 Day62 ~ Mr. Giraldo enters Arkansas in route to Memphis, Tennessee. He departed just after 8:00 a.m.; rode about 50 miles; and arrived at Mammoth Spring, Arkansas just before 5:00 p.m. CDT. Pictures have been uploaded. From today, we have 35 photos. Thanks! |
| Day63~ Mr. G began his ride today at 8:43 a.m. on his way to Jonesboro, Arkansas. Approximate distance is 80 miles—a long riding day, none the less. He arrived in Jonesboro just after 8:00 p.m. CDT. For the distance ridden and the pictures, he seemed to have had a nice day. Days like this will get you home. Mr. G uploaded 89 pictures. |
| Day54 ~ He is on the road again—destination Memphis, Tennessee. He began riding at 10:40 a.m. Approximate distance to ride is 70 miles. Well, now within 10 miles of Memphis, Mr. G calls it a day at 8:30 p.m. in West Memphis, Arkansas. He has uploaded 55 pictures for our enjoyment. Thank you sir! |
| Day65 ~ A day or rest and computing as well as preparing for the drive to Valparaiso, Indiana. Surprise! We have 40 minutes of unexplained SPOT movement from West Memphis, AR to Memphis, TN—a distance of 25 miles. We know a ride of some kind. The question is location, given his trip to Florida. This explains it. Picture upload–13. Thanks! |
 Day66 ~ Drove to Valparaiso, Indiana to visit the students at the Porter County Juvenile Detention Center. He posted an 08/10 11:50 p.m. letter to readers in his blog. Pictures—12. Thanks!
August 10, 2009, 11:50 p.m. update.
Dear Reader:
 If you were tracking me today you most certainly noticed a huge jump all the way from Memphis, TN to Valparaiso, IN. The track takes you through areas of Kentucky, Missouri, and Illinois. It is evident that I did not cycle this distance. This would be humanly impossible. The reason for this enormous jump is that today I traveled by car from Cordova, TN to Valparaiso, IN to make good on a promise I had made. Since the first week of this Tour of Discovery, the students of the Porter County Juvenile Detention Center in Valparaiso have been tracking me, as I make my way from San Francisco to Florida. By continuously visiting this site, and through the exceptional mentoring efforts of Mr. Roger Chapel, these students have gained an increased appreciation for their own country. From early on, important lines of communication were established with Mr. Chapel and together we have worked for the benefit of these youngsters. Through the proper use of technology and with the guidance of Mr. Chapel these students have joined me in my journey, virtually, and in spirit. Since this tour has at its core the objective of inspiring young minds and teaching lessons in commitment, I found it important to seek the opportunity to visit these students in person. Several weeks ago, I had promised that if I were allowed to visit their facility I would do so after my arrival to the Mississippi River. As a result, both today and tomorrow, I will not be cycling. During these two days, my time, and attention belongs to these young students. In the interim, Destiny, my trike, is currently resting at my friend’s house in Cordova, TN. There it patiently waits for my return so we can continue our journey this Wednesday into the states of Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.
Sincere regards,
Rafael Giraldo
|
Day67 ~ Today, the visit followed by the drive back to Memphis, Tennessee. He began his return journey at 2:40 p.m. CDT. As Mr. G was interacting with the students, I noted two messages in his guest book:
Date: August 11, 2009
Name: Margaret Giraldo
City: Weston
State: FL
Country: USA
Comments: Rafael Giraldo is on a very important mission today in Indiana, and you can read all about it on today’s blog. He continues to amaze us with his dedication, drive, and determination. Adelante, Rafael.
Date: August 11, 2009
Name: Kathy Dillmeier
City: Weston
State: FL
Country: USA
Comments: Greetings to the students in Indiana. Hope you enjoyed your visit with Mr. Giraldo. I am sure he was full of inspiring stories. It is one of his gifts. Mr. Giraldo’s journey south hopefully will take us through some of US civil rights history. It is an testament to the brave of heart and strong will of the people to stand against injustice and create change for the better. Have a great ride tomorrow and enjoy the rest of your visit.
Now we are in full anticipation to read Mr. Roger Chapel & Mr. Giraldo’s comments. I’m hoping photos, etc for a special blog post before this weekly summary is published. He arrived in Memphis at 3:00 a.m. and at his friend’s house at 3:50 a.m. CDT. Now, for rest before the Day68 journey into Mississippi. Pictures—12. Thanks! |
| Day68 ~ I expect a late start today. Change1—no ride today—rest is needed. We do have 119 pictures. Thanks! Tomorrow is a ride [as in trike] day… |
Day62 ~ Mr. Giraldo enters Arkansas in route to Memphis, Tennessee. He departed just after 8:00 a.m.; rode about 50 miles; and arrived at Mammoth Spring, Arkansas just before 5:00 p.m. CDT. Pictures have been uploaded. From today, we have 35 photos. Thanks!
Day66 ~ Drove to Valparaiso, Indiana to visit the students at the Porter County Juvenile Detention Center. He posted an 08/10 11:50 p.m. letter to readers in his blog. Pictures—12. Thanks! 
Pingback: Mr. Giraldo’s 07/30 ~ 08/05 Travel « Cycling Experiences…
Thanks again Jim
Glad I have a consistent reader. You are welcome and thank you Terry.
Pingback: Mr. Giraldo’s 07/23 ~ 07/29 Travel « Cycling Experiences…
Pingback: Mr. Giraldo’s 08/13 ~ 08/19 Travel « Cycling Experiences…
Pingback: Mr. Giraldo’s 08/20 ~ 08/26 Travel « Cycling Experiences…