Each morning I wake up thinking “I hope I have something worthwhile to write in my blog.” Somehow, at the conclusion of each day, there always is.
First, I am very proud to say that I cycled 105 miles today, by far the most I have ever ridden. It really wasn’t my goal to do so, but I really wanted to reach the Cochan Campground in Aliceville, AL and by the end of the day I was determined to get there. Finally, about 7:00pm Michigan time (it’s the central time zone in western Alabama) I pulled in. There is only one other camper, so as I paid the Camp Host and asked him if they had any food for sale, he invited me to come eat with him and his wife. James and Polly Brown made me a nice meal, just what the doctor ordered. I was not looking forward to firing up my camp stove and cooking Ramen noodles. This morning they even fed me a breakfast of grits, eggs and venison sausage. God is good.
Talk about generosity, the gang from the “Bobby Ride” fed me a complimentary lunch, too. They are a group of 18 cyclists from North Carolina and Georgia (hope I got that right) who go on a yearly cycling expedition. A few of them were going in the other direction and invited me to their “pit stop” just as I was running out of gas. I’m riding in some pretty desolate country and they were a sight for sore eyes. I put the photo of Bobby, Elaine and Ginny on my blog hoping I might get an invite to next years outing (call me a suck up, whatever.)
The last town before the campgrounds was Gainesville, AL where the party store owner let me in, even though she was closed, so I could grab something to drink. (I’m trying to stay hydrated, Joe.) As I was eating my popsicle outside the store, Bob Glen (leader) and Joey Webster (just shy of his Eagle Rank) of Boy Scout Troop 70 from Meridian, Mississippi pulled up to get a soda. They were just on a “Rails to Trails” cycling trip this weekend so Bob pumped up my tire, which really needed it. People helping people – That’s what it is all about, isn’t it?
(P.S. To my Geography classes: Bob’s truck was running on bio-diesel. He and Joey’s dad started the first biodiesel company in Mississippi. A great energy alternative, I would say.)
8 comments:
Chaz,
You are making great time! Glad to hear that you are finding help along the way.
If we had done our usual Gulf Shores, AL trip this year....you would have rode right past us!
Stay safe (and hydrated ;) ) God Bless,
Joe
Hey Charlie, Hope the weather stays good, it is a beautiful day today. Keep well, you are meeting some very interesting people - we have so many friends watching over you.
Love ya, MOM
Charlie
You are doing wonderful..104 miles.. wow!!!!!!!!
Bill and I traveled out west this summer with our Pick Up Camper and we only did about 300-400 miles a day..
Love the pic's and your stories.
Grace and Bill
opps 105 miles :)
Charlie,
WOW!! 105 miles! That is awesome. You are doing great bro. Keep up the pace and you will be home soon. love, Claire
Way to go Charlie - awesome distance. If anyone can do it, you can! So glad to hear you've met terrific folks along the way - hope it continues to go well.
Hugs,
Amy
Charlie, just read all your notes and I am very impressed. You know you are living the "Unity" message even if you don't know it. First the thought, then the word and then the deed. You told me you would meet great people on the road and that all your needs would be taken care of - you set that intent and it has come true. Looks like you are having a great time - man what an adventure. Know that there are many people thinking of you. Can hardly wait to hear all about it in person! Take care.
Love ya, Barbara
Hi Charlie, glad you made it home OK and in time for graduation! You did a splendid job both biking and raising $. Glad we met you . Ginny from "making new friends".
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