Although I said good bye to everyone, I stayed with them until after they finished visiting the school.  We got off on time in spite of the emotional start of the day.  We held everyone back until after 8:00 which really helped us avoid heavy traffic on the turnpike across the Alabama River where we overcame our first challenge...getting through the toll bridge.  They just built this road a couple of years ago and the toll booth is privately owned so they make up their own rules and procedures.  Being from around here and knowing we may have a problem, I rushed up to the toll booth and alerted them there was a 32 bike peloton coming their way...this should be easy, count the bikes as they come through and I'll pay the total toll.  Well, it sounded easy on paper, but you know how bureaucracy works sometimes and especially if there is a computer involved.  At first, the operator told me that couldn't be done and all the bikes would have to stop and be processed individually...you've got to be kidding me?!  With my help, the operator finally figured out how to enter 32 bikes separately and come up with one total.  I think I could probably do that in the second grade, but I didn't have to make a computer do it, I did it with a stubby #2 pencil.  Anyway, I was able to guide everyone though the gates successfully and all was well.  The toll got paid and we were well on our way to Columbus.

Our route today took us over tamer terrain than we have had over the last couple of days.  We had around 2500-3000 feet of climbing today, but there were several areas that were really flat.  Their biggest climbs today came in the first 20 miles right after leaving the school...two good steep climbs that the locals use for race training faced us before the first SAG.  The first climb had 2 separate flat spots that tend to lull you into thinking you almost have it licked...then the pitch hits you again and the second one was just up.  After that, if the terrain wasn't flat, it was only gently rolling...nothing like the constant pop ups into Prattville and Tuscaloosa.  The only glitch in today's route was the construction coming into Columbus (left#).  These are hardened cross country riders now, a little "no road" is not going to stop them...it's cyclocross time!

Most of today's ride except for a few miles out of Prattville and close to Columbus was out in the country on quiet roads.  We also rode through the town of Tuskegee and Tuskegee University.  This area is famous for the Tuskegee Airmen, the first black fliers in WWII, and Booker T. Washington.  Usually the riders try boiled peanuts for the first time at the SAG (but they are not in season right now)...I think Booker T. had something to do with those.  I think his middle name was "Jif."

I'm in Florida and typing this up about 11:00.  Tomorrow will be a tough day for me as we'll most likely say our last good byes to mom.  Thank everyone for your prayers and thoughts in this tough time.  I really miss being with the group, but our family needs to be together at this time.  Barb, Karen, and Jim will definitely fill the gap and get everyone to Savannah.  Everyone will have a hard time getting up due to the time zone change...and hey...we entered our last state today!  Welcome to Georgia...Georgia's been on our mind since leaving California.  We're closing in on our goal and tomorrow we ride again...it's early rise to ride through Ft Benning before the tanks start to roll...but those guys put in a full day before we get up even as early as we roll out of bed.  Three more days...and counting.  Can't believe we are this far...we'll be done before we can blink an eye...stay focused.  See you tomorrow.

# Photo supplied by Jenny

Input from Bob T:

At rap this morning the riders all learned that Mike was going to have to leave us due to the illness of his mother in Florida.  There was not a dry eye in the parking lot, but family is far more important than what we are doing here.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Mike and his family during this difficult time.  We had one last time to enjoy Mike doin’ some rappin’ so I just had to get a photo.

Today was a day that all the riders were looking forward to from somewhere back in California or Arizona.  The reason was not that it was a flat easy day, because it certainly was not.  It was not because we were going to enter Georgia.  The reason for the anticipation was to get to mile nineteen and meet the children that have been following our progress across the country since April 24^th. 

We left the hotel and within five miles we were all together in a long pace line.  This is one of the most dangerous times on the road because one small mistake can take out many riders.  Everyone was being very careful with an occasional sprint off the front to get ahead of the line and get a photo.  Personally, I just held up my camera and took the shot from the front looking back. 

About a quarter mile before we got to the school you could hear the kids screaming and yelling and jumping around as we got closer.  They have written us encouraging letters throughout so I don’t know who was more excited, the riders or the kids.  After some photos and some cookie cake we had to bid our farewells and get moving down the road, Columbus, Georgia just was not getting any closer. 

As we were told earlier the climbing would start after the visit to the school and Mike as usual was right.  Fortunately for all our tired legs the climbs today were not as aggressive as the last couple of days.  The winds were favorable most of the day so the remaining 80+ miles was a rather pleasant trek through the east Alabama countryside. 

Unfortunately, we had to leave my home state of Alabama at the end of today’s ride, but I will be back soon….SUNDAY.  While we rest tonight in state number nine everyone is looking forward to the finish and the flatter miles ahead, but we approach the coast with a heavy heart.  Mike Munk is a big reason that many of us forge through the tough miles when it seems you just can’t go any further.  Our reason for moving forward now is no less important.  As Mike told us this morning the ride is our ride, but we now carry some of Mike with us the rest of the way to Savannah. 

PS.  To the kids at EVCS, our visit today meant as much to us as it did to you.  Thanks for being there for us!

Photos: Bob