Elm Grove to Carthage, TX

We had a 77 mile ride today which turned into about 84 when it was all said and done. We were able to take a tour of Barksdale AF base and got a police escort in the process. My escort count is up to 4 and all in 5 days! After our AF base tour and gift shop adventure it was hot and after 10 am. We quickly headed out again and had lunch at the largest garden dedicated to roses. After literally stopping to smell the roses we forged on towards Texas. We found what we thought was the state line sign and were a little disappointed. About a half mile later we found the real sign and we were rewarded. Louisiana dropped the ball and we never got a state line picture, though some riders claim to have one. Arden, David, Alex and I slowed down the pace a little bit because Arden and I were not feeling our best. At around mile 60 David and Alex split off and the road conditions worsened greatly. My wrists and rear end took a beating and the hills and headwind did nothing to help the situation. But we arrived safely and I promptly enjoyed a bottled Gatorade which was a real treat and then a shower and nap before dinner.