Friday, August 24, 2012

Aug 24: home

I took the train home from VA Beach and shipped Gladiator to Boston. Now I am home safe and sound. Thanks for all you prayers and well wishes!

YouTube Video


I promise I will post some stats for the whole trip and let you in on all the gear I carried with me. But for now... I think I will go on a bike ride to Woods Hole( don't worry, it's only 3 miles).

- Jeremy Tagliaferre; hiker, biker, and general life liker.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Aug 21: Cape Charles





Spent the day with family in Cape Charles. First we slept in and then went out for lunch. We ate at an awesome sandwich shop that had the best ice cream ever. Upon Brandon's recommendation I tried their birthday cake cone. It was awesome. Cake batter ice cream swirled with sprinkles, cake, and magic. Then we went out on some kayaks and explored some of the beach. After that, Ashley cooked us some tasty pulled pork sammies. Great day.

- Jeremy Tagliaferre; hiker, biker, and general life liker.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Day 56: family fun

I woke up this morning to a steady rain pitter-pattering on my tent. It looked like I was going to have to earn my last 70ish miles. I threw my stuff into my bag and hit the road at first light. The rain felt good. It was a perfect way to end my trip. Any other day, I would have been miserable in it. Not today.

The purpose of the morning was two fold. One: enjoy the last remnants of my ride. Two: figure out a place to meet my cousin Brandon and my cousin-in-law Ashley. Both goals were achieved. They live in Cape Charles and came down to pick me up. Brandon even accepted an invitation to ride the last fifteen miles with me. We rode on a paved bike path through First Landing State Park that eventually turned into a dirt path. Today it was a mud path. It was fun to get a little muddy. By this time, the sun came out and we rode down the beach to meet Ashley near the big statue of King Neptune. That is where we had our tire dipping ceremony.

I dropped Gladiator off at a bike shop to get shipped home and then the three of us went out for my birthday dinner. This is definitely a birthday for the books.

Here is Brandon and me riding bikes:




Here is me at the end:


- Jeremy Tagliaferre; hiker, biker, and general life liker.

Day 56: the ocean


YouTube Video

- Jeremy Tagliaferre; hiker, biker, and general life liker.

Day 55: going rogue

I woke up nice and early this morning. I had slept on the fluffy carpet in one of the classrooms and did not want the kids to be traumatized by coming to Sunday school and seeing a strange man sleeping on the classroom floor. Because of my early start, I was riding by another Methodist Church at just the right moment. They had a sign out stating that the third Sunday of every month was a men's breakfast. As I was parking my bike, a guy came out and I asked him about it. He invites me in and I was treated to the most epic southern. breakfast ever. They even has shrimp and grits! So good.

YouTube Video


A little after breakfast, two guys in their early twenties biked up to me and we rode together for the next twenty or so miles. I stopped to check out the Jamestown Settlement as they continued onto the ferry across the James River.

Now I am at Chippokes State park. I bought some firewood, hot dogs and buns so I can have a proper camp out tonight to celebrate my trip coming to a close. I am a little sad to be done, but say more excited to see loved ones.

Here is me in front of the door to unlimited Shrimp and Grits:


- Jeremy Tagliaferre; hiker, biker, and general life liker.

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Day 54: pedaling past the piedmont

Great day folks! As the trip winds down, I am trying to extra enjoy these last couple of days on the road. I rode past many historical sights today and stopped at a couple of them to read about civil war battles.

And I stumbled upon yet another Sheetz! It was just that kind of day. The whole ride felt slightly downhill and the temperatures were moderate. Right now I am staying at a United Methodist Church and watching a Veggie Tales movie.


This is the view at Anna Lake



Look at all those shade-producing trees



This is me loving it



Gladiator parked outside the Sheetz


- Jeremy Tagliaferre; hiker, biker, and general life liker.

