Day 2-
The thunder awoke and the sound of name normally soothing on a Saturday morning was not as comforting. We were going rain or shine…less lightning and tornadoes. I am grateful to modern day technology and being able to track weather. It seemed if we waited to start at 8:45 instead of 8:00 we could bypass the rain and storms. And that is what we did.
A little sore, a little tired, sleep not easy, we were eager to go. And so once the rain passed we were off. We weren’t sure what we would face. Like the two hills that would stretch up for what seemed an eternal distance. Honestly…two hills I had to walk up. We took a risk and changed routed to a main road sacrificing possibly more traffic for less hills. It was a wise decision…although it’s possible all the hills on the other road were done.
Meals were wonderful and by providence. Deciding to take a rest break just outside of Wetumpka, Grace Community Church was open and allowed us to come inside, use the restrooms and break for lunch! And the man who let us in is a cyclist. We may have another rider for next year but also a partner church willing to help us out.
The afternoon was still overcast keeping the sun off but the winds were gusting against us at 14 mph. Painfully slow- going would be an understatement. Personally, I was miserable, and hit a wall-nearly ready to quit. Scott had flattened a tire and I was doing some serious soul searching. I knew I would continue on…not sure just how. I am not even sure I really prayed…but somewhere in my aches and groans and even a little frustration with the wind, there was a plea for help. We started off…me now sure how to gut out the remaining 27 miles and then…something happened. At least in my mind, the wind was not as strong, the hills not as hard, and I literally got a “push” up a hill from Herb. Maybe it was something divine or just people trying to help each other along the journey. Whatever it was, I was grateful. I literally got my second wind.
Although way behind our schedule, we made it into Selma around 6:00pm. After trying to leave Dave at a Walgreens, we loaded up and headed to the National Guard Armory to take showers. A special shout out to CSM Deborah Smart of the 122nd Troop Support Command for letting us in to take showers.
We were hosted by an amazing meal from or friends at Memorial UMC, Rev. Steve Kopp, always excelling at hospitality. After a devotion from Scott about the importance of serving and why we ride, there was no effort in letting everyone to go to sleep. Despite the hardships, it was an amazing day. Our fundraising total was $9585.