Day 21-Sun. Nov. 8, Pascagula, MS---107 miles

Today I rode from Mandeville, LA to Pascagula, MS (10 miles from the Alabama border)--107 miles. From Mandeville to Slidell I rode 16 miles on the Tammany Trace, a bike and jogging trail. The best riding I've had in Louisiana. Then just a few miles later I crossed into Mississippi, after crossing the honey creek swamp. However, it was difficult to get above 14 mph average because of riding against a headwind all day from 15-25 mph. I think it must be from the approaching hurrican Ida, now cat. 2 in the southern gulf of Mexico. Right now we are under a hurricane watch. Tomorrow and Tues it is going to be heavy wind and rain. So will take off the next two days from riding. Will proabably ride again Wed. Fortunately, I'm ahead of schedule, and was planning to take off a couple of days anyways. I rode along the gulf for most of the day. Saw a lot of windsurfers taking advantage of a very windy day.
The roads in Mississippi are so much better, and all the bridges I crossed today have shoulders, or some even had a separate bike route. And all the roads had shoulders. What a difference!
Rode through several areas hit hard by hurricane Katrina, like Waveland, Ms, Pass Christian, Long Beach, Gulfport, and Biloxi. But a lot has been done to repair the damage and rebuild.
David and Faith are a great support team. Couldn't have done this trip without them. But I'm sure they are getting tired of staying in different motels every night, and having pack and unpack everyday, and cook out of boxes and on a small stove. It'll be nice for us all to get back. This experience will definitely make us much more appreciative of the comforts of home.

Day 20-Fri. Nov. 6, Covington, LA--102 miles

Today was my most dangerous day of riding ever! But praise God, He had his angels guarding me on all sides.
First of all the first hurdle was to get through Baton Rouge. Along the way there were a couple of fairly long bridges to cross, with no shoulder. I looked behind me for a break in traffic and then prayed and crossed as quickly as I could. All went well. This is on US 190. Then I came to the "big bridge" that crosses the Mississippi River into Baton Rouge. I rode up to it, took get a closer look at it, then looked at all the traffic with big trucks crossing, and again there is no shoulder, not even a little sidewalk, and this bridge is at least 5 times as long as any I've crossed yet. So I decided to look for a better way across. I turned around and went south, knowing from looking at the map earlier that the only other bridge in the areas was the interstate. I thought surely that bridge has got to be better and have a shoulder. So I finally got to I-10. I got on the interstate (no signs posted saying no bikes allowed) but couldn't see the bridge yet. Just before the bridge was merging traffic from another big highway. After merging and riding on the narrow shoulder a ways I could now see the Mississippi and this huge long bridge (over a mile long). I could see there was no shoulder here either, but decided to give it a go. I started to ride across the bridge, but soon came upon these drainage grates with wide openings that if I ran over would surely cause front bike tire to disappear in the grate . So I stopped to get off and move over to this raised concrete wall on the side, about 18-24" wide. I picked up my bike and walked on that awhile with cars and trucks (3 lanes) whizzing by me. The traffic was very heavy. I'm sure many drivers were wondering what is this idiot doing trying to cross this river on this bridge with his bicycle. This was by far the most dangerous thing I had experienced yet on my trip. Once I got to the top of this bridge I had a fantastic view of the city and the river. I wanted a picture, so took out my cell phone and snapped a few (poor quality). Then I continued walking down the other side. With about three-fourths of the way across, up behind me I heard this loud siren/horn noise, like a police car, but is was one of those highway emergency vehicles to help stranded motorists. He told me to put my bike in the back of his van and get in. He then took me off the bridge. He was concerned for my safety and wanted to get me off to some place safer. I told him what I was doing and where I was going. I said I needed to get back on US 190. Thinking he was just going to take me to the nearest exit and drop me off, but instead he brought me all the back to 190 where I had left off, except this time on the other side of the river. So I had do ride back down through the city again, this time on the other side of the river. I called Dave and Faith to see where they were and they weren't far away, so we met up soon, and I had them drive me ahead about 10 miles out of the city, since I had been left off about 10 miles back to where I decided to abandon the first bridge attempt.
Now I would spend the next 40 or so miles riding on roads with no shoulder at all. And just to the right of the white line is this soft, loose, deep gravel, that if I went off in would most likely cause me to lose control at the speed I was traveling. One time I almost went off, in fact, I don't know how I didn't, except my angel must have pushed me back on the road. You have to constantly alert to riding that white line as big trucks and cars are passing you from both directions. No time to be looking around. When approaching a town I would finally have a little shoulder I was so thankful and could relax some. But not for long, as they could disappear at any moment, as happened one time and I didn't notice it turned into just loose gravel. I ran into that at about 16 mph and swerved around for awhile in until I could get myself out of it back on to the road. Then another time there was this wide load approaching behind me, which I knew (no I didn't look back) because the pilot truck in front drove by with his wide load sign, and I could see the approaching traffic all moving way over. But I had no where to go. I wasn't going to ride off into that gravel pit. So finally I came upon a small driveway to pull over in and stop. And just as I did so the wide load passed me with about a foot to spare. The truck was carrying a piece of machinery that took up nearly two lanes.
Well I could go on and on about many other incidents of where I had many close calls, like one time getting ready to cross an intersection, I looked behind me to see if any cars were turning, none had their blinkers on, but I am still cautious, after noticing they were all going straight I started to cross, when all of a sudden this car turns right in front of me, she did not have her turn signal on, so assumed she was going straight. I was able to stop just in time before almost colliding into her. Another evidence of God's protection!
It's amazing that I haven't had a flat yet in Louisiana, with all the debris on the shoulders I been running over, riding through several gravel piles at intersection and driveways, and few potholes I've not been able to avoid. God is so good!
After riding only 102 miles we stopped for Sabbath in Covington, LA --just north of New Orleans. Very heavy traffic here. But only have about 30 miles to go to Mississippi, and should cross that section of the state in a day and be in Alabama by the end of Sunday, just outside of Mobile. Then I'll take the ferry from Dauphin Island over to Ft. Morgan.

