May 23, 2007 Dyersburg, Tn

Today's ride was another short one, 42.59 miles, making a total of 629.96 miles for me in ten days of riding. I definitely feel stronger but am enjoying the sights and not trying to rush my rides. In other words my speed ins not getting any better.

Last night our guides told us the Henning, Tn was only 10 miles down the road. Henning is the home of Alex Haley (Roots). I had been told that touring the family home was a sight not to be missed. I think almost everyone decided to stop, especially since we only had 30 more miles to go.

When we arrived in town we saw this mural being painted on the side of a building. It talked about Alex Haley and someone called Jim Hickman. Greg do you know who Jim Hickman is??

We were told not to leave before 8:00 because the museum did not open until 9:00. Of course, we all got there only to find out it did not open until 10:00. Here are a couple of pictures of us waiting on the lawn of the Haley family home.

Then national historical registry sign in front of the home.

The Haley family home. It is a really nice home. The guide said Alex's grandfather owned the lumber mill in town and were the wealthiest black family in town. Alex's father went to Cornell and Alex was considered the black sheep in the family because he never completed college.

Alex's grave is on the front lawn of the house.


A quote by Alex placed below the bedroom. I think it is a beautiful thought.

May 22, 2007 Covington, Tn

I never though I would call a 62 mile day would feel short but today felt just that. The morning began as usual with Michelle loading bikes onto the van of people who would SAG part of the way.


Then the local NBC TV station can by to film us. Not sure we will make it on tv but I am checking their website and will let you know if they post anything.



Marsh land outside of Memphis.




The first stop of the day was the Shelby Forest General Store.




There was a group of men sitting on the porch who called themselves the Wrinkled Rooster Club. Their sign says "Meetin every mornin Sunrize..until the hens call us home" They were really friendly and were amazed with us.


Me in front of the breakfast group. (Note: Edith is sitting with the men.)


The rest of the ride went very well. There were lots of rolling hills but they were nice. You could get up enough speed on the down hill that you did not have to work very hard on the up hill. I got to the hotel and the room was ready. I worked on the previous posts and rested. Dinner was great tonight, salmon, salad, lentils and grains. I love when Woman Tours cooks because it is so healthy.

May 21, 2007 Rest Day in Memphis

First I would like to thank everyone for their kind words to me about my Mother.

Rest day began with a trip to Graceland. The women on the trip that knew I was from Memphis were surprised that I had never been to Graceland. I explained that when I lived in Memphis Elvis was still at Graceland and I had never been invited!

Historic Register at Graceland.


Living room at Graceland.


Elvis' tv room.


After we got back to the hotel one of the other women and I took the trolley looking for lunch. We had originally hoped to go to Rendezvous but it turns out they are closed on Monday. While the trolley we passed Leonard's. Leonard's is a restaurant that I remember going to with my Grandmother on my dad's side. So I drug Linda to lunch at Leonard's. It was wonderful.

After lunch we went to the National Civil Rights Museum. http://www.civilrightsmuseum.org

Located at the Lorraine Motel (Where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated), the museum traces the Civil Rights movement from 1617 to the present day. I learned a a lot and it was very moving. If you ever have an opportunity to see it I highly recommend going.

Lorraine Motel

Sight of assassination of MLK.

Finally, I was very fortunate that my cousin, Becky was pick me up from the hotel and take me to dinner at a favorite restaurant of our mutual grandmother. We went to TOPS for more barbecue. We had a wonderful visit. Becky shared memories of my mother with me. We laughed and cried. It was a very special evening.

Our dinner

Becky and me at TOPS in Memphis

May 21, 2007 More from Memphis

Mailbox along a rural Mississippi road.



Cyprus swamp on the way to Memphis from Clarksdale.

A favorite childhood treat of mine, Moon Pie.

I could not resist just one!

I make it back to the land of my childhood.

May 21, 2007 Memphis

Sorry that I have not posted in a couple of days. Several things have kept me from posting. Saturday morning in Indianola, Ms as we were having our morning map meeting Greg call to tell me my mother had passed away the previous night. While I have known for awhile that her time was coming, it had been very difficult. The women on the trip have been wonderfully supportive.

Angela, Bridget and I discussed the possibility of this happening while I was gone and we decided that I would continue and we would have a memorial service when I get home so that is what I am doing.

Saturday the ride was a 62 miles from Indianola, MS to Clarksdale, MS. I physically felt better than I had the day before but was emotionally drained. I did the entire 62 mile ride.