Days 31-34

September 30th, 2010

Oxford, MS to Columbus, MS

Today we left our new friend Andy and his safe house behind. After re-charging we are ready for the road. By lunch we had reached Okolona, MS which was 50 miles from Oxford. We continued to make good time, reaching Columbus, MS with the sun still up. After a little searching we found a beautiful Campground called Dune Hayes Recreation area. Camping was cheap an the showers were included. Overall the weather was good and the terrain primarily flat with some hills. Also at this point we are now about 50 miles ahead of schedule and are excited to reach Alabama tomorrow.

October 1st 2010

Columbus, MS to Centerville, AL

So today it was really hard to get up, but somehow we managed and started our trek again. Within about 15 miles we entered Alabama, the last state standing between us and Florida. The morning was challenging though as the rolling hills continued and more people were honking their horns and yelling profanities at us. We made it to Tuscaloosa, AL where we had lunch and sought out another bike store to replace Matt’s back tire. By the time we managed to get back on the road it was close to 4:00 pm so we raced the sunset to Centerville, AL where we had our 2nd flat of the day right before pulling into town, stopped to fix it, noticed Matt’s saddle was broken, finished to ride in the dark, and are camping behind the Church of Christ. Hope he doesn’t mind.

October 2nd 2010

Centerville, AL to Troy AL

After a quick repair on Matt’s Broken seat (Socks and underwear stuffed underneath the Brooks leather) we left Centerville, AL early, went up and down hills through the honking and profanities to Montgomery, AL where we had lunch. From here we then rode to Troy, AL and went shopping at Wal-mart. We went to a nice campground and the host told us they had nice showers, but no tent campers allowed, so we are camped on the hill behind Wal-Mart. Kind of a shady spot but it is what is it.

October 3rd 2010

Troy, Al to Dothan, AL

Today was a short day, but came at a needed time. The ride was fairly easy and we had a big lunch. Also the temperature seems to be rising again and the humidity is worsening. Tonight we will rest up before we make the week-long trek down through Florida and into the Keys. Only 7 days left to go!