We continued to climb and go over rollers, past pine forests and beef ranches. The weather was curious: cloudy early in the morning, briefly blue skies, then low gray clouds and gusty headwinds. It began spitting rain after noon, and rained lightly off and on into evening.
Bob Plant, Carol, Jerry and I stopped in Monticello at the Tupelo Bakery and Coffee Shop (see photo). A guy named Eric walked by and stopped to admire Jerry's bike, then checked out the other bikes. He really knew his bikes ... not someone you would expect in a town of 2500. We had a nice chat about our tour and his local rides.
We then rode on to Greenville, our destination. The singer Ray Charles grew up here (see photo of Bruce, Jerry and Bob Plant accompanying him). Curiously, the small lake in town only allows fishing on Saturdays (see photo). Bob Plant said the fish must like that rule!
Tonight we are staying in a real bed and breakfast (B&B) called Grace Manor. One photo shows Jerry, Bruce, Carol and Bob Plant on the spacious, wrap-around front porch. Perfect for resting after a ride! Several riders are in a separate cottage (thanks to Bob G for the photo). The house was a hotel for many years, and has been nicely restored, with intricate interior gingerbread trim and ceiling patterns.
Brenda, our hostess, provided dinner tonight. It was great! Shrimp with couscous, carrots, chocolate ice cream, and of course sweet tea (we're in the South).
Seated at the dining table are (clockwise) Flynn, Carol, Linda, Andre, Rhodri, Bob Pedersen, Julianne, Ken, Jerry and Bob G. Seated at the "kids table" are (left to right) Bruce, Terry, Mitch and Bob Plant.
Tomorrow we ride to a campground near Wellborn. No more china or cushy beds!
Bruce
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