The Charge Across Mississippi and Alabama

The Charge Across Mississippi and Alabama

When we stepped outside the hotel into the Mississippi sunshine, the heat and humidity enveloped us like a second skin. You could feel the moisture in the air, and it hung as thick as molasses.
We left Vicksburg on Saturday morning at 7:15am and began Brock's Charge across Mississippi and Alabama. Our goal - the Georgia state line.

The objectives for the day included two Harley dealers. We arrived at the first,in Jackson, credit cards at the ready, to find that we were too early. It was only 8:15 am and they didn't open until nine. We discussed waiting, but the conversation didn't last long. The heat and humidity remained our enemy, and standing still for any period of time was just not an  option. 

Our next stop was Meridian, Mississippi.

It was the first day that we started out heading east, and the sun burn hot an white in front of us. Opportunities for photos were scant - the sun was literally in my eyes - and the landscape on Route 20 lacked appeal.

Once in Meridian, we pulled into the parking lot of Chunky River Harley Davidson. Dozens of bikes and bikers in assorted sizes, shapes and colors milled about the parking lot as they were preparing for a Soldiers for Soldiers ride. Every Harley dealer we've been to has had some sort of sign or banner in support of our troops, which I find quite impressive. So, if you know someone who has served, or is on active duty, tell them thanks!!  (Thanks, Jarrod!  Thanks, Joey!!)

Tee shirts in hand, we headed out of Mississippi and into Alabama. As we crossed the state line, Alabama spread out before us in an undefined pattern of  pine trees, thickets of gnarled brush, planted farms and brown fields.  The clouds rolled by in a celestial parade of soft white cotton, quite the illusion as the humidity raged on.

In Selma, we began the Lunch Lottery and rolled the dice on Southern Girls, a small diner on Route 22 east. We were greeted and treated with all the Southern hospitality one would expect to find in Alabama. Lunch was great. Jason had a fried bologna sandwich, the first time we'd seen that on a menu, and I had their version of  a tuna melt - tuna and cheese on toasted wheat bread.  Throw in a side of cheese fries, and a pepsi and lemonade to wash it down, and we had another great lunch.  Thanks, Southern Girls!!

The rest of the ride was relatively uneventful. As we got closer to our final destination for the evening, Lanett Alabama, we got a bonus. I spied a huge billboard for Big Swamp Harley Davidson on Route 85, the same route we needed for our hotel.  We took the exit and pulled into the parking lot.  Big Swamp is located in Opelika, Alabama, and we were told by the girls there that "Big Swamp" wasn't just a cool country  sounding name for the dealership. Opelika is actually a local Indian word that means Big Swamp. The bonus Harley round was a success. Not only did we get new tee shirts (I was finally able to find the pink HD shirt in my size. The purchase contributes to the fight against breast cancer), but jason was able to get his iPod holder and his Harley Road Atlas, which, inc addition to maps, it identifies scenic, twistie and sweeper roads recommended for riders, and of course, the location of every Harley dealer in the continental US.

Dinner, on the recommendation of the hotel staff, was at Milano's, and Italian restaurant "just down the road a piece".

Another good meal, another good day.

Now it's on to Cherokee, North Carolina.  Talk to you then!!