Cycling the Underground Railroad--Part 1

 Day 21:  WAVERLY TO DOVER, TN (BY CAR)

Today is April 1, but the weather was no joke and I am no fool.

The temperature was literally freezing this morning, with a 10-15 mph headwind and the wind chill at 25 degrees Fahrenheit.  None of my research and planning indicated anything even close to this cold.  I didn't have enough clothing to prevent hypothermia or frost bitten fingers and toes.  This proved to be a weather delay of a different kind.  Even by early afternoon, the wind chill was still only 36 degrees with 15-24 mph winds. 

So I made the decision any self-respecting touring cyclist absolutely loathes to make.  To stay on schedule, I needed to make it 44 miles up the road to Dover, Tennessee.  So I set out to find a ride.

Jen, who was working at the Imperial Lodge in Waverly said she wouldn't mind taking me, but she had to pick up her daughter.   But she put me in touch with La Lani at Highland Rim Economic Corporation, an organization that provides help to local residents.   La Lani agreed to take me when she got off working at the agency about 4:30 pm.  I was grateful!

Waverly, Tennessee--Home to country singer Loretta Lynn,

In the meantime, I would run some essential errands in Waverly. One of this town's claims to fame is that the famous country singer Loretta Lynn raised her children here.  I later discovered that La Lani's mother went to school with Loretta's daughter, and La Lani attended with Loretta's granddaughter!

My errands included cycling in the cold to Walmart on the west side of town to purchase an extra layer of clothes so I could ride in the colder weather that is supposed to stick around for a few days.  I cycled back downtown for lunch, then east of downtown to the courthouse, near where La Lani's office was.

I found a cute little cafe on the square, and while sipping hot chocolate was approached by a man and his wife about my bike and trip.  They are avid tandem cyclists, and I discovered he was once vice-commander at thr Airforce base we visited in Columbus!  Although my friend Scott Frickenstein preceded him as base commander, he had heard of Scott. It can be a very small world.

La Lani drove me very much out of her way to the Dover Inn.  This motel caters to deer hunters.  I even had access to a deer cooler, should I need one!

Don't think I'm going to need the Deer Cooler, but good to know it's there (I guess).

The Dover Inn is all about hunting deer!

Brenda, the owner, was very welcoming and accommodating.   I got to show her the motel featured on the Adventure Cycling route for the Underground Railroad.  She was pleased.

Across the street was my dinner venue: Hillbilly"s BBQ.  I decided to continue my exploration of local cuisine.  It was good, and hit the spot.

More local cuisine--I'd give Hillbilly's a "B."  Nice folk!

Dover is near the Fort Donelson National Battlefield.   At this location, General Grant and his troops won the first major battle for the Union in the Confederate South, allowing them to penetrate the Deep South via the Tennessee River.  The victory made Grant, who would go on to become President, a household name. 

I should be ready to ride through The Land Between the Lakes starting mid-morning tomorrow. 

Today's Mileage: 5.7

Total Distance to date:  724.8 miles