Today was a much better day with much improved weather. We started the morning crossing over the Mississippi River on the Cass Street bridge. This is where Chris gave up the mapping responsibilities to Katie. As we got into LaCresent MN, we had a little troubling finding the route. After getting things sorted out, we started with a steep climb for a mile or two, gaining over 400 feet of elevation. It was tough and the two-wheeled riders ended up doing some walking to make it up, but from the top the view was amazing.

We only have three days to finish our preparations for the trip, and several bike repairs to finish. While on a practice ride yesterday, TJ's chain broke, so off to the Hostel Shoppe we go to get parts to fix it. Katie's bike also needed some work done on the brakes. My bike still needs the headlights and bottle cages mounted. Chris and Dad are going to replace the seat cord that ties their seat fabric on.

We woke up early because we have a long day ahead of us. We were not able to make much for progress yesterday, so we must get some miles behind us today. We also wanted to beat some of the rain headed our way. We had a GREAT breakfast at the Best Western in Plaquemine and then quickly packed and headed out on the roads. Traffic is starting to get much heavier as we get closer to New Orleans.

We slept in after the long day yesterday of bad roads, and a ridiculous number of flat tires.

Katie spent a little time playing with the ducks in the water under the cabin. We made it about a block before we realized my tire was not really fixed, and there we sat on the side of the road changing my tube again!

After such a long day yesterday, we slept in until 7:00, had breakfast at the Quality Inn in Vicksburg, and headed out. We called ahead and made a reservation at a Bed and Breakfast in Port Gibson. It was going to be a little expensive, but we would only need one room, and there was not a lot of choices in the area. The other hotel we called did not designate smoking versus non-smoking rooms, so we had to skip them.

Here is a picture Chris took. He wanted to know what it looked like to have sunblock put on.

We woke up at 5:00 to get an early start on our upcoming long day. The hotel staff at the Hampton Inn in Greenville even had breakfast ready a half hour earlier for us. They also let us take their "Breakfast to go bags" so we would have a snack for later in the morning.

Our first stop of the day was at Roy's Store located on Roy's Store Road. We had drinks and breakfast sandwiches, and were back on the road.

We woke up early at the Isle of Capri Casino hotel in Lula MS. We searched for breakfast but nothing was open at 6:00, so we resorted to "women's restroom stew" (oatmeal in it's packet for those of you not up on the lingo :) ) Then we hit the road hard because we had a big day ahead of us!

I woke up last night about 12:30 with Katie kicking my bike hard off her bed. She can't even take one square inch of something touching her precious bed space. (We had no option, but to put our bike in the room with us. This was a small place.) After a few more times of kicking and things flying everywhere, it was time to get up. We had breakfast at a Waffle House, packed up, and then we were off.

We woke up this morning in Cascade after a decent night's sleep under the pavilion. It did not rain like was thought, but this way we could keep off our rain fly to stay cooler. We packed up and headed for a good breakfast. Grandma's Kitchen was recommended by the locals. After eating up, we headed out of town only to be greeted by our first hill of the day. However, this hill was much smaller than what we had seen yesterday.

The school year has ended leaving us two weeks to get ready. The excitement and nerves are starting to kick in! I hope our group has fun and meets many new exciting people along the way.

To begin, our goal is New Orleans (touching the Gulf of Mexico) as an initial destination. We are planning to use this site to keep family and friends updated on our progress. Check in every few days for pictures, comments, and update on our trip. I look forward to seeing everyone again in August and sharing our fun!