What a great send off!!  Thank you to everyone who donated and to the 50+ people who showed up for the early start, especially Jim Booth who got all emotional and was close to tears (see background of photo).

The  seven charity riders  have completed the first day and are still up and ready for day 2.  The weather was initially kind, providing a cool breeze for most of the morning, but by the afternoon, Georgia let us know that she can be hot and steamy!!

As we left Jacksonville, we stumbled upon an apparent drug sting as we attempted to buy gas.  “We are closed” was yelled at us so we would leave but many people were there as the police drove up and arrested one person attempting to leave.  We left quickly, still worried about Kevin (the Cuban’s) status in the USA.

Apparently the Lotus flies under the Georgia radar, as Rob “Lucky” Alston repeatedly demonstrated their inability to see him.

On a cultural note, we drove through Plains, GA, the home town of the 39th President of the US, Jimmy Carter, and later had a local diversion, to Cracker Barrel.  The final miles of a 385 day ride brought us to Columbus, GA for some local food and beverages.

Check in tommorrow for an update on Day 2.