Day 1: Lexington to Berea

 Well, day 1 is successfully in the books.  Breakfast in the hotel, followed by "knives down" on the snack table at 8:30.  

A group photo-shoot after that and then we were unleashed onto the route.  Seems this group may have a bit less anxiety than some in the past and no one was breaking loose before they were supposed to. 

 It took us about 7 miles to get out of the Greater Lexington area.  No traffic problems.  Both the roads and drivers were good.  There were some rather large homes/estates that we passed, but the group was still pretty bunched up so I didn't stop for any photos of those.

Just before our descent to the ferry crossing at 20 miles, we passed a woman who was sprucing up a shop to open soon, along with lots of pumpkin decorations.  Oh - and Cy with a box of dozens of freshly baked doughnuts from her local bakery; yum!

Then a short downhill run to the first SAG stop just before the ferry across the Kentucky River.  We all waited there for everyone and crossed as a group.  

We definitely seemed to be in a different socio-economic region once we crossed the river.  The picture below is not a fair representation, but not nearly as many large estates and not the horse farms that we saw on the other side.  More traditional agriculture and there were certainly some very large and well-to-do farms.   

We also made a brief stop at the Chenault Vineyards and Cafe.  No wine consumed but a brief photo opp.

Marilyn, me, & Cailie.  Marilyn & Cailie have both ridden all 3 previous parts of the TA

On both sides of the river we rode through lots of shaded and canopied roads; so thankful for the shade on such a hot day.  A number of our riders had all manner of leg cramps at various times throughout the day and evening.  

A nice little waterfall along the way.......

And some nice dry stone fences.............

Coming into Berea we stopped at the Kentucky Artisan Center.  Lots of nice stuff, but (thankfully) I have no room to carry anything.  

We're staying at the historic Boone Tavern Hotel tonight.  Very nice.............

The hotel was originally opened in 1909 to house guests of the college, and many renowned visitors have stayed here over the years.  Berea College was founded in 1855 and was the first college in the South to admit African Americans and women.   The college does not charge its students tuition and admits only students who could otherwise not afford to attend college, but students have to work while they are at school.  They are employed in the shops and restaurants as well as continuing the longstanding tradition of arts and crafts pursuits.  

I had time for a little walk about town and into some of the shops.  I had enlightening conversations with the staff in several.  Back for dinner in the dining room, and once again I ate too much!  

Today's stats:

Distance:  50.01 miles / 80.49 km

Elevation:  3491' up, 3272' down / 1064m up, 997m down

Weather:  Just about perfect.  Blue skies.  Temps from 15C to 31C.  Very little wind.