The Last Leg - Bastrop, Tx to Austin, Tx

Home Sweet Home! The last 27 miles in today went quickly - with traffic screaming by - Austin is wide awake at 7am. Decided to snake my way through town on some familiar streets. Entry from the airport was on 7th street and after a few turns I headed west toward downtown on the famous 6th street - where I spent many weekends when I first came to Austin. Then I headed a few more streets south to 3rd St so that I could enjoy a longer ride up the main street, Congress Ave, towards the capitol. The first photo is the welcoming crew - appreciate our friends for coming down and the posters.

Most of you will recognize Deana and April in the second photo and April's handiwork on the car welcoming me home.

Thanks to my family for making this trip possible - I couldn't have done it without their help. Deana and April for holding down the fort in Austin and letting me plan/leave for the trip, my sister Bronwyn and her husband Jay and son Tucker for driving down to S. Carolina to take over the chase car and their support, Dad for manning the support car, and Mom for rearranging her life to be able to follow me for two plus weeks, losing her truck in the process, and putting up with my sunny disposition every day. Also - appreciate the emails, comments on the blogs, text messages, and calls from family and friends - it made each day easier. I would like to extend thanks to Jon Hupp of Star Physical Therapy in south Austin and especially Ken Moench of the Therapy Central of Round Rock for the pre-ride treatments to ease my lower back pain and for the stretching exercises I did every night to keep my body on the bike - they were critical in keeping me riding.

Finally, I wish I could tell you that I had lots of revelations during my three weeks in solitary mode on the bike - but I didn't. No new ideas for business opportunities or a focus for what I'm going to do now. Most of the time I was focused on measuring my energy output vs. speed productivity or what lay directly ahead on the road. What I did learn was really a confirmation of some of the reasons why I started this trip in the first place: an appreciation of the things I have and the accomplishments leading up to this point. I started this ride in DC specifically because I have a high regard for our government and military, and know that many of the liberties I have are a result of the sacrifices of many. Even with its faults and scandals, I think our system works pretty well. Beginning my ride past the monuments dedicated to past presidents, museums, WWII Veterans, Vietnam and Korean Vets, and Arlington National Cemetery was a reminder that I've had it pretty easy. Traveling through the 8 southern states on my way back to Austin was an eye opener that I live in a great city and have access to resources, culture, and conveniences that many do not have. So, part of my outlook and continued challenge will be to incorporate that realization into how I conduct myself with family, friends, and strangers. Sorry if this sounds corny, but its the biggest take away for me from this trip. Also - adventure vacations are pretty cool and the sense of accomplishment is worth the additional time/cost of planning. I hope this isn't my last.

Leg 18 - Huntsville, Tx to Bastrop, Tx

Photo is a little tribute to our Texas A&M friends. Campus was hopping today. A good ride thru 68 miles today and my visit to Bryan/College Station. Shortly after, roads gave up all shoulders for the next 60 miles and we opted not to bike them - didn't want to risk another accident this close to home. We've decided to brave Rt71 into Austin tomorrow - its a 4 lane highway with more traffic, but we should be able to get an early start and avoid much it. It will be about 30-35 miles into Austin and downtown and should be there by 10-11am. Strange to be in a motel this close to home.

Leg 17 - Milam, TX to Huntsville, TX

We had a little light sprinkles this morning starting out, but our path today was just on the outer edge of the storm although yesterdays route was right in the path - good timing. Cloud cover also made it the coolest day I've had on the bike. The roads though didn't cooperate - was only able to ride on 72 of the 100 miles I had scheduled for today. Between Lufkin and Trinity, Tx - most of the roads had no shoulders and were too dangerous and we had to car hop. On the other side of Trinity - a beautiful 4 lane road with shoulders and looks like tomorrows Rt 30 to Bryan and Rt 21 toward Bastrop should be good as well. We're shooting for Giddings tomorrow night and then its about 60 miles into Austin so we should in town around midday. After reaching Huntsville, we motored down to Spring, Tx and will be staying the night with my in-laws, Don and Joanne Wafer - see photo.

