Date: August 31, 2005
Route: Memphis , TN to Hernando , MS
Distance: 37 miles
Ride Time: 2h 15m
Elevation Climbed: 1500’
Weather: 80s
Log
We left Memphis this morning uncertain about the future of the tour. Our route was short and the day was beautiful. Many had originally planned to visit Graceland but instead decided to cycle directly to the hotel in order to make new plans to get home. I finally got a picture of Karen at our sag stop. She is a strong cyclist and a great staff member. She knows our route, takes care of our food and lodging, and pays the bills. She also speaks Oregonian --- she lives in Eugene . We have one new participant, Joyce, riding with us from Memphis to New Orleans . At least that is what she thought. Josh, our mechanic, wore the perfect socks for our route today.
We left Memphis at 9:30am and arrived at the motel at noon. It was a beautiful route through quiet neighborhoods, cotton fields, and small towns. We dispersed for lunch then met at 3pm for new information.
The trip is over. No one has the desire to recreate surrounded by those who are suffering tragedy beyond comprehension. We are taking motel rooms that are needed by those who cannot go home or do not have homes. With the news worsening, America by Bicycle decided to have us ride back to Memphis tomorrow and leave from the Memphis airport. Jim’s wife is in Oklahoma visiting their daughter and she will drive here tonight. They have invited me to stay with them in Asheville until my trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway begins next Wednesday. I am very fortunate.
I will perhaps continue this log on my Parkway tour. I’m not sure what kind of internet service I will have in the mountains.
I took several shots of the 13 riders that have been together since St. Paul. Gene, our leader, who is celebrating his birthday today. Rick and Dan, Rick, Bill, and Dan, Math-man Dave, Joyce (new today), Melanie, me, Jill, Michael and Dave, New Hampshire Bill, almost all of us, and me.
