The drive to Jackson took two days. I left home on a Sunday which meant that traffic near home was non-existent and that truck traffic between Virginia and Alabama was relatively light. I wasn't all that tired as I approached Birmingham, Alabama but there were fierce storms on the road ahead so I decided  to check into a hotel.

Apparently, the hotel knew I had few alternatives and gouged me for over $200. 

The next day the storms continued as I headed west. Near the outskirts of Jackson the sun was broke the overcast, a good omen.

I arrived at the tour's hotel in Ridgefield, a suburb of Jackson. I was quite happy to get out of the car.  After checking in and cleaning up, I met the tour leaders out in the parking lot. Later I joined a few of the riders for dinner.