Brunswick/st Simons Island GA

THEY DID IT!!!! COAST TO COAST-------2600MILES.

Larry and ED BIKED THE LAST 68 MILES FROM WAYCROSS TO THE ATLANTIC OCEAN.
We are staying overnight. Visiting with friends in ST. Augustine( Glenn and Pam) seeing friends Ed and Pat from our boating day and may be able to run into our friend Bruce, who is bringing a sailboat down the inter coastal. Thanks to all for lots of support and will write more later.
As soon as we get to home, I hope to update this post with some photos.

Waycross, GA

Waycross is located in the heart of Southeast Georgia, at the northern tip of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. It is a city filled with Southern hospitality and charm. From the Historic Downtown district to the swamplands of the Okefenokee, there is something for everyone.

It was a long day today. Larry biked 95 miles and it is getting warm here, about 89 degrees. The group got up early and started the ride as soon as there was enough daylight to safely bike down the road. They had a head wind which made it a more difficult ride than it should be. We are staying in an hotel tonight. We met up with Ed, Judy and her mom.

Only one day left. YES!!!!!!

Slyvester, GA

City of Sylvester
Incorporated as a town December 21, 1898, Sylvester is the county seat of Worth County. Sylvester was originally known as "Isabella Station," but in 1894 the name was changed to honor a prominent local family.
Sylvester hosts the Georgia Peanut Festival each October, since Worth County is known as the "Peanut Capital of the World". This event includes the arts and crafts show; the Peanut Parade; a barbecue to honor peanut farmers; peanut cuisine; the Goober Gala, an annual dance; the Miss Georgia Peanut pageant; and numerous other events.

ALMOST THERE.

Weather hot but not too humid as the riders biked against a headwind. The highlight of the day was a stop at a local strawberry farm where the group had strawberry ice cream and strawberry lemonade

Larry still has a sore shoulder and we have an appointment on May11th to get it checked. We should be home May 8th.

They are staying at a hotel tonight. Ed's wife, Judy, is there with them. And Larry is playing for the Chamber of Commerce after they feed the group tonight.

Wednesday, Ill be in Waycross with Larry.

Edison, GA--last state

Weather warm at 80+degrees. Edison, Slyvester, Waycross , Brunswick. That's all there is left of the 2600 miles!!!!Today's ride was shorter, only 32 miles but just as hilly as yesterday.
The group is staying in a Methodist church and are attending a church fish fry tonight. After the fish fry, Larry plans on entertaining the group on the guitar.
During the ride, Larry had a incident with a pit bull. The dog started coming toward Larry while he was riding. Just as it jumped up trying to get Larry's leg, Larry kicked the dog away. It was not the first time they were chased by dogs but this was the only time Larry had to defend himself against one.

The group is getting to the end of the 6 weeks. Larry said that as they get to the bridge in Brunswick, there will be a police escort to take them over the bridge and to the Atlantic Ocean. The group only has about 220 miles left to go!!! AND SO FAR WE HAVE COLLECTED ALMOST $6800 FOR PARKINSON'S RESEARCH.

Abbeville, Alabama

Larry after a ride.

In Greenville, eating lunch.

Larry biked 72 miles with lots of hills and in 84 degree weather. He said it was a hard ride but very interesting and rewarding. The group stopped at an old general store and the owner, an 90 year old, invited them in to see all the antiques in the store. His daddy's fiddle was there and an old guitar was in a case. Larry asked if he could play it and sung a song for the gentleman. At another place, there was an older man who was talking about his DBS operation. It is like getting a pace maker but it controls your shaking. There are more studies out that indicated that the operation should be done before you had Parkinson's for 15 years. Anyway, Larry talked to him awhile and he gave Larry his card. It turns out that the man works for the company that makes the unit for Deep Brain Stimulation.
Larry sounds good and the end is near. Only 4 more days. We decidied that I would go to Waycross to meet him on April 29th.

Luverne, Alabama

Dominic and his dog

Yesterday's photos.

92 degree day riding the 72 miles to Luverne along route 10. They are in another church tonight. Dominic was kind and sent these photos. Unfortunately, Dominic's dog had to be put down right after his wife brought it for a visit. They all thought of his dog when a black stray dog was hanging around the riders today.

