Back in Action

Hello from Pelican, Lousiana! Even Google doesn't know a thing about it!
But, don't be fooled, because while we are literally in the middle of nowhere, it is the most beautiful middle of nowhere I have ever been. We are staying a Clara Springs Encampment (church related, obviously) ... and upon our arrival, we hiked around a small pond on the grounds, and paddle-boated in circles, careful not to dip our legs in too far for fear of alligators.
Speaking of alligators, I ate fried alligator last night for the first time. I wasn't too impressed - sorta tasted like chicken. I tried frog legs too. Why not? Oh, and then today (since our trek from Natchitoches - pronounced nakitush - was only 33 miles) we stopped at an alligator park on mile 9 and watched the big guys jump for food. It was totally bizarre, especially because they served alligator on the snack shop menu. Basically, go to the park to see the alligator, feed the alligator, and eat the alligator.
Today was awesome. It was great to have such a short day of riding, as we were able to wake up late (8am) and play a 32-person game of knock-out in the gym we stayed at before we all took off. In addition to the alligator park, a couple other riders and I stopped at Jason Anderson's produce farm and were given free watermelon! It was wonderful... and even more wonderful when we arrived at the host site to find that Jason had personally delivered an entire box each of fresh corn, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and 5 watermelons.
We are anticipating that tonight will be just as good: fireworks (round 2), and s'mores around the campfire. And, if we're lucky, the Bike&Build choir will be performing the National Anthem. (The B&B choir is composed of our very own riders with a wide range of musical abilities. They practice several times a week).

Okay... backtracking. This week was highly eventful, beginning with our first day back on the bike after our week-long stay in NOLA. On Tuesday, the group rode 80 miles from N'Orleans to Baton Rouge, and on mile 3, I was going straight, had the right of way, and got hit by a pick-up truck making a right-hand turn. I went flying off my bike, onto the hood of the truck, and landed on the ground, and somehow walked away from the accident with nothing more than a sore neck and back, and a few scrapes and scratches. As lucky as I am to have suffered only very minor injuries from that accident, the potential for disaster was major, and was enough to teach me a lesson: to be constantly aware of my surroundings, and a more defensive rider, because the reality is that sometimes drivers just don't see us. So, after filling out a police report (the 12 or so riders at the site of the accident could not have handled the situation better), I begrudgingly hopped into the van and drove the 80 miles to Red Stick (Baton Rouge) with my group leader. I say begrudgingly only because I wanted to do the entire trip across America on my bike, and never have to ride in the van. But, all does not always turn out the way we plan, and I now have a bad-ass story to tell.

Wednesday. 90 miles from Baton Rouge to Lafayette. Great morning, shitty afternoon. Painkillers wore off, my back hurt, my neck hurt, I was sore and grumpy and emotional and rode 30 miles by myself. Instead of trying keep up with the people I was riding with, I just said screw it, I'll ride at 11mph until I regain my strength. Ain't no shame in that, right???? Anyway, we got to Lafayette and because one of our riders is from there, we had access to a kick-ass health club, so we all went swimming in the pool, and relaxed in the whirlpool/hot-tub... but I could hardly enjoy it because I was in such a cranky mood. I knew that biking across the country would be physically straining, but I had no idea it would be so mentally and emotionally straining as well.

Thursday. 100 miles from Lafayette to Alexandria. I honestly don't remember this day.

Friday. JULY 4TH!! 55 miles from Alexandria to Natchitotches. What a cute town! Fourth of July festival and fireworks were awesome: dancing on stage with the Diva in Red (singer in the band that was performing).

I think that's all for now.
I'm going to try and post some pix. Hope that works.
keep it real.
erica.