We leave the DeRidder sign, 4 bikers in a row with Mary Ruth leading the way. When we get to town, the rd is closed off. Our police escort blares out on the loud speaker-MOVE TO THE LEFT LADIES! We now have police in front & back to take us to our final destination-MARY RUTH’S DADDY’S HOUSE. What excitement-people clapping & on the front porch are THE GUESTS OF HONOR & the reason for our trip-MARY RUTH’S DADDY (soon to be 96) & his OLDER brother ERNEST (97). We even have a newspaper reporter to document Mary Ruth’s dream of biking to DeRidder after all the trips in a car she’s made. We all hug & Mary Ruth summons us for one last prayer-we are so grateful & blessed to have made it here safely. 4 women-4 bikes on the road & in ONE motel room for 6 days (312.5 m. LIFE IS WONDERFUL.

DADDY (96) & ERNEST (97)
MARY RUTH, KAREN , ME, KORY

We clean up & are treated to a wonderful lunch. Allen’s wife Cathy was so gracious & nice-I even got 4 glasses of sweet tea. Mary Ruth’s sister Patrice came over too. We leave at 2:30 because Mary Ruth has to take her Daddy to McDonalds at 3:00 for coffee where he meets his friends 6 days a week. Armand has loaded Karen’s & Kory’s bikes-mine is coming home w/MRuth. We reminisce as we see familiar things & relive our adventure backwards. Kory finally asks Armand if we can stop to use the restroom-been on the rd for 4 hrs. Drop Kory & Karen off & head home at 8:30. Eat at Subway-sure is faster in a car. THANK YOU ARMAND FOR DRIVING & NOT MAKING US BIKE BACK.