Louisiana
If you’re gonna be stupid- you better be tough.
Thursday, September 20th, 2007
This came from Russ Walker in Shreveport at one of our rest stops.
A huge THANKS to Jamie Johnson at Goodwill for connecting the Ride For Your Life with Russ and the LA’Sport team. She was a blessing. Thanks Jamie- you make life good! You have a great group down there- keep on riding- hope to see you on the road.
He single handedly made our Lousiana ride one of the best so far. Russ rounded up some of his friends and teammates from team LA’Sport and we rode. We rode “hills,” we rode flats, we rode fast and we rode faster. This group was strong… then to top it off one fo the guys even went out for a run after the 100 bike ride….. that’s a tough bunch… not necessarily stupid- definately tough. I thought the stupid part referred more to riding 50- 100 mile rides in 50 days. Aside from great riding- Russ, even rounded up about $1000 in donations and Chinese food gift certificated for lunch. I have been craving Chinese food for 33 days, he was on top of things (no surprise since he is a pro cyclist). On top of all that- the Chinese restaurant had salmon on the menu. The restaurant was called Imperial Cathay in Shreveport. Thank you all very much for expressing such hospitality. I also want to say thank you Russ for seeing what we are doing and recognizing it. It is with support and encouragement from people like you that we can make this feat possible.
On a lodging note- I have funny story there too. We stayed at the
Fairlfield Placebed and Breakfast in Shreveport, Mark and Pat were awesome! I can’t explain how nice the place is and how authentic it is. You have to visit their website and take a trip to Shreveport to visit. They even have casinos down there. It’s well worth the trip.
http://www.fairfieldbandb.com/
As we walked to the van, a previous owner of the Bed and Breakfast stopped to tell us more history on the place including the fact that Lance Armstrong stayed there a few years back, when he visited to set a few course records that still stand. Janie (the previous owner) now runs a business behind the B and B hosting weddings and events behind the B and B and it’s called the gazaebo. It is amazing to see these historical buildings and to think of the families that used to live in them. The current family in the B and B was afected by cancer- so this motivated me for yesterday’s ride. Mark, Pat- I am glad you are all doing well and my thoughts and prayers are with your brother and daughter as you continue to Live Strong.
The ride was great and it was nice and flat. We had 2000 feet fo elevation change- I posted the GPS numbers on the right. We had a great group of people, we had great weather, and great Chinese food. It really made me miss living in the South… the only thing missing this time was the biscuits and gravy for breakfast. I had oatmeal instead, settles better on a 100 mile ride.
Thank you also to Mike and Sidney at GoodYear for donating an oil change and to Scot for getting us set up with that. Scot also asked to say good luck Gary!
I want to extend a huge thank you to Shreveport and Russ Walker and Associates for all your hospitality! You made Louisiana one of the best states so far at a much needed time.
Headed out for mile 3400.
Gary G