Trip Journal Post 7: The Return to Baton Rouge

Thank you all for your comments and for your prayers. Both my family and Peggy's are so very heartbroken. We said goodbye to my baby girl, Erinn, on Wednesday May 2, 2007 at her viewing and memorial service. I was deeply touched by the standing room only crowd that attended. Erinn's death has raised many questions, some of which will remain unanswered. As her father and a former policeman, it is intensely frustrating to wonder what happened in those final hours. But as a father and a Christian, I stand on the deeply reassuring authority of the Bible and know that I will see Erinn again in heaven. I ran nearly 20 miles in the two days preceding her service trying to ease this pain in my heart. It may seem strange to some but returning to the exertion of bike touring seems essential right now.
For those of you following the trip, my next posting will be after I return to Baton Rouge on May 8th to finish the journey. Unfortunately Curt will not be able to rejoin me, as he has other important travel plans for an Alaskan summer. June is a busy month for all families; mine is certainly no exception. Pending the approval of the Rodgers Master Calender, I need approximately 31 days to complete this second half, allowing me 4 rest days and 3 to visit on the end. Hopefully, once I regain my rhythm, it will be possible to save some time and return earlier. Instead of following the Great Rivers Route to the west of Nashville to intercept the Transamerican Route which adds hundreds of miles, I intend to strike east of the city and reconnect at the Mammoth Cave National Park loop, an alternate on the T/A Route, which goes east from there to Waynesboro, VA. At that point I turn north through West Virginia and find my way to the Great Allegheny Passage into Pittsburgh.
During several communications with Eric Schwartz (from Commuter Bikes), it was collectively decided to purchase a Brooks Conquest seat. He has graciously loaned me a seat post, since the Koga has an unusual diameter, so I will simply swap them throughout each day as I break in the tough leather saddle. It will add nearly 3 pounds to the load, but I've decided to wear an old pair of running shoes to discard when I arrive at the motel to help compensate for the extra weight. My bike shoes are quite comfortable so I've rarely worn the others. (The shower shoes, however, have been priceless!) Dave, the epitome of southern hospitality, is going to deliver my bike and gear to the motel across from the airport the evening I arrive. (I have added a link to his site.) Nearly everything is ready for the return, except my heavy heart. Both Tracy and I seem so fragile right now. I'm torn. I feel I should stay, yet feel compelled to finish. Perhaps only a professional therapist could answer those questions to anyone's satisfaction!