miles Traveled: 714
Miles To Go: 1,361
Mike rode through Land Between the Lakes on Friday, and was struck by the utter lack of convenience for miles and miles. Used to having a new town every 10 miles or so to stock up on carbohydrates and fluids, Mike rode 42 miles through Land Between the Lakes with no place to stop and stock up.
Mike's quick trip home made those 42 miles a little lonlier. It was hard to get back on the road after getting to see his wife and sons and sleep in his own bed on Thursday night.
Mike thought this was a convenience store in Land Between the lakes!
Alas, it was actually an old furnace.
In the back there you can see some Lipscomb Bisons who are summering at Land Between the Lakes!
Mike ended the day ay Grand Rivers, Ky., located on the Ohio River between where the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers meet the Ohio. This location played a big role in Nashville history, as the original Nashville settlers cruised in barges the length of the Tennessee River to the Ohio, and then pulled the barges upstream on the Ohio to the junction with the Cumberland, so they could sail back down to Middle Tennessee and the chosen site for Nashville. Mike stayed Friday night with Bill and Irene Morgan, the parents of a good friend of Mike's wife, who hosted him in Benton, Ky.
Grand Rivers, Ky., where Mike ended Friday's ride.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Waverly to Dover, Tenn.
Thursday, May 21
Miles Traveled: 43 miles
Average Speed: 11.5 mph
Elevation Gain: 3,800
Cumulative Miles Traveled: 660 miles
Projected Miles To Go: 1,415
On Thursday, May 21, Mike headed out at 9 a.m. from Hunter's house in Waverly to bike 48 miles over some very hilly terrain to Dover. However, Mike was not alone. Today Kerwin Everson accompanied Mike along his bike tour which turned out to be very beneficial. After they had biked about 43 miles, Mike had his first flat tire. It was a slow leak, so he decided to pump it up and try to bike the rest of the way. A few miles later he realized how much more serious his tire problem was. Mike noticed that there was a hairline crack on either side of the spokes around the wheel. He counted about 10 spokes that had bad cracks next to them.
Mike realized how blessed he was to have Kerwin biking with him on that day. It was the best time to have a bike problem like this, because Kerwin's son, Aren, was waiting for them to arrive in Dover. He came, picked them both up and brought Mike and Kerwin back to Nashville where Mike got a new wheel from Cumberland Transit got to spend Thursday night in his own bed! This side trip also allowed him to visit his Friday morning bible study before his son Seth drove him back to five miles south of Dover to continue on his bike tour.
If you are interested in donating to Mike Smith’s Underground Railroad Bike Tour Diversity Scholarships fund, please click here.
Miles Traveled: 43 miles
Average Speed: 11.5 mph
Elevation Gain: 3,800
Cumulative Miles Traveled: 660 miles
Projected Miles To Go: 1,415
On Thursday, May 21, Mike headed out at 9 a.m. from Hunter's house in Waverly to bike 48 miles over some very hilly terrain to Dover. However, Mike was not alone. Today Kerwin Everson accompanied Mike along his bike tour which turned out to be very beneficial. After they had biked about 43 miles, Mike had his first flat tire. It was a slow leak, so he decided to pump it up and try to bike the rest of the way. A few miles later he realized how much more serious his tire problem was. Mike noticed that there was a hairline crack on either side of the spokes around the wheel. He counted about 10 spokes that had bad cracks next to them.
Mike realized how blessed he was to have Kerwin biking with him on that day. It was the best time to have a bike problem like this, because Kerwin's son, Aren, was waiting for them to arrive in Dover. He came, picked them both up and brought Mike and Kerwin back to Nashville where Mike got a new wheel from Cumberland Transit got to spend Thursday night in his own bed! This side trip also allowed him to visit his Friday morning bible study before his son Seth drove him back to five miles south of Dover to continue on his bike tour.
If you are interested in donating to Mike Smith’s Underground Railroad Bike Tour Diversity Scholarships fund, please click here.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
A "Mike's-Eye" View of the Route
Wednesday, May 20
Miles Traveled: 34 miles
Average Speed: 11.2 mph
Elevation Gain: 1,800
Maximum Speed: 34 mph
Cumulative Miles Traveled: 617 miles
Projected Miles To Go: 1,458
And other weird and wonderful sites along the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route:
If you are interested in supporting Mike in his goal to promote increased diversity at Lipscomb University, click here and go to "Give Online" to make a donation to Mike Smith's Underground Railroad Bike Tour Diversity Scholarship Fund.
