Long-distance cycling was never a dream. In fact, there was never even the germ of a thought about getting on a bicycle to cross the continent. Death - my husband's - put these wheels in motion. Ten years after Holly and I cycled from the Pacific to the Atlantic, we continue to share incredible adventures, visiting the world from the seat of a bicycle. Welcome aboard The Underground Railroad. It's going to be an interesting journey. Judi a/k/a TheWanderingJu

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Jackson to Demopolis, AL

98 Miles
Total Miles to Date ~ 235

Breakfast at the trailer at 6:15, with a short map meeting ~ then we were off at 6:30. The day was filled with climbing, not as high or difficult as our 102 mile day, but challenging nonetheless. We had the weather on our side. It was cool as we pulled out of our hotel and temps never got higher than into the 70s. Most of the day was overcast. That element saved us from the exhaustion that comes with riding in a hot and sunny day. Our roads were rural with very little traffic. We did not have a lot of traffic to deal with until late in the ride, and then it was constant. There were logging trucks coming in both directions. Those that were behind us were surprisingly kind, waiting behind has we pulled ourselves up a hill at 4 or 5 MPH. When it was clear ahead, Holly would signal to them that they could pass. 

Lunch was at 60 miles, with loads of sag breaks with Bo Peep and Jennifer. Toward the end, Holly and I would touch down at five-mile intervals in order to give our bodies a short rest (especially the part of our body that meets the saddle). 

We are at a Holiday Inn Express ~ a very nice hotel ~ in Demopolis. Pizza and salad for dinner with home made brownies, ice cream and chocolate sauce for dessert. Tomorrow is a short day, 57 miles, so we are able to sleep in. Our usual wake-up time is 4:45 (4:15 on these long/early days)

We are beat. Even with a rest day, we have ridden back-to-back Centuries in the rolling hills of Alabama. It's wonderful to be on the road with Holly - and especially wonderful now that I am lying in bed and off the bike for the day.

Thanks for stopping day. No pix. This was not that sort of day. Judi and Holly

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Underground Railroad Passengers ~ All Aboard