After consultation among the riders, we decided not to take Hwy 90 through Mobile, but to take the "Scenic Route" to Dauphin Island, and ride to Gulf Shores before heading North.

Gulfport/Bilox looked very different to me since Scott Springer and I were there on the Bike for the Cure 2000. I seemed to recall offshore gambling casinos, but never saw any this time through. Perhaps they were destroyed when Katrina hit this area in 2005.

After our usual morning prayer, we left the church with some rain threatening. We headed East, and crossed the border into Alabama. After just a few miles, we turned SE on Hwy 188 towards Bayou La Batre. Bayou La Batre is called the "Seafood Capital of Alabama."I seem to recall some connection to Forrest Gump, but I could be mistaken.

All of a sudden, Charlotte drives up the the van, a bit later than I had anticipated. Apparently, Sherri had gotten two flat tires and is now riding Charlotte's bike, with her bike loaded up on the bike rack on the van. Charlotte asks if she can ride my bike, because I will now be driving the van. I said, "Of course." Charlotte ended up riding my bike for about 18 miles, across the big bridge and causway over Mobile Bay. I had been over that bridge/causeway back in 2000, with Pat Pillis, Pat's friend Shelly, Scott, and our host in Mobile, Lee Syltie. Fond memories.

We ate our lunch out of the cooler. Some wanted ice cream cones before we boarded the ferry, but when we drove over there, we were motioned to get on the ferry if we didn't want to wait another 45 minues, since we just missed the previous ferry. So ... no ice creams right then! The water was pretty choppy, in my opinion. It was hard to maintain balance without holding onto something. It was a 35 minute trip across the mouth of Mobile Bay to Dauphin Island.

Again, I had been there in 2000. Charlotte and Evelyn rode through there on their Infinity Tour in 1999. It's a flat barrier island , with the Bay on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other side. I saw remnants of an old fort there. Lots of vacation/rental homes, on stilts of course, since hurricanes are a threat there.

It was a long haul to Gulf Shores, and an even longer haul North through Foley. Foley was much larger than anticipated, with lots of big box stores, car dealerships, etc. By then, only Heather, Gary, Mary Ann, and Sherri were riding. It was very hot, so we were keeping everyone hydrated. Gradually, Heather was done riding, and so was Mary Ann, but Gary and Sherri persisted. They both ended up riding a century (the bike term for 100 miles). What strong and determined riders!

We are staying in the Bethel Baptist Church in Robertsdale. Lots of room to spread out.

Arrived in Robertsdale, nicknamed "The Hub of Baldwin County." It's a very "white" town, with 95% of its residents being white. Elevation is 148 ft above sea level. The town was founded in 1905 by the Southern Plantation Corportation of Chicago, IL. This location was chosen largely because of the fertile farmland and the fact that the Louisville and Nashville Railroad had just recently made extensions to Foley, AL. The town was named after one of the officials of the Corportation, Dr. B.F. Roberts and was incorporated in 1921.

Today's route was very scenic, albeit long. Toughest day riding so far.

With so many riders, I just can't keep track of who rode what distances. I think everyone but me has a Facebook website. Ron was gone over the weekend helping to take care of our grandchildren Jett (almost 5) and Cael (just turned 3), and didn't have access to posting my Daily Message and forwarding the message to the distribution list. I'm trying to get caught up this evening with the two messages I still need to write (Days 8 and 9). Finally, I did get the Day 1 message written.

Can you believe we have found $2.77 so far on the ride?

I rode 28.26 miles today. I have ridden a total of 182 miles so far. Not as much as I would have liked, but it's OK.

With love from the road,
Marie