69 Miles ridden – 1950 feet climbed – temperature 22C

Today was all about being chased. The first and more obvious issue was storms. It was quite cloudy when we got up and the weather forecast showed that there was a collection of storm systems all around us meaning we would get caught at some stage with a higher chance later in the day. The second chasing hazard was dogs.

Again the countryside was varied and beautiful and although there were many empty spaces, it felt like most of the way was lined with houses on quite large 3 or 4 acre plots.

Our route took us through the city of Dyersburg. Like many cities in this part of the world it had seen better days.

There was a store which caught my eye for all the wrong reasons. So strange for European eyes:

And of course there were the dogs. Today they all seemed to be out, primed and ready to chase cyclists. Many of them probably wanted to play but I don’t think any of us wanted to slow down enough to find out. One particularly fit dog was running alongside me barking and actually managed to overtake me before I yelled ‘Stop’ and it did! Another dog started heading towards me barking as I sheltered under a tree during our first heavy rain shower – again I shouted at it. There were six chases in total and although they are good  for acceleration training and adrenaline rushes I had had enough by the end of the day as many of the dogs don’t seem to understand my accent.

By around 60 miles I thought I had beaten the storm. The sky ahead had light clouds with the sun trying hard to break through. I could hear thunder but it was a long way away and the dark clouds seemed to be heading in a different direction. However as I took the picture of the Union City sign I felt a few rain drops so I rushed to find somewhere to eat and managed to get in Arby’s about 10 seconds before the heavens opened. Success!? It seemed that way while I munched my way through a beef brisket roll with curly fries but then rather inconveniently it didn’t stop so I had to cycle the last mile to the hotel in rain. The good news was that my new seat post mounted mudguard worked really well – the bad news was I got soaked and then the sun came out just as I pulled into the hotel.

It looks like we have a few days at least without rain now but it going to be hot again. Although today was much cooler 95% humidity leaves everything you are wearing, and every part of your body sodden.

Tomorrow is 91 miles and it’s expected to hit 33C. Nice……..