We experienced the same great weather that we have enjoyed for a number of days. Hwy 190, for about the first forty miles, did not have a shoulder, so Vicki followed behind with flashers on. Sufficient road shoulders are essential for my riding safety. On many of the roads, one county or parish will have a great shoulder and the next will have nothing. When Vicki is following with flashers on, most drivers have been very courteous and pass nice and wide.
The swing bridge at Madisonville was opened for boat traffic.
Following Hwy 190 to Hwy 90 the land became swampy and I rode over the West Pearl River bridge.
Then into Mississippi, the sixth of our eight state trip.
Arriving at Bay St. Louis, MS, we reached the sandy shores of the Gulf Coast.
Reminders of the oil spill are still evident with workers combing the sand for tar balls and shrimp boats in the harbour with oil booms piled on the shoreline.
Hwy 90 follows the coast with beautiful Victoria homes on the north side, although many were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Many dead oak trees along the coast line road have been carved into sea life figures.
We passed the casino/resort towns of Gulfport and Biloxi, ending the day at Ocean Springs, MS with another 100 miles.
Day 19 of Riding:
Total Daily Miles: 101
Total Ride Miles: 1973.9
Total Elevation Climb: 316'
Total Daily Ride Time: 71/2hrs
Average Daily Speed: 15.7 mph
We can't believe it's been a year since Roger was tragically killed by a distracted driver, who was on a cell phone. Roger was biking from San Diego, CA to Jacksonville Beach, FL to build awareness and raise funds for the victims of the 2010 Gulf Coast Oil Spill. We are honored that more than 20 Pensacola area cyclists will gather on October 6, 2011, to honor his legacy and help us finish Roger's remaining 300 miles, ending with a tire dipping on October 9th in the Atlantic ocean.
I passed Roger on Hwy. 90 on this day, it saddens me to see such a nice person doing such a nice thing for the Gulf Coast oil spill victims, lose his life. I will keep his family and friends in my prayers! God Bless, Malissa Sommerville-------
ReplyDeleteGulfport,MS. lifelong resident