Cyclepath!

Me passing through Bell Buckle!
Claire and Jonathan making it look easy!

This a recovery post from last weekend's Jack & Back bike ride for MS. In case anyone was on the edge of their seats wondering if I succeeded, I not only rode 100 miles, but 116! And I really have not been sore at all! The ride itself was very enjoyable!
Claire and Jonathan pedaled into rhythm on the tandem bike while John, Karen, and I all maintained a comfortable pace riding solo.
The route took a total of 600-700 bikers through Franklin, College Grove, Bell Buckle, Rockvale, Shelbyville, and Lynchburg just to name a few. We faced wretched headwinds the entire first day which slowed us down an hour or so. I don't think I was mistaking sweat for a tear when, around mile 53, I passed the sign that informed me I was entering Metropolitan (pop. 381) Lynchburg Moore County!
When we arrived at Motlow, we were greeted by Claire's parents, who'd driven up from Huntsville, and the Shofners, who were there to lead a large group of us to their accomodating house (yay for showers!) and barn (yay for the loft!) in rural Lynchburg. After showers and meeting other friends sharing the farm, we loaded up and headed to the Hill at the distillery for fried catfish, bbq, the best hushpuppies ever, and unlimited supply of Jack and coke and Lynchburg lemonade! After a long day and full tums, everyone was fast asleep at 9pm. The next morning we geared up to head back to Franklin, another 58 miles. Folks I'd talked with agreed the second leg was far easier than the first because of the downhills and tailwinds. And they weren't kidding. We made it back quicker even stopping at every food station! We also rode the second leg with friends we'd met at the farm. And we were greeted at the finish by the Bruns', Ange, and Liz, all coordinated by Claire!
Much thanks goes to the uber-organization of the ride, sponsors, pledges, and friends! I know I would do it again! Anyone up for the ride from Graceland to Tunica?!?!

A.