GMRR Day 2 - Gonzales, LA to St Francisville, LA

The route and statistics for todays ride can be found here.

Today started out with fog and not much to see.   When we were near the river, it was very much industrial.  The following photo gives you an idea of the kind of day we were having.



Just over 20 miles in to the ride, we came in to Baton Rouge, and were quickly upon the LSU campus.  I was of course very interested in the football stadium.  It is most impressive.  I would have liked to have a little drone to get the shot I wanted.  Here is a view of the stadium.

We also continued our detour to take a look at the live tiger mascot kept on campus.  I know there are a variety of opinions on whether an animal like this should be kept in captivity, but I was pleased with the photo I got.

I also got a shot of the capitol building a little farther along in town.

About 35 miles in to the ride, I had a most interesting experience.  We were routed down a thing called Rafe Mayer Rd.  Almost immediately, there were road closed signs.  I wish I had taken a picture, but the issue was a bridge under construction.  It was a nice obstacle course to get across, but I headed out.  They had a large crane to help block my path, but I got around everything nicely. When I got to the other side, the construction guy comes running out and says did I just cross that bridge?  I said yes sir I did.  He had a fit, and said he could lose his license.  I quickly got on my way, and the second guy was coming across.  He sent him back.  I called the ride leaders, and they quickly routed the rest of the crew another way.
When we got to St Francisville, it was a neat little town.  Apparently, it was founded because it is on a slight ridge of higher ground, which they wanted for cemetery purposes.  After lunch at the Magnolia Cafe, I headed out to explore.  The cemetery was with an old church, shown here.

The oldest date I found on a grave is here:

They also have a number of historic old homes which my wife would love.  They have the big porches and are quite nice.  Each had a little sign saying when it was built.  Here are a couple of examples.


All in all, a nice day on the bike.  We have one more relatively short day tomorrow before a couple of longer rides.  They may also not be as pancake flat as the first two.  Check in and see.