Date: August 29, 2005
Route: Ripley , TN to Memphis !
Distance: 81 miles
Ride Time: 5h 15m
Elevation Climbed: 27000’
Weather: 80s with high humidity
Log
We were all pushing to get on the road early to beat the weather. As we exited the motel we were blasted by heat and humidity --- at 6:45am! I put my cue sheet in a baggie in an attempt to keep it dry. For almost the entire day we rode on tree-shaded back roads through the beautiful hills of Tennessee. I entertained myself (and maybe Jim) singing “In My Tennessee Mountain Home”, “The Tennessee Stud”, and “Cotton Fields Back Home”. Did I mention that I saw my first cotton fields today?
Jim and I didn’t get far from the motel before I needed to stop and snap this road sign. It seemed very appropriate as we headed south against the prevailing exodus and wisdom. We made great time and arrived at the first SAG stop, at mile 32, before 9:00am. I was looking for Debbie’s Corner Store, as the cue sheet stated, and expecting a bathroom and a Diet Coke. Instead, Debbie was gone and in her place was a closed Trent’s Grocery. If you are wondering why we are all gathered on the porch with puzzled looks, it had just started to rain. We were listening to the thunder, watching the lightning, and trying to decide how long to wait and whether we needed our raincoats.
In the next 30 miles we passed through neighborhoods both rich and poor. The traffic was light, the dogs were waiting but the rain let up and the riding was pleasant. Our second SAG stop was at the historic Shelby Forest General Store. It was built in 1934 and still supplies the area with groceries, fishing supplies, a café, and a big front porch where folks gather to gab. Look carefully and you’ll see 3 out of 4 of our crew, Gene, Susan, and Josh, jawin’ with the locals.
The entrance to the city was along a bike path on a greenway next to the Mississippi. It was the first time we got to see the river all day. This is the I-40 bridge spanning the river from Memphis to Arkansas. It is also know as the Dolly Parton Bridge. Supposedly, Mel Tillis gave it that name after spending the intermission of his show out back smoking and looking at the bridge.
The city is overflowing with evacuees from points south. Our rooms were not ready at the hotel so I walked across the street to check out the Peabody. I wanted to make sure I was on hand to see the ducks walking from the fountain in the lobby, to the elevator, then up to their “penthouse”. I had heard an interview on NPR with Arthur, the new duckmaster, and this was on the top of my list for Memphis fun. The lobby was teaming with activity; laughter, conversation, children playing, glasses clinking, ducks swimming, all to the accompaniment of cheerful piano music. After showering and changing, Melanie, Cindy, and I were ready for the show. And what a show it was! Arthur rolled out the red carpet, positioned the stairway, and told the legend. Then the male, followed by his 4 adoring females, struts regally to the awaiting elevator. Lots of pomp, ceremony, and fun!
At route rap I finally caught our two married couples on camera. Dave and Ann are from Florida and Jill and John are from Michigan. It’s wonderful to see them enjoying this experience together.
I want to thank Cindy for the rest of the pictures as my camera was not up to the task.
We all went out for BBQ at the Blues City Café. It is rightly famous for its ribs and music. Daco had a full rack and I had a half. Not a morsel was left anyone’s plate. They were mighty tasty, almost as good as Jon’s ribs. At 7:30pm the band blasted out the blues. Jill and John entertained us all on the dance floor. Then Jerry took a spin with Jill. The final fun was when the “Louisiana MoJo Queen” insisted on dancing with Jerry while she was singing! Fine music, wonderful food, and great entertainment … what a way to begin our stay Memphis !
