According to our itinerary, we were going to take two days off in Nashville. We thought it would be fun to spend one day in Nashville and one day in Memphis (rent a car or take a bus). However, as usual, our plans changed. We heard some negative reviews about Graceland (our main purpose for wanting to go to Memphis) and the weather was brewing up some nasty storms. In order to try and stay on schedule, we decided to bike today instead of going to Memphis. We had hoped to get to Bowling Green where we had a CouchSurfer lined up, but that didn't pan out. Unfortunately, the weather was a hindrance. Last night, there were severe storms which made today windy, chilly, misty, and overall, very dreary. Our first 10 miles were tough; we kept running into construction and had to re-route ourselves and the wind was so strong. We were encouraged though by a fellow biker named Rachel. She saw us as she was driving and pulled over to say hello. A couple years back, she biked over 4,000 miles solo. It was so great to meet another person who was excited about our trip, especially when we were starting to feel a bit defeated by the weather. 
We took a lunch break after only 16 miles. We sat down and had a little picnic inside Family Dollar because we were so cold. We kept biking slow and steady the whole day, but still didn't think we'd make it to Bowling Green before the sun set. We were pulled over on the side of the road checking directions when another guy drove by and asked if we needed any assistance. 
His name was Dave and he was another fellow cyclist and former bike shop employee. He helped us plan our route for the rest of the day; we went on some back roads instead of staying on Hwy. 431. Thanks for the tips, Dave! 
After about 50 miles, we finally came to the Tennessee-Kentucky border. We took our usual border photo and are proud to say we've made it to our fifth state! We biked 10 more miles to Franklin, KY where we decided we would have to stay the night (Bowling Green was about another 15-20 miles). We first stopped at the Police Station to inquire about any camping areas or safe places we could pitch our tent. The only options were at least 4 miles away and in the wrong direction. After 60-very-tough-miles, we were not feeling up to riding any further. 
It was at this point, that Emily and Michelle noticed a church up the road. We decided to go and ask if we could pitch our tents in their lawn. After introducing ourselves and explaining our situation, Melinda and Buddy at the church, said "Yes!"
We set up our tents and starting unpacking when members of the church brought us some leftover hotdogs and brownies. Mmmmm! Everyone was very friendly and inquisitive about our journey. When we went inside the church to change in the restrooms, we met Wanda. She is an amazing, outgoing woman who offered us showers at her house. Rebekah and Emily were immediately enticed by this offer (seeing that neither of them had showered the previous day). So we all gladly accepted.
At Wanda's house, we met her two playful puppies and cleaned ourselves up. Wanda then offered to take us to dinner. We were so humbled by her offer, but our growling stomachs could not turn down such an opportunity! We went to a nearby Mexican restaurant and were joined by two of Wanda's friends, Bill and Kenny. This wonderful mother and father of five boys, had lots of questions about our trip. We had a great evening chatting and exchanging stories. A special thanks to Bill & Kenny for treating us to dinner...I sure hope we can re-pay you someday!!!
Throughout dinner, everyone was talking about how cold it would be during the night and how Wanda had 3 extra beds in her house. So, you guessed it, we decided to stay at Wanda's house instead of camping on the church lawn. We grabbed our bikes and bags and left the tents set up on the lawn and returned to Wanda's warm, cozy abode. What an awesome finish to a day that was so difficult and strenuous! Wanda, we cannot thank you enough for your generous hospitality! It sure was meant to be :)