Now I would like to take the time to introduce our friend and companion of the Deep South states…Highway 80! This stretch of pavement spanning from Texas to Alabama can be summed up as…
Ba-BUMP, Ba-BUMP, Rumble….Rumble…Rumble, SMACK, OUCH!!!!!!
Ba-BUMP, Ba-BUMP, Rumble….Rumble…Rumble, SMACK, OUCH!!!!!!
Ba-BUMP, Ba-BUMP, Rumble….Rumble…Rumble, SMACK, OUCH!!!!!!
(Repeat this sequence every ten seconds for 4½ hours and you will understand the road conditions for today’s ride)
Mix in 100-degree temperatures and 100% humidity and this is the closest I have felt to one of my Florida training rides. Maybe I’ll have an advantage! Nevertheless, Chris Nathan, Josh and I had a particularly great day of riding, appreciating the fast, rolling hills of central Louisiana. While Ryan, Dani, Katherine and Tony rolled in right behind, seeming to enjoy the scenery of the day’s ride.
We finally arrived in Monroe, LA unscathed by numerous chasing dogs and sweltering heat, and greeted by the truly generous hospitality of Auburn Ave. Presbyterian Church who kindly offered us their guesthouse, an early 1900s Southern mansion called the Jackson House. Complete with white pillars, a front porch, and a proper parlor room, we are living in real Southern Style. Thank you to all who continue to make our bike trip a reality and a success!
Building in Shreveport
Staging roof trusses
Doug showing off his hammer-head
"Shotgun" houses in Shreveport
New Fuller Center houses in Shreveport
"FM" and Ruth on their tandem
Ryan doing PR work
A long day's work in Shreveport
Our lodgings in Monroe, LA
Chris and Nathan setting the pace.
Chris and Tony with a happy homeowner
The local Shreveport hangout
Welcome to Minden!
Dani working hard in Minden
Ryan needs a helmet in the car?
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4 comments:
It is amazing that you're able to say your day of biking was "great" even with the horrendous heat and humidity and the deplorable road conditions! Welcome to the Deep South! It sounds like your spirits were greatly lifted by your terrific send-off by the Minden folks, especially FM and Ruth on their tandem.
I hope your ride today can be called great, too. Keep up the good work. There are a lot of people supporting you and praying for you.
Dear Ryan and Everyone Else,
You folks are awe-inspiring (which is, of course, what people really mean when they say, "AWESOME!")! I read stretches of the blog today and will read more in the days to come. CONGRATULATIONS on having made it so far. Truly an astounding accomplishment--and for the best of causes.
Ryan, thanks for being so diplomatic about my need to stop every three miles during what I now refer to as "The 40-Mile Debacle." I continue to ride and try to get used to the AZ heat. Still galls me that I couldn't do the whole 80 miles with you, so one of these days (maybe in the fall, when it's cooler), I'm going to try it again.
Best of luck as you push on toward Savannah!
Love,
David Loar
amazing...awe-inspiring...
inspirational...it's hard to find the words to describe you guys and what you are doing, but we will keep on trying so you know we are supporting you and praying for you and cheering for you - every pedal of the way!
keep on pedaling...
Love, love all the pics and the cute one of MF and his wife, Ruth! Too cute for words! Great shot of Miss Dani working on the build. :) So sorry to hear of the road conditions. Let's hope they have been better since then!
Auntie "M"
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