Leg 16 - Tullos, LA to Milam, TX

Back on Texas soil again! Even though we had some light rain this morning and continued terrible roads - was able to log 102 miles today to make it across the Texas state line (1st photo). It's country up here and couldn't find a motel for miles. Ended up finding one in San Augustine, Tx - not much else in this town though. After a quick burger - went to Dairy Queen to celebrate mom's birthday. Second photo is a sample of some of the truck traffic we face on the roads. You get a feel/smell for the products each state is turning out by what the trucks are carrying or the fields you pass - for N. Carolina is was tobacco, S. Carolina was chickens and lots of pigs (worst smell I have eve experienced - and it doesn't go away quickly), Georgia/Alabama/Miss./Louisianna were lumber - lots of it and some cotton. No cell phone coverage again.

Leg 15 - Natchez Trace (Near Vicksburg) to Tullos, LA

6 states down - 2 big states to go. Back in the saddle again for 82 miles today and made it to Tullos, LA (no motels – so we backtracked to Jena for the night). The 55 miles of the Natchez Trace was great and I had it almost to myself – only about 25 cars in the 4 hours I was on it today. First photo is a sample of what the Trace looks like. Apparently, the Trace was a collection of Indian trails and later a major thoroughfare for traffic between Tennessee and Mississippi before the park service took it over. A few miles more and I was on an overlook of the Mississippi River – it’s an awesome sight. The river is huge and the water was flowing pretty heavily – don’t know if that’s normal, but it was impressive – see second photo. We then drove about 40 miles to avoid a section of Rt84 – El Camino Hwy – that is designated as high traffic volume and biking is discouraged. It was and also the pavement was terrible. Would have liked to take Rt 28 thru Alexandria, but again the road is designated a primary feeder and I thought traffic (truck) volume would be too much for our nerves at this point. So far, Rt 84 in Louisiana has been the worst road I’ve been on this trip – poor quality pavement, and shoulders that are not finished and gravely. Experienced my second blow-out on my back tire due to the road conditions. After the high volume section – traffic definitely lightened up, but we’re still on our guard. If road conditions remain the same tomorrow – might try crossing into Texas a bit more northernly than previously planned. Also - no cell phone coverage for me here - so calls will have to wait to tomorrow I hope.

Accident Break

We're going to try and finish this thing. Meet the new support vehicle from Hertz - and we did accept all the coverages. Also note the two new rotating yellow lights - wish we had thought of those previously - best $40 I've ever spent. We are modifying the route plan slightly. I'm substituting the final 50 miles from Brookhaven to Natchez on Rt84 for 50 miles on the Natchez Trace, so we traveled a little by car up to Vicksburg, MS to be closer to the Trace. Its a 444 mile parkway from Tennessee to SW corner of Mississippi that prohibits truck traffic and has a lower speed limit - bikes are common on this route. I had originally planned on including this in my route beginning near Tupelo, but with the change to head south in Alabama to avoid the mountains - taking the Trace was no longer feasible.

Leg 14 - Collins, MS to Brookhaven, MS

What can I say - a picture is worth a thousand words. Mom is ok except a sore neck and a bruise on her arm, but the truck is likely totaled. Despite our precautions, 53 miles into our ride, a wreckless driver hit her from behind. We'll be here a few days trying to make arrangements for transportation and the disposition of her vehicle. This adventure may be over. Bottom photo is the offending vehicle - brakes not applied until 60 feet from impact.

Leg 13 - Meridian, MS to Collins, MS

My first time in Mississippi to really see the views and it was surprisingly nice. Lots of raw land between cities, but it was mostly gentle rolling hills - a few big hills. Tough starting out today as I faced a head wind for the first 50 miles and probably the residual effects of the two previous days efforts. Spent the second half today on Rt 84 - a.k.a. El Camino East/West Corridor - see picture. It's a 1,700 miles highway from Georgia to El Paso that's been the focus of business leaders to convert to 4 lanes. I love 4 lane routes - it provides a lane for all traffic to pass me at a safe distance. Unfortunately - Louisiana lags behind the other 4 states in expanding to 4 lanes so I'll lose the luxury when I get there in a day or two. It's great on trips like this to roll into a small town and be able to find a good atmosphere, hotel and local restaurant - Collins, MS is where we are tonight. Rolled thru the larger town of Laurel, MS today thinking that's where we would be staying - thankfully kept going further for a total 97 miles to Collins. Had a great dinner at Morgan's on Main - fried green tomatoes with crawfish sauce for an appetizer- wow! Depending on forecast for Sunday - I may cut tomorrow short to rest and watch some football.

BTW - I can only receive email as I'm having difficulty sending, but will respond to all your emails when I get back to Austin.

