Day 2: Grove Hill to Linden, AL 43 miles; 115 total miles Thursday, April 21, 2016

Superb day, temperatures in the 70s, light clouds, and a 5-8 mph tail wind most of the way. We faced two options:

1. Follow the Adventure Cycling recommended route, about 72 miles
2. Follow a more direct route that might offer more traffic and a limited or nonexistent shoulder

After the prior 72-mile day with hills, we chose option 2. We found fewer hills, few sharp climbs, a wide shoulder for the first 19 miles, and a smooth road surface all the way. We continue to be impressed by the courtesy of Alabama drivers, especially the truck drivers. Everyone has been quick to wave, whether driving, watching from roadside, or when we stop.

We arrived in Linden by 11:30am, checked into the only hotel, $50 for a spacious double. Rain was forecast for 3 pm, we watched clouds build in the west, and the rain started just as we entered our room. We lunched at Churches Southern Fried Chicken, tasty crunchy grease, enough for this year. 

Wide shoulder for the first 17 miles. Portions had deep divots, other portions had wide but shallow indentations that were ridable. The greatest hazards were road litter, pieces of bark from the log trucks, pieces of truck tires, an other highway litter. Very little broken glass.

Coffee klatch at Honey Buns, Thomasville, AL— "Pop" in the green shirt presiding. Joining in conversation with locals like these gentlemen is a bike touring highlight. Pops retired from Alabama Power 20 years ago, the youngster in the light shirt told about the time he chased down and nabbed two guys who robbed his jewelry store, and John confessed he was once a banker. Of course, we had a little Auburn vs. 'Bama conversation. Honey Buns' new owners were advertising their "grand opening", 3 months in business and doing well.

John riding ahead. John's pin-on, orange, slow-moving-vehicle triangle and his red, blinking LED rear light alerts drivers. Reflector strips on my Bike Friday trailer has a similar effect. 

Clear cutting is the timer harvest method in Alabama. I anticipated obvious replanting, but perhaps replanted yellow pine trees are hidden in the broadleaf trees and shrubs.

In the land of RC Cola and Moon Pies

Sporting his Alabama shirt, he has worked in this store for 35 years and hopes to cut back his hours in 7 more years. Everyone, everywhere in Alabama, has been courteous, friendly, and helpful.

Critters of the day, soaring hawks. Given the extensive woodlands, hawks are routinely circling.

Soggy Bottom Game Farm should have critters, advertising turkey, deer, elk, and pheasant, but none were visible. Traditional farm animals are rarely spotted. Today I saw two horses and a single cow all at distance.

Tomorrow we confirmed our first Warm Showers host, living on a farm near Gainesville, AL. John and I are both War Showers members. Much like couch surfing, Warm Showers members agree to host touring cyclists when home, and can request stays when touring. Nancy and I have hosted a number of cyclists in Bozeman. I have only stayed with a single host family in Australia.