Opelousas to Alexandria

Today was supposed to be a nice average 75 mile day, but we quickly found out, ad is always the case that nothing is average on B&B. By mile 5 we were supposed to have made 5 turns, but we had only made one. The mileage was way off and because we are riding in the backwoods of Louisiana many roads are not marked. We made frequent stops to check Google maps. Though once we were fortunate enough to stop near a hay bale. One of the things on my B&B bucket list was to take a picture on top of a hay bale which I accomplished, though not without a boost up...those things are tall! After David, Arden, Kristen, Hannah, Justine and I found our way back onto the cue sheet we quickly discovered the road we were on turned to gravel. We walked the length only to find our next turn was the same way. We heard the van, Timmy, behind us and unfortunately there was no better alternative than to walk our bikes or attempt to ride through the gravel. We made it to a busy intersection and were greeted by construction workers who alerted us the next 10 miles on our cue sheet were all gravel roads. So, we resorted to taking the road we had been trying to avoid by using back roads. We were all pretty grumpy at this point and the 6 of us decided a coffee break was absolutely necessary. We stopped at a gas station and were able to get free coffee and talk to some locals about B&B. We spoke to a police officer outside who said the road ahead was busy and offered to escort us to our next turn. I obviously accepted the offer and we were able to ride in the lane safely trough the rain until our turn onto a less busy road. Things went downhill from there. Kristen got a flat, it started pouring, we were barely making progress with all the wind when we saw lightening and had to pull over. We were all hungry but knew we were close to lunch so we pressed on as soon as it seemed safe. At lunch we took a pretty sweaty, musty smelling though long nap as we waited for thunder and lightening to cease. After lunch we all boarded the struggle bus, I got a flat an eventually Hannah did as well. David and Arden forged ahead and the 4 of us struggled on without them. We met an awesome woman, Julie. We were able to ride double file and that's what kept me alive the last 15 miles. We were out if snacks and it was 6 pm and we were all ready for real food, not trail mix. We missed a few turns near the end because the roads were unmarked. Fortunately I noticed and we were able to get right back on route. The last 5 miles flew and I was able to get quickly showered and eat an awesome dinner which quickly lifted my spirits. Tomorrow is supposed to be only 54 miles although I think you've all seen by now how that usually works out. By, we're starting the day with a hot breakfast...so I'm not sure how it could be a bad day.