Day 53: stats and highlights

Love VA to Mineral VA
Miles: 92
Weather: hot, like KS hot. Rainy at the end

YouTube Video

Highlights:

Stoping at a peach orchard for peaches and ice cream for breakfast

Riding through the beautiful Piedmont of Virginia

Being given pizza from Calvin Marie and Sabrina (they make hammocks and tofu at Twin Oaks)

Getting to the upper room of the Mineral FD before it started raining

Here is me with the beautiful scenery:



Thursday, August 16, 2012

Day 52: I'm in Love


YouTube Video

I ended up spending lots of time in Lexington. I hung out outside the library using their Internet and eating some homemade banana nut bread I bought on my way into town, I checked out their visitor center, and them I fueled up with some more snacks. I needed the fuel to climb up the mountain onto to the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are rumors that no one can make that climb without stopping to take a break. I would not believe that if I were you.

The BRP is gorgeous! I am loving it up here, and the temps are great for sleeping.

Stats and highlights:
Daleville VA to Love VA
Miles: 84
Weather: sunny and hot
Mullets: 1
Dogs that ran onto road: 0
Dogs that barked hello and ran beside the road: 6
Elevation gain to get onto BRP: 1500 ft
Miles to club it: 3
Highlights:
Waking up on the Appalachian Trail

The morning ride through the woods and beside streams

Checking out old stonewall Jackson's grave

Enjoying the views on the BRP




Day 52: historic Lexington

What an awesome night's sleep. My spot was a little slanted, but I used some techniques from sleeping on boats to rest peacefully all night. It felt good to be in the woods and not have to deal with city lights or have to worry about urban wildlife (humans) disturbing the peace.

YouTube Video


I have been moseying along this morning, trying to savor what is now the last few days of my ride. The rolling hills and forests of Virginia are great. The shade feels so good. Even on a hot day, as long as I have shade, I feel great. I am in Lexington right now and had time to stop and pay my respects to the famous Stobewall Jackson.





Day 51: stats

Wytheville VA to Daleville VA
Miles: 98
Weather: cloudy and cool
Dogs: 0
Gatorade factory tours: 0
Miles hiked on AT: 0.25
PAT score for VA: 6

Here are some pics:



Gladiator and the New River



The AT going through a cow pasture




Me laughing heartily

Day 51: bikepacking

Sorry for the lack of videos lately folks, things have been hectic. Here is one to hold you over till tomorrow:

YouTube Video

A was on the road at the crack of dawn today. At least I am pretty sure I was, the sky was absolutely covered with clouds all morning and most of the afternoon. My route took me near the Gatorade factory this morning and I decided the prospect of a room full of G-dogs was worth a side trip. Unfortunately, they dont give tours, nor does the security guard at the gate even let you on the parking lot. The disappointment stayed with me for a while. But everything was made better this afternoon when I got to eat at a Sheetz. That's right folks, Pennsylvania's favorite gas station slash restaurant chain has reached its hand all the way down here!

I ended up biking until dusk. I rode past Catawba so that I could stay on the Appalachian Trail. I locked my bike to a tree and hiked in to my campsite. It was way cool to be back on the trail.

Here is me, absolutely stoked:



- Jeremy Tagliaferre; hiker, biker, and general life liker.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Day 50: the beginning of the end

In my head, I had organized my ride into 5 legs. Florence OR to Missoula MT was the first leg. Then Missoula to Pueblo CO. Pueblo to my Uncle at the MO/IL border was third. MO/IL to Damascus was the forth, and Damascus VA to Virginia Beach will be the last and final leg. I spent most of the morning figuring out where and how I am going to finish. After that, it was off the breakfast with the four other bikers on town: Promise, Whitney, Brian, and Stephanie. I had the Mojoe's Cafe pile o' pancakes. Boy was that good. We chatted for a while, but eventually I had to leave my pedaling pals because they are all taking a rest day in Damascus.

