GMRR Day 1 - Kenner, LA to Gonzales, LA

The route and statistics for todays ride can be found at:  https://www.strava.com/activities/571936778

The crew had us at breakfast at IHOP at 6:30, and we loaded luggage at 8:00.  I was blessed to have a fine crew there to send me on my way.

From the left we have my sister Evelyn, Sara's daughter Jeannie, my wife Sara, me, and Evelyn's husband Brian.  We had spent a nice couple of days in New Orleans before the ride.

Once the luggage was loaded on the trailer, the group headed out, more or less in a group, for the Destrehan Plantation, where the staff had planned a group photo.  I hope to get a copy of this photo tonight, and if so, I will post it tomorrow.  In the meantime, here is the plantation.

The send off crew and I had taken the opportunity to tour the plantation yesterday.  It dates from 1797 and is reputed to be the oldest in this part of the country.  It is a pretty interesting place.

Before and after the plantation, the first half of the ride (as you will note if you check the map) largely followed a bicycle path along the top of the levee, so we had pretty interesting views of the commerce the Mississippi is known for.

This type of view came and went, as much of the times trees blocked the view of the river.  At any rate, it was a very nice ride for the first half, up until the SAG stop at the San Francisco Plantation.

I took the opportunity to get a fairly nice shot of San Francisco Plantation.

After the SAG stop, we left the immediate area of the river, and it wasn't very interesting.  I couldn't find anything I thought I should take a picture of the rest of the way in to the motel.  Gonzales is not a very interesting place either.  I did have a nice burrito at a Mexican restaurant down a little way from our motel.  If you checked the stats, you will note the ride was virtually pancake flat, which was probably a good thing for day one.  I think tomorrow is about the same.  See you then.