Can't find a hotel...where in the world is Shorter?
Rain, detours, and little old ladies!
9.24.13 - 9.25.13
72 °F
View
Pony Ride 2013
on brendagerber07's travel map.
Once again raindrops accompanied our team as we began today's ride. Starting out on Rt 219 we soon turned out on Old Skillet Rd. I love seeing the interesting road names around here.
The team rode along and then ran into a detour. Dan said to tell the folks in Silver Wheels, "road closed, means ROAD CLOSED!"
So instead of pavement, the bikes had to pick their way down a dirt/stone road. 6 miles may not seem like a lot in a car, but to a cyclist, it is a lot of road to cover when you're trying to ride 100 miles.
The riders stopped to take pictures at the GA /AL line.
But along with unseen problems on the road, there are also gems along the way. We stopped in the town of LaFayette, AL for lunch.
It had once again decided to rain. (Not hard, but enough to annoy) Karen and I found a wonderful little antique shop with an awning out over the sidewalk. I went inside and met the nicest little lady, named Clara. She was 81 years old and had worked in this town all her life. She said it would be just wonderful to meet the riders and of course we could use her storefront for lunch. She even offered to bring out chairs. (We already had the chairs from the overhead compartment down and ready for use.) The riders ate lunch, had a visit and were wished well for the rest of their journey. God bless you, Clara for your southern hospitality and kindness.
The riders took off to finish the ride for the day, knowing that they had a category 5 climb ahead. It was tough riding. We picked them up highway AL 50 right after the climb. I got to see Dan out of his saddle. I wish I could have gotten a close up of their faces as they came up the hill. They are incredible riders and I am so proud of all three of them!
While they were finishing their ride, Karen and I made a little detour to: 
We found our hotel (sorry that it was 1/2 hour away) in the town of Shorter. We will head back tomorrow ,driving past fields of cotton. I have never seen cotton fields before.
Our dinner tonight consisted of Coleslaw, baked beans and Jack Daniels pulled pork. We are all trying to figure out the time change since we are now in Central Daylight Time. (Except Karen who is from Chicago)
So goodnight from Shorter . Keep riding my friends.
Brenda
A note from Wynn ( the dreamer and coordinator)
Each day we ride is truly a new adventure. Today included changing weather, changing topography on the road, southern hospitality from Clara, a bridge out that caused spirits to drop a bit in the AM to riding a pace line in the PM, and finishing the day on a CAT 5 climb that included 12-15% grade for the first half mile. All in all, we are all doing better than we thought we would, but we have a long way to go. God has been good and certainly kept us safe. Thank you for your comments. Keep them coming.
Posted by brendagerber07 17:30
It is so much fun checking in to see how your day went and what you are experiencing. Each day I think about you three on your ride and really look forward to checking in on the blog. Thank you Brenda for establishing this technology hub for us wanabe bike riders.
by Wendy Miller