"Luverne, Alabama, the Friendliest City in the South. Luverne, county seat of Crenshaw, is proud of its traditional past and pleased with its exceptional home town qualities. Recently named as one of the top ten small towns in America, Luverne is a perfect blend of what people seek when wanting the best of small town living." Chamber of Comm

Camden, Alabama

A short 41 mile day today to Camden, Alabama. Larry called around 3:30pm EST. An easy ride but at a fast pace. The group is staying at an hotel and Larry was planning on a nap before they go out to eat. Warm and sightly humid in Alabama.

I arrived in St. Augustine, FL. in one piece and no more animal attacks. It was 91 degrees here and lots of sun. Also, lots of construction.

LINDEN, Alabama

LARRY TRAVELED 80+ MILES YESTERDAY AND 60+ TODAY. THEY PASSED THE 2000 MILE MARK. The road was rough but the ride pleasant. Warm but humidity was low. The group stopped at a country store and Larry said it was like going back in time

I got on the road today around 11:30 am. I was not to travel faster than 45mph so I took back roads and decided to drive to Florence, SC. It is a little north of where I wanted to be but I could follow rt 52 almost all the way down to it and then I'll pick up I95 tomorrow.

I saw 6 turkey today on a beautiful back road but they were walking and I was driving slowly.

MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI

Right now I am sitting in a Virginia motel having a windshield replaced on my car. I was on my way to meet Larry and spend a few days with him at the end of my ride. A TURKEY flew into my windshield and it is smashed. They will have the car fixed sometime Thursday but then I can only drive around 40 miles an hour so it will take an extra day. But I am fine. I called Larry around 3pm EST.

Larry finally called me around 8pm EST. He was busy jamming with people he met in Meridian. He wanted to go to The Jimmy Rodgers museum "the singing brakeman", but it was closed. He said the ride was rough. His arms were hurting from the rough road and watching for potholes. They were staying in another church, He did not talk long because they were having a meeting.

They are traveling to Alabama on Thursday.

I will not meet them in Edison but wait until Sylvester since I am stuck an extra day here and still want to visit with friends first and I do not really feel like driving much more than I have too. Still a little shaky from doing the Turkey trot.

Pelahatchie, Mississippi

The ride was about 72 miles today. Warm and sunny. Larry called at 4:20 pm (3:20 Central) and said the ride was nice and they were on some major routes and some side roads. They went through some heavy populated areas with stores and fast food places. They are staying at another church and had showered. He and other riders were headed for some ice cream. He sounded good, no more coughing.

Talked to Bob and he said was flying by him like he was standing still.

Wednesday's ride is to Meridian, home of Jimmy Rodgers, father of country music.

I am leaving Wed. for St. Augustine to stay with friends and then will back track to GA and meet up with the group in Edison. No Blog on Wed. unless I find a place with a computer for me to use.

Vicksburg, Mississippi

The group biked 83 miles today. Weather was warm and sunny. The road was rough and bumpy. Only ten more days after today's ride. The city of Vicksburg has a new bridge that crosses the Mississippi River but the group had permission to cross the old bridge which does not allow car traffic. The paddle boats are on the river and some are casinos.
The inhaler is working and Larry was not coughing today when we spoke. He did not seem as tired but but wishes my brother, Eric, a chiropractor, was there to work on his shoulder.
Below is a link to a Carlisle newspaper about Larry's bike trip.

A sprawling community developed which officially incorporated in 1825 as Vicksburg, named after Newitt Vick, a Methodist minister and conscientious objector of the Revolution. During the American Civil War, it was site of the Siege of Vicksburg, a significant event in which the Union gained control of the entire Mississippi River. The 47-day siege was intended to starve the city into submission, for its location atop a high bluff overlooking the Mississippi River proved impregnable to assault by federal troops. The capture of Vicksburg and the simultaneous defeat of Lee at Gettysburg marked the turning point in the American Civil War.

Carlisle Sentinel news article about Larry.
http://www.cumberlink.com/articles/2009/04/20/news/local/doc49ec7cea4d4cd728362459.txt

Rest Day in Monroe

Last day off!!! 11 more days to go. Larry called this morning AFTER CHURCH ! I know ----but he liked the music at the Baptist church, so he went to a service.

Ed and Larry went for steaks last night and did some laundry.

Dr. Rogers gave him a script for that cough, so I hope the inhaler works.

It stopped raining and is warm, 76 degrees and less humid.

