Final leg of the fourth trip

April 9, 2011

Today we are waking up in Dumas, TX on the way home. Dropping off Bill in BV and then heading for Dillon. Yesterday we drove from Fort Smith, AR. Last night Bill and I finished our business tax return. Its getting down to the deadline.

We completed this section of the bike ride just across the I-55 Mississippi River Bridge from Memphis. Riding across the bridge was a harrowing experience. The traffic is fast and continuous. Probably as many as twenty 18 wheelers on the North bound lane at a time. The bridge shakes and shutters with the weight and speed of the traffic. We rode a narrow walkway hanging over the outside edge of the bridge. We were right next to the traffic separated by a concrete barrier and the bridge steel work. The walkway was full of trash to dodge.

On the other side the river walk next to downtown Memphis was beautiful in it own way. There were many parks and lots of walkers. There were a few joggers and fewer bikers. We rode a total of about 400 miles on this trip mostly against the wind. The final day was expected to be about 40 miles but was much closer to 56. Lots of winding around.

I have many reflections from the trip. I will try to share them with you later.