Jessie's Well Blog

Day 38

 

Day 38
October 15, 2015

 

We left west Shreveport just before sunrise and crossed over the Red River as the sun was coming up over the city.  The temperature was a cool 59 degrees and we made great headway before the temperature began to climb.  It didn’t take long before it was over 90 degrees.  The Louisiana back roads are rough and full of pot holes making our ride difficult.  Two flats slowed us down a bit.    By about mile 70 my rear derailleur began acting up requiring me to ride without my most commonly used gears.  We made it into Ruston, Louisiana where I found the Turbo Goat bike shop.  They were able to tune my derailleur and replaced my chain.  With my fresh tune-up we rode the final 6 miles to our destination for the night.  All totaled it was a 90 mile day.  Tomorrow is a modified rest day of 38 miles so we are looking forward to a short day. 

We stopped for lunch in Gibsland, Louisiana (very near the location where the famous outlaws, Bonnie and Clyde were killed by authorities in 1934)  We ate at the Gibsland Grill and were welcomed by everyone in the restaurant who took an interest in Water Cycle. What a friendly town!  I was given a cash donation by the restaurant owner.  By the time we left, everyone in the diner was truly interested in our trip and its purpose.  Cycling across the country has given me the opportunity to meet such wonderful people.  My journey has allowed me the unique experience of meeting so many kind, sincere and hardworking folks in small towns across the country.  My sense is that what I am experiencing is the real America – often overlooked by popular entertainment and media.  I feel truly blessed to have met so many wonderful people along the way.