Bike and Gear

Thought I would take a few minutes and detail what sort of gear I take with me while I ride and what kind of bike I have, for those who are interested.
First of all, I have a Scott Addict R4 road bike, 20 speed, with dura ace components. The bike, all carbon frame, weighs approx. 16-17 lbs without saddle bag or water bottles. I use continental gatorskin tires with kevlar bead that have held up real well. The keep 100-11o lb psi in the tires, and check them daily for pressure. I put on a Brooks leather saddle, which is heavier than a racing saddle, but I find it to be quite comfortable for me, now that I have it broken in. Only bad thing is you don't want to get it wet. And I conditon it about every 500-1000 miles, depending on conditions. I use Shimano road bike shoes that clip in to Keo pedals. You turn your feet sideways to unclip out of the pedals, something I didn't know when I first tried it out, and had to get help from Josh and Caleb. I started the trip out with aerobars, but took them off after day 2, as I did not find them that helpful in my situation. I have a compact crank with a 50 tooth large chain ring and a 34 tooth small chain ring. The rear cassette ratio is 11-28 teeth. I've only had to use the lowest gear setting a couple of times on the trip. Attached to the seat stay is a rear blinking red light which I have used about six times as it gets dark. Going through Calif. and Ariz. I wore a camelbak hydration backpack which carried 3 liters of water in addition to the two water bottles that are always on my bike. Going through the hottest part of the desert I drank appox. 3 gal. of water and gatorade. Once into New Mexico I stopped using the backpack, and now only use water, no gatorade, in my waterbottles, as I am not sweating as much. But I still drink pleny of water. Anywhere from 1-2 gallons a day.
I have a medium size bag attached to my saddle. In it I carry a spare tube, co2 air cartridge for inflation, tools, cash, and a knife. I wear a jersey with 3 pockets in the back. In them I carry my cell phone (very essential), a credit card, chapstick, and at during the first third of the trip I would carry energy bars (cliffbars), and/or hammer gel packets. Now I find I don't them. I just stop for lunch around 12-1 and that is enough to keep me going and feeling good. Of course I eat a very hearty breakfast and a good supper. I find what refreshes me most and gives me a boost is orange juice--the fresh squeezed kind with lots of pulp. I love it! I go through almost a half gallon a day.
Also on my bike is a Cateye cyclocomputer, which gives me my speed, distance each day, total mileage, clock, timer, and cadence (rpm).
I wear nicely padded biking shorts, most with 8 panels. I wear a Giro atmos helmet. I wear Giro padded half-finger gloves. For those cold mornings or mountain rides, I have arm and leg warmers, and shoe covers, wool socks, warm gloves, balaclava (to keep head warm), long sleeve jersey, and rain coat if necessary (only rained once so far). I always wear my sunglasses with my contacts in so I can see.
Well, I guess that about does it. Don't know of how much interest this is for most of you, but thought some may like to know.

