Day 3: la Place to Port Allen

99.9 mi
With the temperature to match. Monika from Austria stayed with me the whole time. She is riding a mountain bike. And she is much younger. Lucky me.
The route included 2 bridges. One over the Mississippi. A local rider came by about 3 miles before the bridge and we started talking. Told us about the industries along the river. When he realized we would going over bridge that he would not recommend. When more of the group caught up to us, he called a police officer friend and got us a police escort. Very cool, made the ride very comfortable for me. Also helped when 2 of the riders who joined us had flats. Glad it wasn't me.


What a kindness. Thank you to this random stranger.
When we were waiting for our sag support another Louisianan pulled up and after sharing info about our ride and a shared interest in bicycling he handed us a good luck coin to carry with us. A shiny new gold $1 coin.
Today was full of kindness from the people who live here. Very impressive place.


Picture is of plantation used in filming Forrest Gump.
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Day 1: New Orleans to La Place

42.2 mi.
5 miles of pothole filled streets leaving the city was a strong reminder of the decaying infrastructure that is desperately in need of funding. The houses were small bungalows with ornate decoration reflecting the French influence here. Street names reminded me of living in Mobile. (Charles, Broad, Azalea)
We rode 22 miles on the levee, then next to the levee along the River. Lots of Big tanker ships, oil refineries at work along the way.
Oh, it is hot, hot, hot. My computer read between 91 and 100. Good thing we started with a short ride on our first day.




Gathering everyone for pictures was a challenge.

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Mississippi end

The Mississippi ends a bit south of our hotel. There is a free ferry to the other side, may be the most southern ferry. If there had been time I would have gone across.



I'm ready to get started.


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New Orleans

I've arrived with my bike still in perfect condition.
This is Valerie, my roommate putting her bike together. I'm so grateful I didn't have to take mine apart for Amtrak.


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You know you've reached the south when you awaken to the announcement that they
are serving grits for breakfast. Welcome to Memphis.


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Mississippi River

My first glimpse of the river that I will soon be meandering along.


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On my way

Riding Amtrak is a great way to transition to and from a long bicycle ride. Slows me down from a hectic life and gradually makes the change in time and place to the ride start.
I love the Northwest, crossing two rivers as we leave the area makes me so grateful that I live here.
The train will take me in and out of communication range so my next entry will be after I arrive in Minneapolis.
JoAnn
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