Now, a run down of our memorable day. Great start cycling about 6 miles through different sections of New Orleans to get to the start of the bike path along the levee.
Met Tim, a local cyclist. We took his suggestion to tour the Destrehan plantation about 20 miles down the bike path.
Great history to see and hear about there.
After several more miles and a tasty lunch, we took a detour in our original route due to the spillway that was opened last month.
The additional miles were not the cause of concern, it was the extreme heat (94 degrees) with high humidity. We were zapped of our energy. We stopped at a Popeye's for fluids and a cool down. Back on the road, hwy 61, we just wanted to finish the final 30 miles on the most direct route. The traffic was constant, heat from the pavement radiating upward, and the sky was beginning to look ominous. After several flat tires, thunder and lightening and some really crappy road shoulders we got hit with a real whammy.
The storm warnings were being broadcast, but we were unaware. We got caught about 8 miles from the hotel in a severe thunder storm. Trees were falling in front of us on the Hwy. The wind was vicious, the rain was coming down sideways, constant thunder and lightening, all awhile vehicles were speeding by. It was scary. Both Tim and I said our prayers. We were waving at vehicles for help, but it wasn't until a FedEx truck traveling in the opposite direction saw us and turned around to come to our rescue. Keith helped us into the truck and traveled in the torrential rain to drop us off at the nearest hotel.
He was the answer to our prayers.
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Location:Gonzales,LA
Hey guys. Tim Harlan here. We met at the trailhead on the levee and I am following your progress. Sorry the first day was so rocky. Be safe!
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