May 16, 2012. Covington to Dyersburg, TN. 43 miles.

Lynne dictates when we can get on our bikes and ride out of the hotel by setting the time for snacks to be available. This morning snacks were put out at 8:00, meaning no one can leave before 8. This was a very short day, so that was OK with everyone.

Dianne and I rode together today. We left about 8:00, and the ride was very pleasant... there were some rolling hills, but no steep hills (like yesterday's 12% grade!). We were just discussing whether or not we would see the SAG, when Yolande appeared in the SAG car and stopped in a Pawn Shop parking lot. There were no rest rooms available but the guy in the pawn shop told us we would find some about 6 miles up the road.



We found Miss Evie's place, and went inside for a cold drink (and the rest room). It was too bad it was only 10 AM because the people were very friendly and the food looked great! The "get gas" sign was in the restaurant. There were indeed gasoline pumps out front...



We got back on our bikes, then took another break a mile later when we saw Carol on the side of the road in the van. Then we got a tailwind for a while and despite our plans to ride slow and easy we were up to 18 MPH in no time, with no effort!  We had told Yolande not to look for us at the second SAG, and that was a good thing--we never saw her. She had to wait at the first stop (at 19 miles) until the last rider comes through, and when we left the hotel some riders were still inside eating breakfast...

Although we passed through some small towns we did not see a place to eat until we got to downtown Dyersburg. There Dianne spotted the Lazy Spot Cafe on a side street so in we went! By the time we got our food several others from our group came in for lunch. As far as I know no one ordered the Brains and Eggs....

We arrived at the hotel about 1 PM and our room was ready! That's always a treat--they are not promised until at least 3:00!  We showered and found a shady outdoor spot and played 8 games of Scrabble before dinner. Tomorrow is my last day on this tour, and who knows when we'll be able to play again....