Friday May 6

Fri May6th

 We had a beautiful day of riding from Auburn, AL to New Orleans. We had a continental breakfast in the hotel and kick stands were up at 8:00 AM.  We’ve now ridden in 7 states. At one gas stop we had milkshakes, a treat since it was in the 80’s – 87 when we stopped in New Orleans.  We were joined in New Orleans by 2 riders from Fla., Jim Long and Thurman. Proctor. Both served in the AF with Bob Atwell.   They arrived a couple hours before us and were waiting for us when we arrived at the motel about 4:00PM. We were allowed again tonight to park the bikes under the entrance way at the front door of the motel.  Unfortunately for me,  I didn’t notice the sprinkler head buried in the flowers next to where I parked, Fortunately the manager – who was very nice to us upon check in and inspected our bikes – did and turned off the sprinkler after a 5  minute shower washing my front wheel, Didn’t take long to wipe off my bike and the manager gave me the towel. He joked about bypassing W’ville when one of the riders told him I was Mayor.  I gave him a  pin and told him to look me up when he came to visit.

 Gary & Darlene Jackson walked next door for dinner in a restaurant. The others of us settled for pizza delivered to the room so we could tell/hear more “Run Stories”. Gary joined us after they ate. A good time was had by all – and some of the world’s problems were solved by the collective wisdom!

Today we ride to Waller, TX ( a shade over 400 miles) for a TX barbecue at a long time rider’s house he’s having for us. Several of us will stay with him and the rest of us in a motel  near  by,  We’ll stop for lunch in Beaumont, TX with Jennifer Connors (AKA "Flame", “Chicken Joe’s” wife and "Chicken Joe".

 For those of you  who’ve been good enough to follow me,  please know that we very much appreciate it. It’s hard to answer all  the messages while on the road. I read them all, and share many with the other riders when we stop, But I’m not able to respond to them.  As tight as time is now, I know it will be more so when we actually join The Run. The trip out is much more relaxed and fun. So bear with me as I attempt this technology. Keep us in your prayers.