I started back and after a bit I got the group back in my vision. As we approached a small town I saw the group turning left; there went my time of meeting up with some other cyclists; so I thought. As I got to the bottom of the hill where the group turned I saw that there was one cyclist who continued on straight; I wondered why. Fortunately I caught up with him in a bit and we got to chat.
He was from Australia and cycling solo across the country; he had just ridden with the other group for awhile. We were able to ride together for several hours and even enjoy lunch together. After lunch we parted ways; I was heading southwest and he was going northeast. It was nice to ride with someone for the first time this trip.
The rest of the days ride into TN went smooth and then after Bristol it got a bit difficult as I ended up taking a route that I should not have taken. Tight roads, hilly roads, traffic...all contributed to a stressful afternoon. With that being said; I did end up on an amazing road in Kingsport that extremely tight and extremely scenic. This stretch made the whole afternoon's frustrating ride worth it. As I enjoyed that stretch I wondered how I never ended up on that road the whole time we lived in Kingsport.
Just like two days before when I ended the day with a steep uphill into Eric's neighborhood; I did the say this day with a steep climb up into Steve & Gwen's neighborhood. It was nice to get up the climb and then see a Gator flag flying in front of one of the houses in the neighborhood.
I arrived at Steve Gwen's and was greeted by Gwen and Nevaeh. Steve would be home from work shortly. I moved my stuff in, got showered, started laundry and then enjoyed a great evening of feasting and fellowship.
The next day would be an off day; there was going to be picnic at Bays Mtn. with friends from Boones Creek and Oakwood Forest. Celeste's sister Lisa and her family would be joining us as well; how exciting.
