Sammyrides DAILY BLOG APRIL 9, 2011

I'm writing two day's worth of information as it's been difficult to speak directly to the riders because of poor cell phone service......however, today, seems things are back to normal!

 Today, the riders proceeded on the challenging Louisiana roads to St. Francisville,, Louisiana.  Covering the 40 odd miles in less than 4 hours, they had the afternoon to relax and see a bit of Louisiana's fabled antebellum history.  With that in mind, they visited two preserved plantations, Myrtle and Rosedown.  The riders have not had many opportunities during these trying weeks to simply relax and take in the historic treasures of our nation.  

So, today's visit to the plantations was a rare opportunity to walk in the footsteps of history.  The plantations were ornate and vast.  They carry with them, a trail of the good life for the privileged and pain and suffering for those who were enslaved.  Over time, all of the slave quarters have disintegrated or have been removed.  What remains is the grandeur of an age gone by...a sumptuous visual feast for the eyes as well as a challenge for the soul.  

 

Tomorrow, the riders will visit the children at the Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge.  From there, they will return to St. Francisville, and then continue on to Kentwood, Louisiana.

  Yesterday, the evening at Christ the King Catholic Church in Simmesport, Louisiana, was highlighted by the participation of two wonderful little heroes who are battling cancer.  Dylan Cashio and Katy Feduccia, both who attended the meet and greet pot luck supper,  where their grandparents spoke eloquently about the struggle which these children and their families are confronting as the little heroes battle this disease.

Sammyrides is grateful to Annette Rabalais for all her efforts in organizing the meet and greet and for her generosity in support of Sammyrides.

Rev. James Nellikunnel introduced the Sammyriders and added inspirational comments in the support of the Sammyrides project.

The riders spoke about their own personal experiences with cancer and described the training which preceded the ride.  The riders also spoke about Sun City Center and the wonderful support which the project receives from the volunteers who live in the Greater Sun City Center community.  

The roads in Louisiana continue to be challenging as there is often little room for bikers and lots of patched up surfaces.  The riders are careful and reduce their speed as the challenges of the roads increase.  

Yesterday, they proceeded to do 50 miles....they're amazing!!!!

Soon, in just a few weeks, they'll be riding into Sun City Center!!!!!!  The countdown is on!!!

From Louisiana, Michael, Adolf, Mike B. and John, send their love and best wishes to you all..........From Lois