Sunday, September 2, 2007

Day 3: Morristown, TN to Knoxville, TN

Fri. 8/31/07
48.81 mi
1,812 ft cumulative climb
5:04 hrs ride time
9.6 mph avg
95 F

I Rode Hwy 11E to Knoxville and picked up Hwy 70 in Knoxville.

I started the day looking for a place that might have a hat to help shade me from the sun. The closest place my GPS mapper directed me to was a mall about a mile from the hotel. I did not want to leave the bicycle unattended outside for fear of theft of my gear, so I wheeled it with me through the mall. By the time I finished visiting the last shop that might have what I needed a security guard approached me and said no bicycles allowed. I explained my situation and assured the guard I was on my way out. Fortunately, I did find a hat that seemed perfect for my needs directly across the street from the mall at TJ Maxx. [I later lost this hat. I'd like to record info about it here for reference. I'd like get another one someday]

place hat label image here

I also decided to send my cooking gear home. After my first experience camping and knowing how I feel after a day's ride, I realized I don't want to waste my time and energy cooking and cleaning up. I can carry snack or raw foods and pay someone to fix me hot meals. It's worth noting, I never missed having cookware the entire trip.

I found a UPS store that was on my route and sent back the stove and mess kit. I felt a bit lighter, mainly because of the elimination of the two fuel bottles. One more stop at the waffle house and then I was finally on my way.

Today felt very hot and humid. I not only put the new hat on under my helmet, but also a hanker chief to help shade my neck and ears. Looking back, the heat I endured during this part of the trip conditioned me to handle all that was to come. I felt relatively comfortable riding in temperatures ranging in the 90's with high humidity after getting acclimated.

I experienced my first flat of the trip as I entered the city of Knoxville. The east part of town looked pretty shady so I was glad to finally be rolling again. I had a bit of trouble with my GPS routing me through downtown and it was a bit stressful dealing with rush hour, but it really wasn't bad. Once I got onto Hwy 70, very close on the other side of downtown, cars were almost non-existent all the way to my motel.

A typical shoulder which sometimes goes away. Except for a few stretches on the entire trip, I didn't feel I was in any danger. If I remember correctly, this day's ride was very safe. If you click on the image, you might be able to see where the shoulder goes away up ahead.
Holston River from Hwy 11E/70
Sitting in a lobby of a very expensive hotel. I used the restroom, filled my water bottles, checked prices, located a cheaper place and rode on. Prices here started at $120.

Hwy 11E/70 to the right, Interstate 40 to the left. This is very close to where I stopped for the night. I ended up staying at a Holiday Inn which wasn't the cheapest place around, but I very much enjoyed the pool. Total cost including dinner was around $100.

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