Trips of this magnitude do not come around everyday. They are somewhat special in one simple respect you see so much more of the world at 10 mph. After spending some time looking back over my blogs and with some recent events I needed to remind myself of some of these amazing places. I have not talked enough about the good so here is a little description along with pictures from some of my favorite stops from Round 1.
Florida, was both amazing and hell all at the same time. From the start it was an interesting trip. With the first disaster coming within hours of my start and followed with a decision to keep moving I knew Florida was going to be a challenge. Some of the pictures above are from Florida please look at the gallery to see more.
One thing about Fla most people don't know is that there is more to it then Orlando Miami and the Keys. Much of Florida is pretty wide open country. I did not realize this myself till i had traveled a few hundred miles and never saw a Walmart.
During this state I was hit by a car, had a gun pulled on me, bit by a dog and rode through the whip storm of a Hurricane named after myself. I also found out for myself I was doing something epic. There were moments I had to stop and look at things and say damn I can not believe I just travelled this far under my own power. The beauty I saw in this state was sureal. From the Shwamee river to the Dead lakes well they were special. Sights not often seen. One other thing about that area and I had no idea was the hot springs. There were times during the trip when one would come up on my map and I would head over to it and just strip down bare and climb in. Sometimes others would stop and join in....you want to talk about being free.
I met some incredible people in Florida, Mike, David, Lelia, Tammy and a whole host of others. The sights and the people make the trip not the miles.
Some of the beach towns were beautiful if you never get to go along the gulf coast you are selling America short....it is beautiful.
Alabama meant one state down for me. It was great to ride in this state. Except for on some roads they built these bike lanes then added rumble strips. This is where I got my bracelet and met some of the most caring and nice genuine people I ever had the pleasure of meeting. Being able to build bikes for kids at the Gulf shore projects to meeting Gene and Elaine well that made Alabama just cool. Not to mention a stop at the world famous Wentzels oyster house, sorry Maryland they had better oysters. One other thing I thought I would never think beautiful to see. A field of cotton as far as the eye can see is a sight all people should stop and see once in their lifetime. Alabama held few challenges and was just a pleasure to ride in.
Ok here is a little thing I wont tell many people.....actually I guess by posting this Im telling a ton of people. I loved Mississippi. The people were freindly and beyond friendly from Gene Presley yes elvis's cousin to the people I met along the shore. Just wow. The BBQ above was hands down the best I ever had and I was not even allowed to pay for a single thing in the entire state. Everyone thought what I was doing was so cool they well just hooked me up. I loved Mississippi and talk about drivers giving you plenty of room.
Louisiana was just freaking awesome. I had a few days rest In New Orleans thank you ladies for helping. I met my FB friend Heidi and well she is cooler in person. The sounds the sights and the sunrise over NOLA were so worth it. Louisiana across the south is actually a rather long state. Here is where I not only got to meet new friends and old friends but I got to make a difference. Rolling into the destroyed sections of Baton Rouge, let me just say you can not understand the magnitude of things there. The hope I witnessed and the carring for others well was kind of cool. Mosquittos here by the way there is no equal...the nightime bastards are no joke. But let me tell you there is nothing like camping along the shores of the mississippi waking up and going skinny dipping. I stayed in a swamp, crossed a river with actual alligators in it, got bumped by a few while crossing, picked leeches off me, and I lived. Louisiana had its own special challenges but I can not wait to get back there.
Texas is no joke, The salt of the earth people and the fastest freaking drivers around. Long straight roads with little to no shoulders make for some interesting trip aspects. I got to learn the texas two step, ride an electric bull and well I got to wear a freaking cowboy hat. Plus eat the best chilli and steaks on earth. Well well worth it. But Texas unlike anyone can even fathom is FREAKING GIAGANTIC......I only made it halfway across but damn it was cool. Texas preps you for what comes next that is for sure.
Speaking of what comes next. Im heading back in March and Im excited. I can not wait to see some of the same stops and people but to add to the experience this time....there will be much to follow and I guarantee it will just be pretty damn cool so please stay tuned asked questions and enjoy.
