The Road to BBB 2020

File this under, “I should’ve thought of this before” category. It is a series of journal posts about my journey to promote BIKES BLUES & BAYOUS, Mississippi’s largest bike ride, on August 1, 2020. Since helping start the event in 2008, I’ve remained involved and lately more focused on the marketing / promotion side. So, I hope it will be of interest to others as I chronicle what goes on in the months prior to the first Saturday of August.

What it looks like when a 68 year old with PD tries to ride like a 28 year old without it.

First stop on this road is Monticello, MS for the RED BLUFF GRAN FONDO on March 7th. Hey, that’s tomorrow! Along with Billy Bowman and Jim Robbins, I am headed to this evening’s registration and packet pickup to set up our BBB info table. The weather for Saturday’s ride promises to be outstanding, so I’m looking forward to its help in lifting me over the many steep hills on the metric century route.

If you were thinking about doing the ride, I hope you’ll pack up this afternoon and sign up tonight in Brookhaven. Safe travels.

Richard Beattie

March 6, 2020

Greenwood, Mississippi

This year, I’m planning to literally take the show on the road and ride in several other bike events which will give me more personal ways to spread the word about BBB 2020. Being a PWP (Person With Parkinson’s), my leg strength and stamina are not what they used to be, and I don’t do those 100+ miles per week routines anymore. So, my speeds (never very fast) are not what they used to be either. No matter, because my reason to ride and train for events is not to race. Cycling now is for pure enjoyment and a mandatory adjunct to the meds I consume daily to deal with Parkinson’s, an incurable disorder.

Training ride yesterday up the nearly mile long climb on Humphreys Hwy to Acy’s Store. Actually, up and down 3 times to test my legs.

www.redbluffgranfondo.com