Cycling the Underground Railroad

 DAY 4: GROVE HILL TO LINDEN 

When those seeking freedom from slavery attempted to escape, they often encountered obstacles of weather.  They didn't have National Weather Forecasts, radar or cell phone alerts.  I do.

Yesterday one elderly lady cautioned me about "a storm that was a-comin'!"  She was right.  A 3-day system is on its way through,  complete with lightning, thunder, heavy rains and high winds.  The next two nights I had planned on camping.  This might not be a good idea.

The Adventure Cycling route has me going a circuitous route over the next two days to Linden, Alabama.  (Today I will discover why.) From Linden I planned on breaking off the Underground Railroad route, and heading to Selma to ride the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail.  But since my brother Kent and I have experienced this severe kind of Southern weather while cycling Route 66 through Texas, I thought it wise not to challenge the elements.  I needed an alternate plan.

From Grove Hill, U.S. Highway 43 makes a beeline to Linden, and it"s only 45 miles.  I'd head to Linden, which has one motel that would keep me dry tonight, then figure out an alternate plan to make good use of the time while waiting out the storm front. 

So I headed out toward Linden.  U.S. 43 has a wide shoulder for 16 miles to the edge of Thomasville, a nice ride.  Traffic was fairly heavy--lots of trucks-- but not a problem with lots of room to the side.

Entering Thomasville,  things got dicey quickly.  The shoulder completely disappeared, but the vehicles didn't slow down.  And there were logging trucks, carrying--well--lots of big logs with occasional pieces flying off.  (This, I am coming to realize, is a huge foresty area.) Some of them didn't seem to have much regard for cyclists.   A couple brushed the hair on my arms!  (Those of you who know me understand that I am a pretty fearless roadie.  But I have to admit, this situation had me a little on edge!)

The next 29 miles were a bit harrowing and very nerve-wracking.  I now realize why Adventure Cycling took us another route, pretty much anything to avoid U.S. 43!

Now it begins to rain.  Not hard, but enough to make me stop and put on my poncho.  Then a logging truck comes by and his wind blows my poncho right into my face.  I was literally cycling blind!  I couldn't see if cars (or trucks!) were coming, or where I was on the road.  I was quickly able to find the side of the road.  I will figure out how to better secure my rain gear!!

The first (but not last!) storm to roll in during the trip.

Safe inside the Linden Best (only) Inn, as I write I am hearing thunder.  "The storm's a coming!"  Stand by to see what tomorrow brings. 

The "Best Linden Inn" was the ONLY motel in the town (so it had to be the Best?).

Today's Mileage: 45.5

Total Distance to date:  194.0