Victorious Ride Into Winona, Mississippi Above: Approaching Winona, Mississippi and Interstate 55. Notice how gray and dark the sky was! The weather was very "iffy" that morning in Greenwood, and I realized any normal person would consider this a day to stay inside; Bicycling 28 miles along Highway 82 would definitely be out of the question. Not me though. I was on a mission. Yes, the forecast called for a mix of rain and possibly snow to sweep in from the west, although the more north one was (particularly in central Arkansas, west Tennessee and northern Mississippi), the more likely they were to receive snowfall. I was racing the storm front! I rode off early at approximately 7:30 a.m. in chilly weather in the 30's, and the possibility of being rained or snowed on was definitely a concern. But I had to go. I had to confront the lingering worry about more flat tires (after yesterday's four flat tires in a day ordeal) and the fear about the road conditions and shoulder farther on. Take this on as soon as possible. Waiting a day was not an option! I call this the "whatever it takes" mentality. Being reckless is never wise, but it is the level of determination where one is so focused on the goal that whatever stupid rational reasons one should not do this are dismissed. Those nagging considerations to dissuade you are always there anyway, aren't they? The willingness to look foolish. To fail. All for the purpose of obeying a calling, or achieving a goal one passionately desires. I knew I had this mindset and I was going, and nothing besides an act of God, a tornado, or circumstance beyond my control was going to halt me. I might be sounding overdramatic about this short ride in the cold with snow and rain coming, but this was my reality. I felt like a character in one of those epic literary stories, where through the storyline, the main character is challenged to break out of their mediocrity and became the glorious and courageous hero they were meant to be. The situation demanded they reach down deep inside themselves to discover attributes and characteristics they never knew they had. My bike ride began to feel more and more like this as I traveled east. A story ... and every decision I made would affect the plot. Arrival in Winona, Mississippi Things did improve east of Greenwood, by the way. The road had more shoulder and much less debris on the side. There was also a modest yet noticeable ascent of about 200-300 feet into a forested area of the state. In Carrollton, a convenience store worker was astonished that I was riding my bicycle today, and I did seem to stick out as others wore their heaviest winter gear. I had one final nine mile distance to Winona with thick forests as roadside scenery, and realizing I had not taken any photos just yet, I knew I had to capture at least one photo showing the really dark skies to commemorate this ride to Winona. (Photo Above) This was a very victorious ride indeed! A ride I will never forget. I called Charles, who was already on his way from Memphis, to inform him I was at our meeting point. He was about 75 miles north on Interstate 55 and coming down. I was so giddy, and as I stood on the shoulder of the bridge at the intersection of Highway 82 and Interstate 55, I captured the right photo using the timer. That was a very genuine smile on face! I rode a mere 28 miles this morning, but I felt like I had accomplished so much more. If this experience really was some sort of legendary narrative work, I had reached the promised land ... the little town of Winona, Mississippi! ;)