Miles Traveled: 34 miles
Average Speed: 11.2 mph
Elevation Gain: 1,800
Maximum Speed: 34 mph
Cumulative Miles Traveled: 617 miles
Projected Miles To Go: 1,458
And other weird and wonderful sites along the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route:
If you are interested in supporting Mike in his goal to promote increased diversity at Lipscomb University, click here and go to "Give Online" to make a donation to Mike Smith's Underground Railroad Bike Tour Diversity Scholarship Fund.
Making friends in Waverly
Mike (the slacker) got a late start on Wednesday morning. He wasn’t on the road until 10 a.m. But he arrived in Waverly by 2:30 p.m. and hooked up with his host Hunter Patterson, a Lipscomb student who lived in Mike’s dorm at the university this past school year. Hunter showed Mike all around Waverly, including his high school, his church where his parents work. They attended church services at Waverly Church of Christ and Hunter’s family took Mike out to eat.
With 400 boys living under his roof in High Rise Residence Hall, Mike doesn’t get a chance to get to know every boy personally, he said. So getting to spend time with Hunter and learn about him personally was a big highlight of the trip so far, Mike said.
Mike is certainly getting the full Underground Railroad experience, as each night of his trip so far he has found himself dependent on the help of strangers, old friends or acquaintances for his food and lodging. On Thursday, May 21, Mike will give up his solitude for a day as Kerwin Everson will join him for the bike ride from Waverly to Dover.
With 400 boys living under his roof in High Rise Residence Hall, Mike doesn’t get a chance to get to know every boy personally, he said. So getting to spend time with Hunter and learn about him personally was a big highlight of the trip so far, Mike said.
Mike is certainly getting the full Underground Railroad experience, as each night of his trip so far he has found himself dependent on the help of strangers, old friends or acquaintances for his food and lodging. On Thursday, May 21, Mike will give up his solitude for a day as Kerwin Everson will join him for the bike ride from Waverly to Dover.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
So close, yet so far...
On Wednesday, May 20, Mike came the closest he will come to his home town of Nashville, where his route crosses Interstate 40 about 20 miles from Waverly, Tenn., his stop this evening, where he will bunk with the family of Hunter Patterson, a Lipscomb student who lived in Mike’s dorm this past school year.
If you are interested in donating to Mike Smith’s Underground Railroad Bike Tour Diversity Scholarships fund, please click here.
Crump to Pineview, Tenn.
Tuesday, Map 19
Miles Traveled: 73
Average Speed: 11 mph
Elevation Gain: 4,200 feet
Maximum Speed: 40 mph
Mike crossing the Tennessee River.
The day started off quiet and easy-going. Mike did some sight-seeing at various parks along the route. The weather was perfect. He planned to go about 50 miles. As promised by the Adventure Cycling Association, Mike has begun to see a lot of dogs. Tuesday he saw the most dogs of any day of his trip so far. Dog chases are a hallmark of the route (and an ironic similarity to the Underground Railroad of pre-Civil War days). So far he hasn’t been bitten.
He has, however, gotten lost for the second time -- this time pretty severely. Opting to keep on peddling past Mousetail Landing State Park, Mike found himself in Pineview and somehow he got himself lost in the hilliest portion of the community for about two hours. Some hills were so big he had to get off and push his bike.
There were no hotels in sight, so around 7 p.m. or so. Mike started to scout out yards and fields where he could perhaps pitch his tent. Fortunately, Mike’s good luck held true on day eight! After climbing a particularly nasty hill, he stopped to talk to a family out in their yard, asking if they knew any members of the local church. The family was working to finish a house, but next door, they also owned a one-room cabin. And after hearing of Mike’s cycling plight, they offered to let him stay in the cabin for the night.
For the ninth night in a row, Mike found someone to lend him a roof over his head. That puppy is awfully interested in Mike's stuff!
Miles Traveled: 73
Average Speed: 11 mph
Elevation Gain: 4,200 feet
Maximum Speed: 40 mph
Mike crossing the Tennessee River.
The day started off quiet and easy-going. Mike did some sight-seeing at various parks along the route. The weather was perfect. He planned to go about 50 miles. As promised by the Adventure Cycling Association, Mike has begun to see a lot of dogs. Tuesday he saw the most dogs of any day of his trip so far. Dog chases are a hallmark of the route (and an ironic similarity to the Underground Railroad of pre-Civil War days). So far he hasn’t been bitten.
He has, however, gotten lost for the second time -- this time pretty severely. Opting to keep on peddling past Mousetail Landing State Park, Mike found himself in Pineview and somehow he got himself lost in the hilliest portion of the community for about two hours. Some hills were so big he had to get off and push his bike.