Leg 12 - Montgomery, AL to Meridian, MS

Crossed into Mississippi today thanks to mostly flat roads and cooler morning temps that likely stayed below mid 90's. Logged 125 miles and photo is the only marker available as I crossed into MS on a back road. Second photo is a little tribute area located in Selma near the start of today's ride to the organizers of the civil rights march - nice artwork but the area is not well maintained with trash and stuff. Alabama armadillo roadkill count:8, Number of gunshots heard from road:7

Leg 11 - Talledega, AL to Montgomery, AL

I got smoked in the Smokey Mountains. Hardest climbs I've ever faced and the road didn't help as much of it was 2 lanes, poor shoulders, and old asphalt - I know - wah. Took a break to get bike supplies in Montgomery, which took longer than expected and then headed west on historic route 80 (MLK march from Selma to Montgomery) toward Selma. Thankfully, it was 4 lanes the whole way and should be for tomorrow as well. Made it about half way to Selma for a total 91 miles.

Leg 10 - Rockmart, GA to Talledega, AL

4 states down - 4 to go, and back on central time zone. Give it up for Georgia and Alabama. I spent 60 of my 90 miles today on dedicated bike/jogging routes in these two states. The Silver Comet Trail (SCT) in Georgia is the jewel of the two as I wrote yesterday. The picture is located about ten miles into my ride at the Not Yet Memorial Danny Ashley Bridge - as Danny was actually there taking down the ribbons from yesterdays GRITS (Georgia Rail Into Trails Society) ride. Once restarted after the picture - Danny took the time to lead mom about 12 miles to the Alabama state line so that she could snap another pic. The Chief Ladiga Trail (CLT) starts at the end of the SCT and runs about 32 miles and ends near Anniston, AL. It was a great ride, much of it newly paved asphalt and mostly downhill. Both trails are old railroad beds and have been converted to nonmotorized and pedestrian use - a model for the rest of the country to follow. Will be heading south on Rt21 to Montgomery/Selma tomorrow to try and avoid some of Alabama's mountains.

Leg 09 - Athens, Ga to Rockmart, Ga

Today was a harsh reminder of how sweet I had it the last two days. Got a start at 4:30 to drive back out to Athens and began riding again at 7:30am. I think traffic was light due to the holiday, which was a big worry around Atlanta - massive population around here. Worked our way into Stone Mountain and that's what you see in the photo. Its a giant mountain of granite (apparently the largest exposed in the world with 583 acres) and has a tribute carved into it's face to Confederate heroes Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, and Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson. I remember visiting it when I was really young (5?) as my grandparents lived nearby. Due to my apprehension about navigating some of Atlanta's downtown streets and not so nice neighborhoods - decided to car hop over to Smyrna and pick up the Silver Comet Trail for second half of the day. The trail is an old railway bed - 8ft wide concrete with a painted dividing line, shaded for about 1/2, only rises and falls at max 2% grade thanks to the railroad requirements, and runs for over 40 miles - it was great. Today's ride was 88 miles total. Tomorrow I'll continue on the trail for a few miles to the Alabama border and pick up the Chief Ladiga Trail - a similar dedicated bike/jogging path that runs down to Anniston, AL.

Pope Reunion Break

Saturday and Sunday were break days for me. My grandmothers side of the family had the first reunion in a long time and got a chance to visit with cousins that I hadn't seen for many years - many likely 15-20 years. We failed to take a picture with all the family gathered on Saturday and turns out the photo we took on Sunday of the Wilson family was dark due to a shadow - but its the best I have (Back row: Uncle Tedd/Aunt Jackie Wilson, Carol and Bruce - cousins/hosts, Don/Cathy Wilson. Front row: Jay/Bronwyn/Tucker Meeks, Momma Joe, Grandma H, DeWayne). Mom is flying back in tonight to Atlanta and we'll drive back to Athens to start again in the morning. Bottom photo is Uncle Tedd handing out certificates - this one to Momma Joe for being the oldest girl at the reunion

Leg 08 Abbeville, SC to Athens, GA

3 states down - 5 to go. 2 miles into my ride today - had a mechanical problem and decided to go back to Greenwood and wait for the bike shop to open at 10. By 10, the problem had mystically corrected itself and after a quick inspection, we got back on the road at 10:30. Logged 67 miles today and got to Athens, GA which is the home of the Univ. of GA. The campus was a buzz with the opening weekend game against Ok. State on Saturday. Photo is located on a cool crosswalk the university has at one end of the stadium near the student center. Got a t-shirt as well - Go Dawgs!