D-e-c-a-t-u-r going to D-Rock

So far I'm enjoying Alabama. I've gone cliff jumping, had chocolate syrup on my breakfast biscuit, and performed an original rap about Decatur, Alabama. Every rider is assigned to present on a few towns we're travelling to: population, fair market rent, economy, fun facts. (We also have affordable housing presentations, and for mine I discussed both City Life/Vida Urbana and South Shore Habitat for Humanity.)

So I was assigned to Decatur, which is also where our first rest day is scheduled. However, I think the stats about this place are pretty grim, and there's really not much to do. I've been trying to DM free passes to a nearby water park, calling the office a few times a day this whole week, but no luck. So how do I make an interesting presentation about a fairly uninteresting place? I wrote and performed my own rap, with the chorus vaguely inspired by A Tribe Called Quest.

The ride into Decatur was pleasant. The roads were very flat, a nice treat after climbing both Sand Mountain and Lookout Mountain the day before. But we were all feeling sore, so I took it pretty easy.

Curtis posing at the 10 mile stretch.

The morning half of the ride would be a rower's "steady state." Cindy and I enjoyed the stretch of land that went on for miles and miles. Conversations while riding can be pretty bare-boned.

Cindy: Gravel up.
Me: Car back.
Cindy: Slowing.
Me: Green.

Snacking at a gas station.

No really though, the skies are sooo blue!

Lunch was at a scenic harbor-way along a river. No swimming, but the view made me miss rowing!

Since I was feeling alright, I decided to pick up the pace in the afternoon. Someone with a Bike & Build jersey was riding in the opposite direction. I waved but I didn't recognize them, and they weren't heading toward the host site. A few seconds later they were right behind me.

Guy: How are you this afternoon?
Me: Good! Are you an alum?
Guy: I'm a friend. I'm riding for Christina.
Me: Oh, I see.
Guy: Well ride safe! Bye!

Later I found out that I was chatting was James. He lives in the area, and was a friend of Christina Genco. It was the two year anniversary of Christina death. She was a trip leader for this route in 2011 when she was hit by a truck. Friends, family, Bike & Build riders, and supporters ride their bikes on June 6th in her honor. James was riding along the SC2SC route to say hello to the 2013 team. Later that night, the team held a candlelight vigil, projected her picture on the wall of the church, read a poem, and then had a dance party in her honor.

Photo by Nyx

Our day off in Decatur has been uneventful. It rained. The nearest coffee shop was beyond walking distance for folks trying to rest our muscles. I napped from 11am to 3:30pm. Much of the host site facilities were off limits to us, so we showered with the hose and slept in the pews. I munched on the protein bars that my mom mailed me. (You can send me mail too!)

At 4pm a few of us held a bike clinic for a Boys and Girls Club summer camp. We taught visibility, hand signals, and the importance of wearing a helmet. After the bike clinic, I found out my sister was hit by a car while on her bike and has a dislocated shoulder. She's fine though. Be safe while riding!