Editor’s Note: This is a first-person account, written by Randall Lewis, detailing his 10th annual charity bike ride. This year, he rode all the way from Slidell, La. to Columbia.
On July 1 around noon, Ashley, Herbert, Loretta and I left for Slidell. We made it there about 1:30 p.m. We checked into the motel and went out to get a bite to eat. Once back at the motel, we made some last minute adjustments before settling in for the night.
It was an early wake up at about 1 a.m. We all met in the lobby at 2 a.m. and left the motel at 2:15 a.m. It took us 10 minutes to get to my starting point.
Herbert led us in a prayer, and at 2:30 a.m., I started my ride. We were moving in 10 to five-mile intervals. I made it to Bogalusa around 6:15 a.m. There we ate breakfast and enjoyed a long break. I resumed my ride at 7:30 a.m.
On Mississippi 43, I noticed a guy videoing me. I didn't know who he was, but when I got close to see, it turned out to be my cousin, Jeff. He had heard about the car route and wanted to see me ride for himself. After spending some time with him, I resumed my ride.
The ride was going well and then the hills started to come one after another. My quads started to cramp up in both of my legs. At first I thought this was the end of my ride, but I came up with a strategy and it worked.
I began to stretch and consume extra liquids. I was at my limit, but I had to finish.
Once I got to Mississippi 13, my house was just around the bend. I took a break and freshened up. I arrived at the City Park at 2:20 p.m. There my friends and family were waiting on me. We had a great time celebrating my 10th year charity bike ride.
At this time, I would like to thank a few individuals. First, I want to thank God most of all, for He is the strength in all I do. I want to give a shout out to my store manager, Mike Lowery. To all of the associates that donated, thank you. To the Columbia people, thank you for the past 10 years. To Donnie and his wife, Evelyn, for setting up the park. I would also like to thank Herbert, Loretta and Ashley.
I was blessed to raise $7,000. It will be divided three ways to the Children's Hospital, the school for the blind and the school for the deaf. Once again, thank you Columbia and the surrounding areas for the past 10 years.
