Cycling the Underground Railroad

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DAY 16:  TISHOMINGO TO COUNCE, TENNESSEE 

The reverie of sleep was rudely interrupted by Mother Nature at 2 AM by loud claps of thunder and bright flashes of lightning, accompanied by sometime heavy rain which lasted for just over an hour.   Having anticipated this event (thank you, National Weather Service), the tent was firmly staked down and everything inside was dry.

By 7:30 AM, there was no sign of continued precipitation, so I packed up my wet gear and continued northward.  Since another strong storm system was bearing down on me, I deviated from Adventure Cycling's prescribed route to cut off about 20 miles to guarantee I had shelter for the afternoon and evening.

Bozo's Used Cars in Tishomingo, Mississippi.

My brother Kent (the other half of Shelley Brothers Cycling Adventures) has been following me faithfully on this trip, checking out potential points of interests, campgrounds, motels and restaurants.  (I guess he feels I need additional expert assistance!) He (half-jokingly) said I needed to stop at Bozo's Used Cars in Tishomingo.   I passed Bozo's as it was opening, and stopped to grab a photo to send to Kent.

Bozo (aka George).

I was greeted by Bozo himself! His name is George, but he told me that if I mentioned that I'd met "George," no one would know who I was talking about.  Bozo told me that he met another cyclist "who was following where the slaves once went." Though he didn't use the term "Underground Railroad " it was clear that's what he was talking about.  I really like George,  I mean, Bozo, and think we could be good friends if I lived near here.

The shortest route to my destination was a busy highway with lots of traffic--not a lot of fun to ride on.  About 2 hours before my destination, it began raining.   Doable, but also not a lot of fun.

Crossing over into Tennessee.

A few miles before arriving at the Stone Brook Motel, I crossed over into Tennessee, and was greeted by the longest climb of the day.

Drying things out (again).

I spent the afternoon drying out my equipment. 

As I was typing, this alert came over the phone.  Very grateful I am indoors tonight!

Today's Mileage: 33.8

Total Distance to date: 595.8 miles


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