Day 19-Thurs. Nov. 5, Krotz Springs, LA- 112 miles

Well I need to make a correction. I said Texas had the worst roads. Wrong! The honor now goes to Louisiana. For 75 miles of the 112 miles I rode today, the road had no shoulders! Very dangerous considering the logging trucks whizzing by my in both directions. Thankfully never two of them passing me at the same time. Then when I finally did have some shoulder to ride on, they were littered with all sorts of debris. So as I'm riding I'm constantly on the alert and just about as often dodging the rocks, tire pieces, scrap metal, bolts, trash, wood, road kill, not to mention all the many cracks, bumps, and potholes. And then to top it all off, I'll be riding nicely on the shoulder, and up comes a bridge (and there are many of them) where the shoulder disappears, and you just hope and pray that you get across the bridge before both coming and going traffic has to pass you on that bridge. I praise the Lord for keeping me safe today! I know my guardian angel must have really been working overtime to keep me out of danger.
But there are many bright spots today as well. The weather was great--sunny and hi of 78, with light headwind. I can tell it is getting more humid now that I've entered into the deep south, because when I sweat it doesn't evaporate as quickly.
Also, we stopped for lunch in Ville Platte, LA. We parked in front of some shops/offices. One of them was Edward Jones. The financial advisor came out to inquire of Dave and Faith as to where they were from and what they were doing. Faith told of my biking across the country. He thought it would be great to get the local newspaper reporter over to do a story on it. This all happened before I got there. So when I rode up, he came out with the newspaper man to interview me and get my picture. We asked if we could get their picture as well. So below you see the man on the left of me is Edward Jones advisor, and on the right is the reporter.
The owner of the complex also came out, ( who has a barber shop next door), to inquire as to our whereabouts as well. Faith gave them both books of Desire of Ages, and Steps to Christ. They were very thankful for that.
Rode by many bayous today. The land is very flat now and mostly at or below sea level. Where we are staying in Livonia it is 5 ft. below sea level. Lots of swamp land, and standing water in the woods from all the rain they had earlier. In Ville Platte I saw some huge, old wide overspreading live oak trees in front of these old historic homes. Very beautiful. (sorry, no picture).
I also rode by many fields of rice and sugar cane.
Tomorrow I'll be riding through Baton Rouge, and north of New Orleans, and will stop just short of the Mississippi border.
Can't wait to see my family and all my friends back in Dunlap! Pastor Ryder may join me for the last few days of riding in FL. And Janine will do the last day of riding with me to St. Augustine, on Tues, Nov. 17.

