Alabama Morning

Tuscaloosa ATM

The day started out beautiful.  Not too Hot. Fabulous riding conditions as we enjoyed the sweeping, rolling roads of Alabama (see picture 1).  We crossed the state by lunchtime… and then it all changed.

Just ducked under a bank ATM cover in Tuscaloosa before a major thunderstorm hit flooding the streets (see picture 2).  Lunch was a local delicacy known as Casa Taco!! As it was only a short walk from the bank, it seemed like a good choice.  It was a good job we left there as lightning struck it, set the alarms off and shut off the power in all the local stores.  Quickly a police car turned up to check the bank to see if we were making an unauthorized, large withdrawal. Luckily we are not having to take advantage of their hospitality and we were able to leave the bikes under cover.

Eventually we made a run for Greenville, Mississippi hoping to beat a storm cell that was moving in… no such luck!  With about 20 miles to go, the second storm hit but we rode on. The rain allowed “Duracell” Dennis to realize he needs a new tire… IMMEDIATELY!!  Slick Tires & Rain??  No Good!

Now sitting in the Holiday Inn looking for a restaurant that is open on a Sunday…  Not too many in these parts???

Today’s historic fact was that we rode through Montgomery, Alabama where the Confederates first “White House” was located.

Two days and over 800 miles behind us…

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.

It was announced today by Dennis Barnedt, PRISM President, that the goal of $25K has been achieved.  Thank you to everyone for their donations, but don’t stop now.  With the ride just 1 day away, there is still plenty of opportunity to dig-deep and contribute.

If you haven’t contributed, please do so and let’s show Action Against Hunger that PRISM Members really give BIG!!