Monroe, LA

Weather for Monroe: Rain, 65-70 degrees 93% humidity. Heavy rain just as they arrived in Monroe.

The ride today was75 miles and lots of potholes.

Larry said that it was not a fun day because the road surface was so terrible. They were looking for a place to eat when I talked to him. Some were going to a local place for crawdads but Larry is allergic to them and scrimp, crab and lobster.

Last night after the group had their fill, the church Prais band played. Larry joined them. They all played Taylors.

The Marshall newspaper is an article on Wondering Wheels. Here is the link.

http://www.marshallnewsmessenger.com/search/content/news/stories/2008/041709_web_cycles.htm

Sunday is a day off. The group bikes to Vickesburg, Mississippi on Monday.

Tuesday they will be in Pelahatchie and Wedsday Merian.

MINDEN, LOUISIANA

Photo by Audrey : the speck in the road is a biker, this was taken while still in Texas.

Eight miles east of Shreveport, LA is Minden. Light rain, high humidity and 64 degrees was the national weather forecast. Rain started as they neared Minden.

The ride was around 75 miles and there was lots of traffic, especially in Shreveport. The Methodist church, where they are staying, was serving beans and rice and a Mardi Gras atmosphere. Larry was going to play the Taylor tonight and entertain the group.

Marshall, Texas and last chance to send mail

Dealy Plaza, Dallas (group shot) Danny visiting Larry. Danny drove from OK to see his buddy.

Larry posing for the camera.

http://www.marshall-chamber.com/pages/brief.php

The city was founded in 1841. By 1850, it was the seventh largest city in Texas; and in the 1860 census, Marshall had risen to fourth largest - in the most prosperous county in the state.
After the Civil War, the town became known as the"GATEWAY TO TEXAS" when the Texas and Pacific Railroad provided transcontinental railway service to the west.

Bike weather: 73 degrees, 50% humidity---not in the desert anymore.

Larry called about 4:30 EST. 55 miles through traffic and some rude people that tried to buzz them. A few yelled for them to get off the road. Yes, to all those non-bikers, bikers do get that kind of thing from drivers. The group is staying at a Baptist College tonight. They are in the gym but were going to the dining hall for cafeteria food.

On Friday they will be in Minden, Louisiana.

Last 2 mail drops : send to address and put attention Larry Bowen

For April 23 pick up
Wandering Wheels
General Delivery
Linden, AL 36748

For April 30
Wandering Wheels
General Delivery
St. Simons Island, GA 31522

Mineola, Texas

The ride to Mineola was rough and warm. The group ate lunch at the Grand Saline, where Morton still mines salt. The riders found a place for Blue Bell ice cream today . They are staying at Smith Chapel UM Church and were about to have dinner, and music by the children of the parish. Showers were installed for the Wandering Wheels group since they stop there every year.

Danny Powell, Larry's friend from OK, drove 3 hours to visit with him. If he brought his guitar with him, those kids are in for a treat. Danny was Larry's roommate at a guitar camp they attended in TN. Larry sounded in good spirits when I talked to him but he said the rough road surface did not make it a fun day.

Dallas/Mesquite, TX

Tom on his recumbent.

Bo, Deb, Larry and Ed

Leaving for Mesquite.

Today was a difficult 70+ miles because of the traffic. Weather was good and no wind but the cars and trucks made biking tricky.

The WW group is staying at a church tonight but Larry had a better invitation. Bob K., our 84 year old biker, has a daughter in the area and invited Larry for eats and an overnight stay. Larry will have his guitar with him because Bob's daughter invited several people to join them to celebrate passing the half-way point. After 1300 miles, Larry is holding his own.

Mesquite is just East of Dallas and enjoys 220 days of sunshine. It is the home of the Mesquite Championship Rodeo which can be seen on ESPN.

Weatherford, Texas

Easter dinner was pizza.

Peter Pan statue

No problems riding today. Larry did another 70 miles and called around 3:45 today to tell me that they were there already. No wind and a sunny day. The road conditions were good and only one place was tricky. They had to go under an overpass and had no shoulder. Everyone looked out for traffic so the could go through safely.

Weatherford has some interesting history. http://www.weatherford-chamber.com/visitor/index.asp Larry Hagman (JR Ewing ), was born there. So it was the home of Mary Martin, cutting horses, an historic district and pecan trees. Weatherford is only 20 min (by car) west of Dallas.

