While Kentucky sometimes gets a bad rap in the discussion of best sections on the
, there are some great highlights to be found there -- one of which has to be a stay at the Knott Historical Society Hostel in Hindman.
"We've hosted cyclists from every continent except the Arctic and Antarctica, and every state in the United States. We try to provide all the amenities that weary cyclists need in one location -- two meals (loaded with carbs, sugars, and protein), laundry, hot showers, wi-fi and internet access, tents with queen size air mattresses or camping sites, television, lots of liquids for hydration, peace and quiet with 24-hour security, toiletries, wildlife observations, lively conversations, among other items. Cyclists have put it thusly -- 'the best money I've ever spent, and if you didn't get all your needs met -- then you failed to ask,'" David shared with me.
Their location at the top of a hill -- known as "The Straight Hill Climb" and measured to be around a 14% grade -- garners cyclists a special spot in the guestbook if they can manage to pedal up it the whole way with their fully-loaded bikes.
As a non-profit, the Society directs all proceeds from overnight fees towards their operating expenses. However, if a traveling cyclist finds they cannot afford the cost, they may arrange to work it off by assisting with building and grounds work before pedaling on.
The Society has hosted
thousands of cyclists over the years. Below is a sample of this year's visitors and an excerpt from their guest book notation. (If you wish to see more of them, you can "friend" David on Facebook to view his albums or email him at knothistATtgtelDOTcom.)
16 April 2012. First cross-country cyclist for this season -- Jan Drigs, 52, Project Manager for Belgium satellite launch concentrated on photographic imaging, from Antwerp, Belgium. "Great place, appreciate the hospitality and a lot of cats :)."
13 May 2012. Daniel W. Martin, 69, retired upholsterer and interior decorator of Oak Run, Il., biking from Yorktown to Astoria. "Thank you for providing me with a place to rest and refill. I did not expect all that was given, best money I've ever spent. Thank you, sincerely Daniel W. Martin."
15 May 2012. Walter Panis, a 67-year-old Belgian cycling from Yorktown to Astoria. "Aangename oponthoud!!" (Translation: "Pleasant stay!!). Walter was full of life and verve.
Photo 1: Society welcome sign at the bottom of The Straight Hill.Photo 2: Cyclist with the typical breakfast offered by the Society.Photo 3: Cyclists pedaling their way up The Straight Hill Climb.Photos 4-6: Selection of cyclists passing through so far in 2012.All photos courtesy of David Smith, Knott Historical Society Hostel.--
GEOPOINTS BULLETIN is written by Jennifer 'Jenn' Milyko, an Adventure Cycling cartographer, and appears weekly, highlighting curious facts, figures, and persons from
Adventure Cycling's Route Network with tips and hints for personal route creation thrown in for good measure. She also wants to remind you that map corrections and comments are always welcome via the
online Map Correction Form.