One state down, 7 to go! Today the team crossed the Georgia state line into Crimson Tide country. They will be running in Alabama for the next several days. They started the day at 5:30 this morning. Reynold and John participate in a men's group, and the guys joined them this morning. Reynold led the discussion at the group, including the guys in a good part of it. After, they had breakfast at McDonald's courtesy of John. After finishing up the food, they all headed over to the Civic Center to begin their next journey.
When John and the guys arrived at the Civic Center, Kellye and Andy Sparks were there waiting to wish them farewell. The guys said their good-byes and thanks, and headed out on the open road. The beginning of the trip into Alabama was just about the same as the beginning of the trip through Georgia, Durkin said. They crossed the bridge into Alabama over the Chattahoochee River. The guys later wished they had thrown the disc across the state line, but you can bet they will make that right at the end of Alabama.
Like mentioned before, the trip into Alabama had the same feeling as the beginning of this great nation. The guys left the love and care of some new life-long friendships to the open road of the unknown. The weather was also less than desirable; temperature in the low 40s, very windy, and raining. The guys had their rain gear on, and tarps covering the two joggers. All of the guys admitted that it was tough to start today, both mentally and physically. But there is nothing that will stop them from achieving the goal of conquering this great nation. Andy, with his newly refreshed energy from driving The Rambler, Durkin, with his new favorite flat-brim from Columbus Baseball, and Ken, with fresh off some superior PT and new orthodics, were on their way once again.
The guys walked the first 3 miles on RT 280, letting their legs loosen up for the remainder of the day's mileage. They then turned on to RT 280, which had no shoulder at all. The guys had to move the next three miles walking in the grass next to the road. About 3 miles more down the road, the shoulder opened up, and the team started to really move. They received many honks and waves from people driving by in support of their dream. One nice lady pulled up beside them and gave them $10 and some oranges. She had seen them on the news, and wanted to do her part to help them along! Thank you! The day finished out at 21 miles, when John once again picked them up to bring them to his friend Red's hunting house. The guys also crossed into another time zone!
The guys would like to take a minute to thank John for all he has done for them. They would also like to let him know they are pulling for him, as he awaits word to see if he will be accepted to run the Badwater Ultra Marathon. Good luck, we are all pulling for you!
When the guys arrived at Red's, Andy jumped in the shower. Ken and Durkin jumped into a couch and bed for a nap. A little while later, the team had dinner with Red, Donna, Chris, Lori, and River. This delicious southern meal included corn bread, sweet corn, black eyed peas, potatoes and pork chops. The guys also had their first run in with sweet tea, and loved it! Durkin jammed out with River on Guitar Hero, and a little while later they had strawberry shortcake with fresh strawberries from Louisiana. Andy said it was such a nice night, and the folks were so generous. They were really into the whole idea, and rallying behind the team's mission.
One final note...some may have noticed that Dewey has not been in the media coverage, blog updates, or pictures the last couple days. Unfortunately, Dewey has called it a trip, heading back to Albany, NY. He said he had some personal reasons for stopping, and this trip just wasn't for him. The guys were sad to see him go, but wanted what was best for Dewey. They will now travel with two joggers and no bike support. They want to thank Dewey for attempting this trip with them, and all of the help he gave while with the team.
Keep checking back on the trio to see how the state of Alabama treats them!
- Rick
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