The afternoon ride was gorgeous. The road curved along streams and through forests as I pedaled beside the Appalachian Trail. It was cool to recall memories from my previous hike. After a few gentle climbs, I rode through some awesome rolling hills of a valley and it's cute little valley farms.











Between Chops and the girls, I didn't realize how much talking I had been doing in the past three days. It was odd not hearing any conversation during my ride. I replayed some of the comments from the past few days and found myself relaughing at many of them.

Now I am camping in a city park which does not have showers... The shower streak is over.

Stats:
Damascus VA to Whytheville VA
miles: 59
Weather: cloudy, it almost rained in the early afternoon but eventually became sunny
Dogs: 2
Mullets: 1
Today's food: spicy Thai peanut sauce backpackers pantry meal; pile o pancakes; a honey bun and an apple pastry; turkey sandwich and chips; footlong subway tuna sandwich; spaghetti backpackers pantry meal


- Jeremy Tagliaferre; hiker, biker, and general life liker.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Day 49: Hayters gonna hate

Chops and I woke up at the state park and in an unprecedented move, he took a shower in the morning. He highly recommends that I try it some time. With my current shower streak now extended to 11 days, it looks likely that I will some day soon.

We got out on the road a few hours behind the girls who stayed at a motel near the park. Lots of big hills allowed us to warm up quick, but the cool air kept us from over heating.



Even though we were in VA, it still felt like KY. It wasn't until our first big climb that we caught up to Promise and Whitney and started to see a more Virginiaesque landscape.



Biking through Virginia has been great. Looming over our heads for most of the day though was the climb up and over Hayters Gap. The climb was not too bad with conversation, and the descent was gorgeous.



The coolest part of the day was rolling into Damascus, VA. It is also located on the Appalachian Trail. Chops and I spent a few nights here during our thru-hikes in 2007. I am staying in the same room I stayed in 5 years ago. We went out for pizza with the girls and some other bikers. Many great stories were exchanged.

Stats:
Breaks VA to Damascus VA
Miles: 78
Dogs: 0
Times Chops said, "potatoes gotta potate, haters gotta hate: 27
Times I still found it funny: 27
Schools in VA we passed having back to school orientations: 3
West bound bikers I met: 0 (I usually meet at least one per day but it is getting late for them to be starting)
Friends I had to say see you later to: 2 (Chops and his wife Charmaine)

- Jeremy Tagliaferre; hiker, biker, and general life liker.

Monday, August 13, 2012

Day 48: stats and highlights

Hindman KY to Breaks VA
Miles: 67
Weather: perfect
Dogs: 6
Shower streak: 10 days in a row
Highlights:

Waking up to an awesome breakfast prepared by David:


Riding through some beautiful parts of Kentucky! We get to go on lots of low traffic roads that curve up and down hills near streams and often times have cool looking rocks. They are always shaded. Plus, every so often you get a view of the Appalachian Mountains:


Catching up with Chops:


Reaching the border of our final state. I am sad to see Kentucky go. I think it might have been my favorite state:


- Jeremy Tagliaferre; hiker, biker, and general life liker.

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Day 47: hindman hundred

I ran into two girls named Whitney and Promise this morning. They decided that they would ride their first century and go to Hindman with me where I was meeting Chops. We had a great ride and it was nice to exchange stories up some tough Kentucky climbs. Chops showed up to Hindman and started riding towards us. As spirits waned and the century mark approached we finally met up with Chops. Chops and I hiked the Appalachian Trail together in 2007 along with a guy named Comet. We hadn't seen each other in 4 years and it is great to be out adventuring with him again. Chops was just the boost we needed and we rode the last ten miles in the dark. The hostel we stayed at was at the top of a huge hill, but the host David made it worth it. It turned out to be a pretty epic day and I can't wait to keep catching up with Chops over this weekend.

Here are the girls riding their bikes:


- Jeremy Tagliaferre; hiker, biker, and general life liker.

