Cycling the Underground Railroad

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DAY 12:  ALICEVILLE, ALABAMA TO COLUMBUS, MISSISSIPPI 

I figured sometime on this trip I'd have to pedal in the rain.   Today was one of those days.  Moderate to heavy downpours, with one incidence of lightning and thunder a bit too close for comfort.   When did it stop?  As soon as I pulled up to the motel.   Go figure. 

Today I crossed into The Magnolia State.  (Yes, that's rain in the picture.)

Entering Mississippi, after 11 days cycling in Alabama.

After four hours of cycling in the slosh, I arrived at Columbus, home of Columbus Airforce Base, one of four which train pilots. My friend and fellow coach, Dr. Colonel Scott Frickenstein, was formerly a Base Commander here, so he used his charming influence to set up a short tour of the base and meet a special friend of his.

John Almond met us and took us to a local eatery, Zachary's, for lunch.  We learned we had so much in common--a love of cycling, urban ministry, and community service.  Before taking us to the Airforce Base, we stopped by one of the Dream Center locations where 3 volunteers were cutting pieces of beds another group would assemble this week.

Volunteers cutting pieces for beds as part of the Dream Center ministry.

The Dream Center provides beds for low income families in the Columbus, MS area.

Mississippi is the poorest state in the Union.  I came to learn that many children don't have beds to sleep in, and families are in danger of being separated if the children don't have their own beds to sleep in!  John and his fellow volunteers are determined to provide beds for every child in their community.  He estimates the need at about 7,000!

We then were shown the base by Lt. Steve Dean.  My favorite part,  of course, were the airplanes.   Unfortunately,  because of an impending severe storm, there weren't any planes flying today.

Training aircraft at Columbus Airforce Base.

Headquarters buildings at Columbus AFB.

More aircraft at this training base.  (I LOVE these airplanes!)

The day came to a close with a brilliant sunset.  Today was a great intoduction to Mississippi. 

My first sunset in Mississippi.

Today's Mileage: 38.5

Total Distance to date:  444.3 miles

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