Easter: Breckenridge TX

Today's photos

Short ride of 25 miles. From the pictures, weather looks good.

Albany, Texas

These photos sent to me today by Dominic. They are from 03/28-04/04. Thanks Dom!!!

Downtown Albany, Texas

Larry called late and said the ride was very difficult today. 67 miles right into the wind. It was overcast, chilly and they are calling for rain tonight and Sunday. The upside is that they are staying in a motel tonight. They should be at least warm and dry. Easter is a short day of only 24 miles to Breckenridge.

Roby, Texas

closed Liberty Church

ROBY, TEXAS. Roby, the county seat of Fisher County, is at the intersection of U.S. Highway 180 and State Highway 70 in central Fisher County. In 1885 M. L. and D. C. Roby, developers from Mississippi, attempted to get the county government for the newly organized Fisher County to be established at a site they owned in the center of the county. After a bitter struggle with the nearby community of Fisher (now called North Roby), the backers of Roby won the day. In 1886 construction was begun on the county courthouse. That year also the Roby post office and the Roby School opened; the community had thirteen houses by that summer. By 1890 the community had an estimated 300 inhabitants, Baptist and Methodist churches, two general stores, a hotel, a restaurant, and the weekly Fisher County Call.

Today was just the opposite of yesterday. Wind headed into the group all day. Larry was glad that they did the extra 30 miles yesterday. Today's 60+ miles took all day. Larry sounded tired and still coughing but as usual, he was optimistic. The group faces 30% chance of rain on Saturday and let's hope the bad storms north of them do not decide to go south.

Today is our wedding anniversary and Larry sent me a beautiful pair of earrings that he saw in New Mexico. We never spent an anniversary apart. There was the time that I tried to not go out on our anniversary. Larry took me to the Wild Turkey Federation Annual Banquet that happen to fall on this date. I was overdressed at the fire hall in jeans and of course, they served turkey.

Lamesa, TEXAS

downtown Lamesa

Apr 9 Hobbs to Lamesa, TX
Apr 10 Lamesa to Roby
Apr 11 Roby to Albany
Apr 12 Albany to Breckenridge
Apr 13 Breckenridge to Weatherford
Apr 14 Weatherford to Dallas/Mesquite
Apr 15 Dallas to Mineola

Larry and Ed passed the 1000 mile mark.

Today, Larry called around 5 PM EST. They had already biked 100 mile. They did the century in 4 hours!!! They were only to do 70 today but there was such a tail wind that no one wanted to stop. So they took advantage of the conditions and rode some more. They locked their bikes at the next town and the van returned them back to where they are staying tonight . There was a heavy crosswind and plenty of dust in the air. Weather was good 75 degrees and very dry.

The group passed farms, ranches, cattle and oil wells. Larry was very pleased with his ride today and felt good about the day.

Hobbs, NM almost in Texas

Larry biked about 72 miles today. He was coughing when he was talking to me and you can see all the dust and dirt in the air. The shoulder was non-existing for about a third of the ride and the road was rough in places. They lucked out and got a good tailwind the last third of the ride. They are staying in a church tonight and Larry was looking forward to a hot shower.

Artesia

White Sands--earlier o n route

Tom at their motel

Dom-another biker

Photo from Apr 6--Larry did not call to tell me anything about Apr 6 ride.

Apr 7th---Larry call6 pm. He made it up the big hill but did have to walk some of it. Reason being that Larry still thinks this is a race and not a ride and started out too fast and burnt himself out. the "coach" has told him to pace himself. It was the last camping night and temp went down to 16 degrees. No cell service.

From Artisia website:

Artesia is located in southeastern New Mexico, nestled between the two larger cities of Roswell to the north and Carlsbad to the south. The Texas border is less than 100 miles away to the east and the beautiful mountains, including the towns of Cloudcroft and Ruidoso are to the west. Artesia is a perfect centerpoint for southeastern New Mexico.

If he calls today---I'll add more information.

Temp around 76 degrees with lots of sun and very dry. They were biking around 75 miles today along route 82. Much better ride today and they will stay in another church. Some nice people along the way gave Larry a check for $50.00 for the Davis Phinney Foundation. If you have not checked, we are up yo $6398.00. All because of all of you. Thanks