July 23, Axtel Campground, McDaniels, KY
I’m in the Army Corps of Engineers’ Axtel Campground on Rough River Lake. Since I started this journey private and state/federal campground hosts have said COE campgrounds are the best. They’re right. The campgrounds are clean, well maintained with good facilities and usually beside some Corps=created body of water.
It’s 2 p.m. and I’m camped on the banks of the lake within walking distance of the swimming beach and showers/toilet building. With a forecast of 99 and a heat index of 110 I decided to dismount early. A gentle breeze is coming off the lake. I cooled down with a swim, then a shower and now sit in the shade of an oak tree.
As intelligent as my decision appears to be it was based to a larger degree on reality—the next possible campground or motel is 56 more miles away. Cross country bike riding requires a daily assessment of one’s capabilities versus the reality of distance, weather, amenities, and traffic. So, tomorrow’s ride will be at least 56 miles. I’ll be on the road by 5:30 a.m. to get in the most riding during the coolest part of the day.
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