There were no hotels in sight, so around 7 p.m. or so. Mike started to scout out yards and fields where he could perhaps pitch his tent. Fortunately, Mike’s good luck held true on day eight! After climbing a particularly nasty hill, he stopped to talk to a family out in their yard, asking if they knew any members of the local church. The family was working to finish a house, but next door, they also owned a one-room cabin. And after hearing of Mike’s cycling plight, they offered to let him stay in the cabin for the night.
For the ninth night in a row, Mike found someone to lend him a roof over his head. That puppy is awfully interested in Mike's stuff!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Mike's Got Religion
Monday, May 18
Miles traveled: 68
Average Speed: 11.2 mph
Elevation Gain: 3,200 feet
Here is a selection of church signs Mike has passed along the way.
And here are some other interesting sites from Mississippi and Tennessee.
If you would like to see Mike's complete Photo Album 2 from his trip, then click here.
If you would like to know more about Mike's goal to raise money for diversity scholarships to Lipscomb University by riding the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route, go to biketour.lipscomb.edu.
Miles traveled: 68
Average Speed: 11.2 mph
Elevation Gain: 3,200 feet
Here is a selection of church signs Mike has passed along the way.
And here are some other interesting sites from Mississippi and Tennessee.
If you would like to see Mike's complete Photo Album 2 from his trip, then click here.
If you would like to know more about Mike's goal to raise money for diversity scholarships to Lipscomb University by riding the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route, go to biketour.lipscomb.edu.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Fulton to Tishomingo, Miss.
Sunday, May 17
Miles Traveled: 38
Average Speed: 12 mph
Elevation Increase: 2,000 feet
Maximum Speed: 33 mph
On Sunday Mike attended church at Fulton Church of Christ. During the men's Sunday school class, he mentioned that he was probably going to have to camp out for the first time that night in Tishomingo. So, one of the men gave him the use of his cabin. Mike got lost looking for it he said, but the area was a beautiful place and once he found it, the cabin had all the comforts of home.
During the Sunday morning worship at Fulton, one of the members he sat next to invited him home for dinner. The Tucker's have two sons, one graduating and headed for the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs and one a Soph. in high school. They are the same age apart as Mike's sons. Mike enjoyed a big family meal, and he left with some extra pork barbecue that he ate at the Tishomingo cabin on Sunday night.
Part of Mike's route follows the Natchez Trace Parkway.
Storms came through Saturday evening that brought in colder temperatures and stronger winds. Mike says that yesterday and today have been his first real battle with wind. He plans to get to Crump, Tennessee, today where a friend of his, Mike Wade, will pick him up for dinner and his overnight stay. the two Mikes used to coach their kids' little league baseball team together. Mike Wade is driving 45 minutes to pick him up, and will bring him back to the official Underground Railroad route tomorrow morning.
Mike's thighs were really sore after pushing himself very hard over the past week. After a couple of light days, his legs are getting back to normal, so he should be fine in the hills of Tennessee. He is going to cut his daily mileage down to about 60 miles a day due to the hills. In addition, a couple of his friends, Kerwin Everson and Bill Peach, will meet him in Waverly, TN, and bike to Dover, TN, along with him.
The total amount of money donated to Mike Smith's Underground Railroad Diversity Scholarship Fund so far is $5.651. Don't forget if you would like to donate, go to biketour.lipscomb.edu and click on "Give Online."
Miles Traveled: 38
Average Speed: 12 mph
Elevation Increase: 2,000 feet
Maximum Speed: 33 mph
On Sunday Mike attended church at Fulton Church of Christ. During the men's Sunday school class, he mentioned that he was probably going to have to camp out for the first time that night in Tishomingo. So, one of the men gave him the use of his cabin. Mike got lost looking for it he said, but the area was a beautiful place and once he found it, the cabin had all the comforts of home.
During the Sunday morning worship at Fulton, one of the members he sat next to invited him home for dinner. The Tucker's have two sons, one graduating and headed for the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs and one a Soph. in high school. They are the same age apart as Mike's sons. Mike enjoyed a big family meal, and he left with some extra pork barbecue that he ate at the Tishomingo cabin on Sunday night.
Part of Mike's route follows the Natchez Trace Parkway.
Storms came through Saturday evening that brought in colder temperatures and stronger winds. Mike says that yesterday and today have been his first real battle with wind. He plans to get to Crump, Tennessee, today where a friend of his, Mike Wade, will pick him up for dinner and his overnight stay. the two Mikes used to coach their kids' little league baseball team together. Mike Wade is driving 45 minutes to pick him up, and will bring him back to the official Underground Railroad route tomorrow morning.
