Last night the tour group went out for Greek food and ice cream to celebrate our adventure.  Sadly we had to pass on the Loveless Cafe which is something of a legendary place hereabouts. The biscuits are to die for, so they say.

In the morning we had hotel breakfast (lame), made ourselves lunches, and loaded the bikes one last time on top of the van for the drive back south to Jackson. Two riders split off on their own. There were hugs and handshakes.

The rest of us piled into the van and seven hours later were back in Ridgeland where we started. Rolf, Mark, and John-the-Fastest headed home. Beth Ann took the van and trailer to DC. More hugs and handshakes. Mike, Greg, Melissa, David, Jeff, Heather, Virginia, and I stayed behind and had dinner at a pizza place. After that Greg and Melissa headed off to another hotel. More hugs and handshakes.

I have to say that the 15 of us were a remarkably harmonious group. No drama. Just some bitching and moaning from some cranky old guy from Mount Vernon, Virginia.

Tomorrow those that remain will hit the road.

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I neglected to mention a few things about the tour in previous posts.

Bugs: There were nearly no bugs on this tour. Normally you get mosquitoes in your tent if you forget to zip it closed. Not one got in my tent.

Coal rolling: A few of us were coal rolled (deliberately spewing black exhaust) by a pick-up truck driver. 

Old and on the way: Of the 13 riders, six were at least 70 years old. Two more (both John’s) were 69. We kept up with the five youngsters just fine.

The F Word: Each day featured 14 riders, one of whom was either Jeff or Beth Ann riding sweep. This works out to more than 6,800 rider-miles. We had one flat. Jeff was gracious to take the hit for the team.

Tour Leader Jackpot: I did not hear one cross word, not the slightest complaint, about our tour leaders, Beth Ann and Jeff. They worked their butts off for us and even arranged for near perfect weather, including a much appreciated tailwind on the last day.