Day 18-Wed. Nov. 4, De Ridder, LA--118 miles

Yeah! I crossed into Louisiana today at 2:36. I am now two-thirds across the country, with only 1000 more miles to go. Should take me two days to go across Louisiana.
Rode 118 miles to De Ridder, LA. In the picture below you will see the TX/LA border river at above flood stage.
The road shoulder has gotten better, making for a much nicer day of riding. But still climbed appox. 2700 ft., because there were still plenty of hills.
Have been enjoying beautiful weather. Praise the Lord! But next week I hear there will be some thunderstorms. Being 3-4 days ahead of schedule, that shouldn't be a problem.
Well need to go to bed. Good night.

The Cause? To God Be the Glory

Several times people have asked me why I am doing this across the country bike trip. For what cause am I riding? And I've never had a very good answer. I would just say it has always been something I wanted to do. For those of you who have seen the movie "Bucket List", you will know what I'm talking about. There are these two men dying of cancer and both come up with a "bucket list", things they would like to do before they kick the bucket. So after watcing it I made my own "bucket list", and one of the things I put down was to bike across the country. But riding along day after day and having plenty of time to think and meditate, I think I have found my cause.
I ride to the praise and glory of God for what great things He has done in my life, and how He has prepared me to be able to do this grand adventure. I know it is only possible because the strength He gives me from day to day. After being diagnosed with stage four colorectal cancer, with major surgery, radiation, three rounds of chemo and still in treatment with my tumors still growing, you would think I should be content enough to just stay home and survive one day at a time. But I refuse to be bound by my circumstances and allow them to control me. NO! By God's grace I choose to be a cancer thriver, not just a cancer survivor. I want to live each day to the fullest and plan big things, and know that with God all things are possible. I can overcome my circumstances and live life with purpose, passion, and all the potential that God has given me. So I praise God that He has given me this opportunity to show to all what God can do through someone even in my condition, who just took up biking this spring, and is able to bike across the country--3000 miles-- in less than a month, averaging over 100 miles per day.
God is good! I ride for HIM! He is my Inspiration, my Strength, my Protector, my Health, my Providor of all things good.
All through this trip I have continued to claim the promise of Zech. 4:6, which has also become my motto for this journey. For I know that it is not in my strength, or by my power, but only by His Spirit, which lives in me, that I am to accomplish any good and really live!

Day 17-Tues. Nov. 3, Livingston, TX--100 miles

Probably my roughest day of riding yet. The Texas road shoulders are so rough. Basically gravel loosely spread over tar with lots of cracks, bumbs, and debris. It about jarred me to death, and with a hard leather saddle it sure doesn't feel good. It also slowed me down considerably. The smoothness of your riding surface makes a huge difference. When I was able to ride some smooth pavement, I was able to go between 3-6 mph faster without any more effort. I also had so many more hills today. It's about as bad as doing a long mountain climb. Then I had a little head wind most of the day. So I decided to stop early, 3:45pm, and only put in 100 miles. Oh well, I know every day can't be a perfect riding condition day. So I guess I should stop complaining. On the positive side the weather was beautiful, sunny and 72-75. Had some great cooking to eat thanks to Faith, and the Lord kept me safe as the roads have more and more traffic as I go east.
Yesterday, I said goodbye to my last cactus I saw, and today I saw some Spanish moss hanging from trees, and some palmetto growing in the woods. They are a lot of pine trees now, and the woods are about as thick as back home in TN. Only difference is all the trees here are green. I've seen no fall colors. I guess I missed it this year. Too bad! I always look forward to the beautiful autumn colors each year back home.
We stopped for the night in Livingston, TX, only about 80 miles from the LA border! Yeah! Texas is a great state but I'll be glad to move on to another after seven and a half days of riding in Texas--about a 1000 miles. Hopefully the road shoulders will be better in Louisiana.

PS. Sorry I couldn't get any pictues to upload tonight. Sometimes it just won't work no matter how many times I try. To see the pictures go to my facebook page.