Today’s ride was full of rolling hills on tree-lined roads. This meant that there were very few photo opportunities today. We were encouraged to stop at Earl’s home which was about 38 miles into the ride. Bubba told us his story the night before: his father, Emmanuel, used to sit on his porch and greet the Coast to Coast riders each year. Emmanuel passed away last year, so this year his son was out to greet us. Earl lives in a very well-worn home with not much interaction with others. We pulled in just as Bubba presented him with a Coast to Coast shirt to make him an honorary “Coaster.” He was so thrilled to be able to shake our hands. I asked him if it was O.K. to take a picture with him and he agreed. I also didn’t pass any post offices today – we really didn’t go past much today. Tonight is our last night in Louisiana and tomorrow we cross into Mississippi. It’s hard to believe we will be in a new state after only five nights because it took so long to get out of Texas! Before lunch today I questioned myself again about wanting to keep riding. I was just so tired. Luckily, after splitting a hamburger and sweet potato fries with Janet, I got the motivation back. Only a few more days and we will be in Florida!!!
Stats from the day:
Start city: St. Francisville, LA
End city: Franklinton, LA
Miles: 86.82
Total miles to date: 2187.10
Pedaling time: 6 hours, 29 minutes
Avg. speed: 13.4
Feet climbed: 2,713
Fatigue factor: 8 out of 10 (10 is the worst);
Wind: start: NNE 5 mph; end N 10 mph
Road condition: 4 out of 5 (1 is the worst); some 3
Temperature extremes: 54 at ride start, 75 at ride finish
This was in the town of Jackson, LA.
If you didn't know, Doug was the Postmaster of Jackson, MI. It seems there are quite a few "Jacksons" in our country.
My picture with Earl.
Most of us are spending the night on the gym floor of Hillcrest Baptist Church, however a few volunteers are in their tents tonight.