Mike's thighs were really sore after pushing himself very hard over the past week. After a couple of light days, his legs are getting back to normal, so he should be fine in the hills of Tennessee. He is going to cut his daily mileage down to about 60 miles a day due to the hills. In addition, a couple of his friends, Kerwin Everson and Bill Peach, will meet him in Waverly, TN, and bike to Dover, TN, along with him.
The total amount of money donated to Mike Smith's Underground Railroad Diversity Scholarship Fund so far is $5.651. Don't forget if you would like to donate, go to biketour.lipscomb.edu and click on "Give Online."
Aberdeen to Fulton, Miss.
Saturday, May 16
Miles Traveled: 44
Average Speed: 14.6 mph
Elevation Increase: 1,000 feet
Maximum Speed: 32 mph
Black clouds in Aberdeen delayed Mike's start on Saturday for about an hour.
But he still got into Fulton by 12:15 p.m. as it was only a 30 mile jaunt. When he reached Fulton, he reached the end of his first map. The entire Underground Railroad Bicycle Route is laid out on five maps. You can see what those maps look like at http://biketour.lipscomb.edu and click on "Routes & Maps" and look at "Where is Mike Today?" The Fulton Church of Christ provided lodgings for Mike in a Days Inn, and he had dinner with the retirees from Atlanta who are also biking the route.
During his first week of riding, Mike has crossed the Tombigbee River four times. The Tombigbee flows from upper Mississippi to connect to the Alabama River and form the Mobile River and flow out into the Gulf of Mexico. As it was a more convenient route to the Gulf than the alternative -- the Mississippi River which hooks up with the Ohio River, a canal was created to hook up the Tennessee River farther south to the Tombigbee, so barges could travel to the Gulf faster.
Here's the Tombigbee at Mike's fourth crossing.
Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway
(according to the Encyclopedia Britannica)
American waterway linking the Tennessee River in northeastern Mississippi with the Tombigbee River in western Alabama. The 234-mile (376-kilometre) system of locks and canals along the upper Tombigbee River south to Demopolis, Ala., gives access via the lower Tombigbee to the Gulf of Mexico at Mobile, Ala. The waterway was built (1971–84) to provide an alternate and shorter route to the Gulf than the Mississippi River for Appalachian coal and agricultural products from neighbouring Southern states, as well as to draw more businesses to the region. Barge traffic began moving along the system in January 1985.
Don't forget, if you are interested in supporting Mike in his goal to promote diversity at Lipscomb University, make a donation to Mike Smith's Underground Railroad Diversity Scholarship Fund by going to biketour.lipscomb.edu and clicking on "Give Online."
Miles Traveled: 44
Average Speed: 14.6 mph
Elevation Increase: 1,000 feet
Maximum Speed: 32 mph
Black clouds in Aberdeen delayed Mike's start on Saturday for about an hour.
But he still got into Fulton by 12:15 p.m. as it was only a 30 mile jaunt. When he reached Fulton, he reached the end of his first map. The entire Underground Railroad Bicycle Route is laid out on five maps. You can see what those maps look like at http://biketour.lipscomb.edu and click on "Routes & Maps" and look at "Where is Mike Today?" The Fulton Church of Christ provided lodgings for Mike in a Days Inn, and he had dinner with the retirees from Atlanta who are also biking the route.
During his first week of riding, Mike has crossed the Tombigbee River four times. The Tombigbee flows from upper Mississippi to connect to the Alabama River and form the Mobile River and flow out into the Gulf of Mexico. As it was a more convenient route to the Gulf than the alternative -- the Mississippi River which hooks up with the Ohio River, a canal was created to hook up the Tennessee River farther south to the Tombigbee, so barges could travel to the Gulf faster.
Here's the Tombigbee at Mike's fourth crossing.
Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway
(according to the Encyclopedia Britannica)
American waterway linking the Tennessee River in northeastern Mississippi with the Tombigbee River in western Alabama. The 234-mile (376-kilometre) system of locks and canals along the upper Tombigbee River south to Demopolis, Ala., gives access via the lower Tombigbee to the Gulf of Mexico at Mobile, Ala. The waterway was built (1971–84) to provide an alternate and shorter route to the Gulf than the Mississippi River for Appalachian coal and agricultural products from neighbouring Southern states, as well as to draw more businesses to the region. Barge traffic began moving along the system in January 1985.
Don't forget, if you are interested in supporting Mike in his goal to promote diversity at Lipscomb University, make a donation to Mike Smith's Underground Railroad Diversity Scholarship Fund by going to biketour.lipscomb.edu and clicking on "Give Online."
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