End of day 1

As today comes to an end, we are 38 miles from New Orleans. In a little while, we will be crossing Lake Pontchartrain. The bridge was built in 1884 and is 5.8 miles long. It's the longest railroad bridge in the United States and is the longest rail bridge in the world that goes over water.

So, I will say goodnight now and prepare to exit the Amtrak Crescent Train. It's been a fun day!

This is S-C-A-R-Y

Meet Hendrika

 

Hendrika is my new friend from Holland, but she currently lives in Canada. I first met her on facebook in the Women over 60 bike touring group. I'm  thankful to have found other women that share the same passion for cycling. Our planning for this trip has been done mostly by FaceTime and eMail. She has shouldered most of the responsibility for the route planning and lodging. Click Here to View Hendrika's Blog.

Im thankful for her traveling this journey across America with me.

Meet Donna

Dynamic Duo

Donna is from Rose Bud, Arkansas. We met many years ago while working at the Triple S Christian Ranch. David and I had the privilege of building many new cabins and facilities there. She flew to Atlanta and will leave me in Los Angeles to fly back to Little Rock. She is another vital friend in my “Village” helping me to complete this journey. 

And the Journey begins!

My Bike was pre-checked Monday afternoon at the Atlanta Amtrak Station. Tuesday at 9:00 am we boarded our 1st train to New Orleans arriving at 9:06 pm. This is another first experience for me. Can't beat the price and only $20 for Ruby (my bike).

Bye Bye Hot Lanta

Bye Bye Ruby

Atlanta Amtrak Station

Lesson on changing tires

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What's that?  "Your front wheel"

Step by step instructions by Stephanie from Battlefield Outdoors. Hopefully I'll never need to change a tube but if I do, I now have a better understanding of how to do it.... thanks to Stephanie.

Preparartion

Spring 2021 - In Tarpon Springs on Florida Coast to Coast Tour

I began a year ago to prepare myself physically for this ride. Cardio classes, weights, and diet became my life. Emotionally, I know I am ready as well. I’m not so naive as to believe that this will be easy. My husband's passing is still very raw and the fact that we had planned this trip together since 2017 will create an emotional roller coaster. Also, camping is a new experience for me. In the past, all our rides were sagged (Support And Gear vehicle available), motels and restaurants. Carrying 50 lbs of gear on top of a 50 lb bike will be a huge challenge in itself. It's a good thing I lost 50 pounds. Trying to take the bare minimum of supplies, food, and clothes has left me feeling as though I will be naked and hungry!

This is truly a new experience for me in every way. I am excited to see how the Lord uses it in my life.