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Day 46: stats and highlights

My Old Kentucky Home State Park to Berea, KY
Miles: 90
Weather: very cloudy morning, clear skies by late afternoon, temps in the 80s
Dogs: 5 (no problems though)
Hours of the Berea Post Office: open till 4:30
Arrival time in Berea: 4:10
Plates of Chinese food I ate at the China Chef in downtown Berea: 3 (plus a bowl of ice cream)
Favorite celebratory catch phrase from the Kentuckites playing horse shoes at the campground I am staying at: That dog will hunt!
Highlights:

Stopping at the Lincoln homestead. Lowlight, not having the facial hair to pull off a convincing Lincoln.



Watermelon as a morning snack



Busting my tail to make it to the PO on time and achieving that goal.



- Jeremy Tagliaferre; hiker, biker, and general life liker.

Friday, August 10, 2012

Whatchya got there? Music

Special note: I don't use headphones. I just turn up the volume and place my iPod in my front pack. This way I can still hear traffic.

YouTube Video

- Jeremy Tagliaferre; hiker, biker, and general life liker.

Day 45: stats and highlights

Rough River Dam State Park to My Old Kentucky Home State Park
Miles: 100
Weather: sunny, scattered t storms, 80s
Cutest dog of the day: a beagle who stood on the side of the road pointing at me while her puppies ran away from me
People I saw mowing the lawn: at least 30
Shower streak: 7 days
Highlights:
Embry's Bike and Board in downtown Leitchfield

End of day Oreo McFlury

Lowlight: trying fried pickles at a gas station and being very disappointed







- Jeremy Tagliaferre; hiker, biker, and general life liker.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Day 45: totally tubular

So throughout the morning, John and I discussed what we wanted to do about our lack of tubes and my broken speedometer. Eventually we figured out that Leitchfield had a Walmart. Leitchfield was about 11 miles southeast of the route and would set up John for his ride to Mammoth Cave witch also lies to the southeast. I called them up to make sure they had our tube size in stock and we were off. But when we got to Lietchfield, we almost rode past a bike shop without noticing it. Luckily we did notice it and waited the few minutes for it to open. The owners are the two most angelic trail angels around. They immediately fed us and attended to our needs. I have never felt so instantly welcome in a place ever.

After that, John and I parted ways. I rode back onto the TransAm and had a very productive afternoon. It was pretty cloudy, so the day felt cooler than what it actually was. The ride was some the most pleasent terrain yet. Rolling hills through beautiful farmland with lots of trees.

YouTube Video


Here is me with the beautiful scenery:




Day 45: totally tubular

So throughout the morning, John and I discussed what we wanted to do about our lack of tubes and my broken speedometer. Eventually we figured out that Leitchfield had a Walmart. Leitchfield was about 11 miles southeast of the route and would set up John for his ride to Mammoth Cave witch also lies to the southeast. I called them up to make sure they had our tube size in stock and we were off. But when we got to Lietchfield, we almost rode past a bike shop without noticing it. Luckily we did and waited the few minutes for it to open. The owners are the two most angelic trail angels around. They immediately fed us and attended to our needs. I have never felt so instantly welcome in a place ever.

After that, John and I parted ways. I rode back onto the TransAm and had a very productive afternoon. It was pretty cloudy, so the day felt cooler than what it actually was. The ride was some of the most pleasent terrain yet. Rolling hills through beautiful farmland with lots of trees.

YouTube Video


Here is me with beautiful scenery:



Day 44: not so tubular


After a late evening of watching movies with Jon, I decided to sleep in for my easy day. Jon and I decided to ride out together today and we left around 9 am. The riding was nice and went by fast as we chatted away. Jon is riding from his home state of Alaska, all the way to Key West, FL. He has been on the TransAm since Montana. After getting wrecked by a moped, he took some time off in CO. Since then he has put in multiple days over 200 miles. Today he took it easy with me. It's a good thing he did. He had three flat tires today and only two tubes left in his pack. The tubes he has seem to be bad because they keep busting at the base of the valve. I carry a spare tube, so I gave him mine. Jon wasn't the only one of us to have equipment failure today though. For no apparent reason, my speedometer broke. There is a bike shop down the road a ways that we can get to tomorrow and replenish our tube supplies and speedometers.

