Praise Mississippi

The following was written on Sunday, but is now posted from another state: Arkansas! Today (Monday) we rode 96 miles and romped at a pool party. Stories and photos from this state will follow (I know, I am slacking on photos, but it's tough to find time to load 'em). Enjoy the yesterday's story...

With a 70 mile day ahead of us, the group set off from Oxford, MS in the early morning in good spirits. Despite a slightly cloudy sky, we were optimistic that we could slip past the predicted showers. Three miles into our journey, such hopes were dashed. Our route had led us into a full blown thunderstorm clouds immersed in a midnight black sky. As the rain pelted upon us, the wild winds blew riders sideways and backwards. We quickly headed for cover, which for several others and me was a nearby gas station. Waiting for more than a half hour, riders nibbled on snacks or napped sprawling out across the linoleum floor. Once the titled “End of Days” storm had past, we head back onto the road, cruising towards Clarksdale.

Anxious to get a full Southern experience, my fellow rider Amelia and I stopped in on two churches for Sunday services. Our first visit was to Shady Groves Baptist Church, housed in a beautiful brick building with elegant white pillars. Stepping inside, the hall was brightly lit and well carpeted, smelling faintly of Febreeze. We were welcomed by a wall of grandmotherly women, nearly enveloping us with hugs. The nearly 100 person congregation was 100% white and predominantly older, which I assumed to be the makeup of the surrounding populace. The service was short and simple, chanting hymns before the pastor gave a brief, austere sermon on facing life’s fears. Chatting with the congregants later, we were met with kindness and generosity, receiving several donations towards our affordable housing efforts.

Less than two miles down the road, we came upon another Baptist service at First Baptist Church. Though we were greeted with similar warmth, the congregations couldn’t be more different. Within a barn-like wooden structure, this dimly lit venue was bursting with vibrancy. Black families filled the pews, singing and dancing in their praise of their Lord. The pastor gave a lengthy, impassioned sermon that enlivened his audience. Unlike Shady Groves, the hymns were accompanied by full rock band and ensemble choir. As one prone to dance, I leapt at the Reverend’s call to “Dance for Your Lord,” drawing smiles and giggles from nearby children. Heading back onto the road, my mind jumped from the varying methods of prayer to the stark racial and age segregations, all the while considering constant faith and compassion throughout. Yet another enriching Bike and Build morning.

After a late lunch stop, we headed onto the highways for the second half of our ride. I quickly realized Central Mississippi is as flat as a landing strip, letting you see miles of road in front or behind you. Some riders loved it, others felt bored to tears. Fortunately, I fall in the first camp, using this terrain as chance to test my speed and focus. Upon entering Clarksdale, we were greeted with sunshine and heat, neatly drying our rain soaked gear before entering our church for the night. After spaghetti dinner and some affordable housing discussion, the other riders headed to bed, as we have a 94 mile day ahead tomorrow. Speaking of which, I better get to sleep!