Susan & her rain gear
What a day! So much happened during our journey to Chattanooga, but we all arrived safe and sound. We started off with a fantastic breakfast off baked oatmeal (a Crystal specialty) and eggs. The warm food was the perfect way to start our 56 mile ride in the pouring rain. Nick and I made certain to protect themselves from the rain with hefty bags. Why buy a $50 rain jacket when a hefty bag will do. Oh, and the socks and shoes had to be protected as well, so Nick put on a baggy on each of his feet. He was a splitting image of the Big Fig Newton.
Thank you OCEE Tire & Auto
While on the road, it rained for a while then stopped just long enough to air dry. But then came the downpour. We all managed to eke it out. Thank goodness it wasn’t longer than ten minutes. Esther, however, did not have it so easy. Her crank managed to fall off while she was riding, so she and Megan headed to an automotive repair store to refasten it. Thank you OCEE Tire & Auto for helping Esther out!
Esther heckled the riders while riding in the van. In this case: Krystal
When we arrived in Chattanooga, the skies were clear, but the direction signs weren’t. Ryan and I were at a Walmart corner for at least 45 minutes, trying to figure out which direction to go and to be certain the arrows directing the rest of the group were marked correctly. Basically, all of us ended out riding into Chattanooga together. Michael had given great directions to the group, the streets were just not marked clearly. Perhaps it may be that I am from California and don’t know Tennessee sign age. But, we finally figured it out, with much of Michael’s help. On the way, I had a close call. A car turned in front of me, without using a blinker. Rather than run into the car, I managed to push off the car with me hand and fall backwards, the bike sliding right under the car. No damage and the women who did it apologized profusely.
Becky is riding with us to the coast :)
We arrived at McCallie school around 2:30. WOW! The steep hill we had to climb before reaching our destination was well worth it. Sumner McCallie met us and showed us the facility. We were staying in the dorm rooms of the school, an all male boarding school which is highly regarded in both academics and athletics. A beautiful school….and they have beds! What a treat! Seven of us were invited to go swim in the pool. This was no ordinary pool. It has a high dive and a long slide. Nick, Erik, Thad, Crystal, Thad, Esther and I didn’t hesitate to jump in…and all of us jumped of the high dive at least once….even Esther!
Megs ready to hand out some propaganda
After the swim, we were all invited to a fantastic barbecue at the local Habitat Restore. Many of the board members from the local affiliated were there. This gave us an opportunity to share the Fuller Center’s mission with them. There was much good conversation going on. Everyone walked away fully satisfied and sated.
Habitat for Humanity provided an awesome feast for the Fuller Center riders
From there, Sumner arranged for someone from McCallie School to take us downtown. We walked through the waterfront area. Was I ever impressed with the entire downtown. The planning department has done such a great job of transforming it into the jewel of the city.
Sumner giving us info on the city
Just before we had to go back, a woman stopped us and asked us why we were all wearing orange t-shirts. Kristina proceeded to tell her about the Fuller Center. She was so impressed that she give us all free ice cream from her shop at The Ice Cream Show store. And this wasn’t a small scoop. They make their own ice cream and whip it with as many additions as you please, then put in a waffle cone.
Enjoying The Ice Cream Store's yummy treats
I would recommend this place to anyone who visits Chattanoogs. Now we sit in the dorm, fixing our bikes for tomorrows ride, then heading to bed.
Downtown Chattanooga,TN
written by: Susan Pratt
photos by: Esther Hyejin Chung
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4 comments:
Have y'all had enough of me yet? I promise your accommodations are secure from here on out. Maybe I'm subconsciously trying to make your trip as "adventurous" as ours was last year.
Did Ryan mention I almost made y'all stay in a homeless shelter?
Yeah ... anyway. Maybe it's a good thing I wasn't able to ride the last week. You'd freeze my underwear or put shaving cream on my face or something in my sleep.
All I can say is, God bless all of you! Hang tough, team.
Sounds like lots of adventures in one day - cranks falling off, rain, ice cream, jumping off the high dive into the pool. Trash bags sound good as rain gear - beats Ryan's cheesy yellow rain coat with the rip. Glad you're all taking the day's events in stride - that's the way to go. Keep enjoying the adventure. Oyee, Doug
Hey Becky,
Welcome to the ride! It's a great group of people, as I'm sure you've already discovered. Just try to avoid that gray cloud that seems to hover over Esther's bike :)
Keep spreading the word, y'all.
Hefty bags as rain gear... that's what I call Poor Tex, outdoor wear for the rest of us! Great writing, I'm really feeling like I'm on the ride when I read your updates. Brings back memories of last year. As Ryan told us last year, Adventure is hardship remembered!
I'll see ya'll Wed. AM in Lagrange.
Chris
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