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July 04, 2005
The Send Off - Clermont
It was a rush getting everything together. Steven, Darci and I went to Bernheim and unloaded my bicycle and other things. I didn't think that television coverage was going to happen but it did. Justin Wilfon from WAVE TV 3 showed up.
The interview went pretty well I thought. Justin was great and Dave the cameraman was pretty funny. Friends that have known me since pre-school showed up to see me off. It's been said that there's nothing more boring than someone else's dream and yet people I don't know came out to wish me well. People like John Spalding from Bardstown, Robert Bridges and his daughter Lorin from Louisville, and the Link family from Cox's Creek.
After leaving Bernheim I made it to the Rooster Run General Store where, while paying for ice cream, I saw Kendoll Link and her dad Kenneth. Kenneth said "Kendoll wanted to give you some things for good luck". She then handed me a bag containing a cross made from concrete nails glued together with twine, a buckeye, 2 buffalo nickels and some red magic rocks! It was exactly what I needed then because frankly, up to that point, I was thinking "What have I gotten myself into?". Kendoll put it into proper perspective for me and earned the title of my number one cheerleader. Sometimes it's the smallest things that make all the difference and that certainly did to me.
The rest of my ride was hot, but I made it to My Old Kentucky Home Campground where the day was spent determining what was going to be sent back home. Like all cycling tourists I started out with WAY too much and it didn't make any sense chauffering european electric converters.
The day exceeded my wildest expectations and the only huge disappointments were my misplacing my cell phone (later found at Bernheim) and trying to eat noodles without utensils because I forgot to pack a fork.
It's clear that improvising is going to be a major part of my journey.
Posted by Julian Cook at July 4, 2005 03:54 PM
Hey Julian,
I have lots of forks and camping utensils that I can gladly give you if needed. No sense in you using your fingers:)
Keep up the positive attitude.
Karen
Posted by: Karen at July 6, 2005 04:49 PM
Way to go Julian - the grand adventure has begun!Too cool! I am not the lease surprised that you are already looking at what to send home, though. Do let me know if at anytime you need something sent to you; I will make sure to get it to you. And do let me know when you will be pedaling through here so I can accompany you on the road for just a few of your many thousands of miles, ok?
hugs,
mary
Posted by: Mary at July 6, 2005 05:08 PM
What a great start! Of course you realize, JC, that it wouldn't be much of an adventure if everything went off without a hitch. Just think of how creative you will become on this trip and all the great anecdotes you'll have to punctuate your travelogue. Besides, with buffalo nickels and red magic rocks you can't go wrong. Travel well, my friend...
Posted by: bonita at July 6, 2005 10:23 PM
Julian,
This is way too exciting!!!! Be safe, my friend, and have a GREAT time!!
OXOX,
Carol
Posted by: Carol Angier at July 7, 2005 06:13 AM
Are you going to have pictures of your bike fully set up - after shedding some items and adjusting for travelling?
I find I need the fix of reading about your journey as much as I need the fix of riding/running/walking each day. Even though some of the postcards and trip updates have not yet been sent, I have faith and am patient.
Posted by: Don MacLeod at July 7, 2005 08:26 PM
Thanks for the postcard. I hope the weather is decent wherever you are. Instead of that useless contraption you can mount on the rear of your bike, I'll have batteries instead so you can keep going, and going, and going. Take care.
Posted by: Elinor at July 8, 2005 08:17 AM
Julian, I admire the way you have blended your technical expertise, your urge to travel and your desire to write, to live life on your terms. You da man! Be safe and God bless.
Posted by: Kirk Stark at July 8, 2005 10:03 AM
Thanks Bonita! I have had problems already. Chainrings bending, speedometer dying and other problems. Nothing I can't get past though. Best of all has been the rain recently here (Hurricane Dennis remnants).
JC
Posted by: Julian Cook at July 11, 2005 05:40 PM
Julian,
this is your nephew steven t.just thought i would
see how far you where and if you were having fun yet!on your journey yet,wish you the best of luck
be safe on the rest of your trip. will check in on you again.
the tarrenceslove you!keep pedaling
Posted by: steven tarrence at July 11, 2005 07:17 PM
Julian,
Darci and I were tickled that you shared the last drops of your deceased grandpa's moonshine with us the night before you left. Let's hope your journey goes half as smoothly as that 30-year-old whiskey went down my throat.
We did a bit of exploring around the Bernheim Arboretum, and we were so impressed we decided to return soon for a weekend trip in the area.
When you get to Ireland and get to riding in that country's farm lands, I think you'll get a "wee touch of the homesickness." Bernheim made us think so much of the old estate grounds in that country. And believe me, when I say there's a very special kind of beauty to be found in such a setting. You are so fortunate to have a land as beautiful as that of Kentucky's to be your home.
Steven
Posted by: steven newman at July 17, 2005 06:32 PM
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