In Memory of Warmer Summers

Grove Hill, AL to Coffeeville, AL

Friendly horn taps: 5

Miles: 41

Total so far: 831

We remain struggling with campgrounds that we can get to in order to allow for obtainable mileage.  At present, we are doing a shorter day to fit in between two longer days.  I’d prefer to keep going rather than stop at 41 miles, but there just aren’t any services to match that need.

Sallie rides off in the morning mist

It’s all good though.  Here in Alabama when the weather gets on the hot side, doing a lot of riding after 2:00pm will drain the best of us.  Folks in the area say we are crazy.  We hear that a lot though.  Mostly, just after finding out that we are going to Oregon, they say, “bless you”, or “be blessed”, which may mean the same thing — you’re crazy.

The hills here are training us well.  Our front derailleurs are getting a workout and mechanically everything is running fine.  Today my minimum speed in climbing some of the steeper hills was about 3.4 miles per hour, and my maximum speed hit 38.2 going down some of the beasts.   The heavy load of 50 pounds of gear become involved in both ends of that spectrum.

Did I mention the gnats?  They are out strong and thick.  We slow to climb the hills and they have their way with us, ears and noses are  favorite dive bombing spots.  I’ll have to include my intake of gnats in my calorie count.

Gravel road option

We took a gravel road option today for a couple of miles for a change of pace and hoping to have a surface that would not cause too many difficulties.  It worked out, but the loaded bikes make it a challenge.  Any amount of loose sand at all becomes quite tricky with 700-32 tires.

If you lived here, you'd be home. Sweet home Alabama

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Tomorrow’s ride is dedicated to David Scott Mueller

On July 19th, 2009, My 19 year old son was killed at the hands of a drunk driver. David Scott Mueller was an outstanding young man and track and field star athlete. As a senior in 2008, he broke a record in the 200M which stood for 30 years. As a freshman at his college UCCS, he broke 9 college records in Track and Field.

Carl and Sallie – thank you so very much and if you need anything at all, please let me know and BLESS you for doing this!

Sandy from Colorado