Stats and highlights:
Sebree KY to Rough River Dam State Park KY
Miles: 70
Weather: clear and warm
Terrain: lovely rolling hills
Total flat tires for Jon: 24
Weight of Jon's stuff: 66 pounds plus bike
Weight of my stuff: 47 pounds (including bike)
Consecutive days I have showered: 5
Highlights:

Listening to Jon talk to the dogs in a voice that resembles Bill Murray



Placing a pin on the map at the church hostel for my home town of Reynoldsville, PA


A banana split in Fordsville, KY (picture not available)

Finding Cape Cod potato chips at a gas station here



- Jeremy Tagliaferre; hiker, biker, and general life liker.

Day 43: cave in rock, me in Kentucky

Just before I left Illinois, I visited the famous Cave in Rock state park. It was way cool, especially after visiting the less famous Tower Rock state park. I biked about a mile off route down the steepest hill ever and found no rock towering over the forest. The park was even missing its sign. The climb back up the steep hill was rough. Cave in Rock redeemed Illinois just before I took the ferry across the Ohio River.

YouTube Video

The real story of the day is where I ended up. The First Baptist church in Sebree has a biker hostel that is amazing. The pastor and his wife also cook you dinner! I had called ahead to ask if I could stay there and she replied, "yes, I will have your dinner ready." That was all I needed to hear. I practically flew there.

Here is a picture of my snack pack I made with duck tape to munch on my banana chips while I rode:



Stats and highlights:
Bay Creek Ranch to Sebree KY
Miles: 90
Dogs that chased me: 3 (I just stopped and got off my bike and they stopped)
Ferry: 1
Highlights: exploring cave in rock

Stopping at an Amish store and buying some banana chips, then I attached it to my handlebars and ate them while I rode

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Day 42: mr 3000

We did it folks, 3000 total miles traveled!

Right from the start, I knew today was going to be extraordinary. Instead of waking up hot and sticky with sweat, I awoke to the cold (not cool, cold) crisp air of the air conditioned bunk house at the Chester Eagles. I savored the temperature for an extra hour. I was trying to sleep off all those late nights with the Tag Family watching the Olympics and movies. After I finally rolled out of bed, I walked outside to find Gladiator right where i left him. Thanks OnGuard. I then said goodbye to the birthplace of Popeye and snapped a quick photo with the Bluto statue.

The ride was great today. I got to see some scenic parts of Southern Illinois. I stopped at a gas station for a pizza lunch. I rode on a closed road like the American Cowboy I am. Ate a few climbs for afternoon snack. And then it happened. In the city of Goreville, home of the fighting black cats, I officially reached 3000 miles. Note that I only count miles progressed on the TransAm. This does not include miles I rode to get to groceries, gas stations, libraries, etc. Otherwise I could just ride in circles in the parking lot to inflate my stats. I am not about that folks, rest assured my numbers are pure.

YouTube Video

- Jeremy Tagliaferre; hiker, biker, and general life liker.

Day 42: stats and highlights

Chester IL to Bay Creek Ranch Campground IL
Miles: 98
Terrain: easy
Weather: 90s, not too bad
Highlights:

Bluto:



Enjoying the ride:



Stopping at a fruit stand for the best peaches ever and being given an extra four and two cucumbers for free:



Going rogue in order to stay on my route:



Finding this awesome gate that featured old tree trunks and a birdhouse that was actually housing a keypad to unlock the gate with a secret code:


- Jeremy Tagliaferre; hiker, biker, and general life liker.