Underground Railroad Bike Expedition Under Way
Local Man Takes Us Along Ride With Photos
Posted: 3:25 pm EDT April 13, 2007
PITTSBURGH -- The Underground Railroad Expedition began on Saturday, April 14 in Mobile, Alabama.Norm Peterson, a graduate nurse at UPMC St. Margaret is representing the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Minority Health, will be participating in the ride that traces the route of the Underground Railroad in the 2,100 miles between Mobile and Owen Sound, Canada.The ride is expected to wrap up on Memorial Day weekend.Channel 11 will be tracking Norm’s progress as he rides with the group.Norm will provide daily journal postings.Updates on his ride will also be featured on PCNC weeknights at 7 p.m. during the weekend morning newscasts on Channel 11.2:20 PM UPDATE:
April 18
Arriving in small groups and ceremonisouly escorted by local law enforcement, Norm Mario and the other riders were welcomed to Linden Alabama by local officials, residents, and the students of George P. Austin Jr. High school.After the riders enjoyed refreshments, and warm showers at the school gym. There was a wonderful presentation by Linden government and school officials. The eight grade students did a "Who Am I" performance complete with costumes representing historical figures.After the assembly, the students had a chance to talk to the riders, check out the bikes and leanred about cycling as a sport and form of exercise. Rider Ron – present t the school with a1-year subscription to Cyckling Magazine, and thaks to Norm, there was even on site bike repair! On to Aliceville!April 19
Aliceville was interesting indeed. The excited local residents appeared to greet and encourage the riders along the route.After completing a 72 mile day, and a 73 mile day still to come, everyone was looking froward to a good night's rest. But more excitement was still to come – it seems that a local Armadillo made a loud, excited visit to camp!Apparenntly being persued my another (wild) local resident, Mr. Armadillo burst into Cheryl Hummond's tent looking for refuge.After poking around, and poking a several holes in her tent, Mr. Armadillo sought other accomodations! Ahh Wilderness!Next stop, Aberdeen Misissippi and a much desired layover.April 22
Tishomingo State Park, Mississippi Norm and the riders had a great day in Tishomingo State Park. Norm and Yuji spent time with Drake, an 11-year old boy confined to a wheel-chair, who was camping with his family.Norm, Drake and Yuji discussed biking, and Yuji taught Drake how to use his electronic translating equipment.April 23
Shiloh, TN – Norm has a swollen knee and tour leader Joy was hit will flying rocks. Both are okay and hanging in there.April 24
The group traveled tyo Decaturvill, Tennessee. Will vist the Tennessee River Museum. Details to follow. Tomorrow, onto Waverly, Tennessee.April 30
Dr. Stephen Thomas (Dr. T) and Mario and I arrive in Louisville Kentucky, home of the Kentucky Derby and the “Greatest”: Muhammad Ali.They are anxious to join Norm and the other riders – Dr T's ready to begin “his Great Adventure” and Mario is eager to reconnect with the group and continue his travels in the” footsteps of his ancestors.”May 1
Mario and Dr. T travel from Louisville, 80 miles to Vastwood Park, in Hawesville Kentucky, nestled in the hills of Kentucky, not far from the banks of the Oho River. After picking up last minutes supplies for themselves and food for tomorrow’s breakfast, we arrive at camp at 2:30 pm, and are warmly greeted by 4 riders. Dr. T is please with the camaraderie and cohesiveness of the group.This was a long arduous riding day – 75 miles and the campsite is uphill and it very warm, close to 80 degrees.The camp ground the riders settle on is next to a beautiful lake and has an indoor shower which is always welcome. Mario and Dr. T pitch their tents with the help of s few of the riders who are there.The riders continue to arrive and set up camp, Dr. T is excited to meet-up with Norm, who is leisurely waling along the path.The local park officials are providing the night’s meal, so the riders will have a chance to relax and catch up.May 2
57-plus miles to Corydon, IndianaMay 3
A side trip to New Albany, Indiana for a visit to an Underground Railroad exhibit at the local Carnegie Center for Art and History.
April 18
Arriving in small groups and ceremonisouly escorted by local law enforcement, Norm Mario and the other riders were welcomed to Linden Alabama by local officials, residents, and the students of George P. Austin Jr. High school.After the riders enjoyed refreshments, and warm showers at the school gym. There was a wonderful presentation by Linden government and school officials. The eight grade students did a "Who Am I" performance complete with costumes representing historical figures.After the assembly, the students had a chance to talk to the riders, check out the bikes and leanred about cycling as a sport and form of exercise. Rider Ron – present t the school with a1-year subscription to Cyckling Magazine, and thaks to Norm, there was even on site bike repair! On to Aliceville!April 19
Aliceville was interesting indeed. The excited local residents appeared to greet and encourage the riders along the route.After completing a 72 mile day, and a 73 mile day still to come, everyone was looking froward to a good night's rest. But more excitement was still to come – it seems that a local Armadillo made a loud, excited visit to camp!Apparenntly being persued my another (wild) local resident, Mr. Armadillo burst into Cheryl Hummond's tent looking for refuge.After poking around, and poking a several holes in her tent, Mr. Armadillo sought other accomodations! Ahh Wilderness!Next stop, Aberdeen Misissippi and a much desired layover.April 22
Tishomingo State Park, Mississippi Norm and the riders had a great day in Tishomingo State Park. Norm and Yuji spent time with Drake, an 11-year old boy confined to a wheel-chair, who was camping with his family.Norm, Drake and Yuji discussed biking, and Yuji taught Drake how to use his electronic translating equipment.April 23
Shiloh, TN – Norm has a swollen knee and tour leader Joy was hit will flying rocks. Both are okay and hanging in there.April 24
The group traveled tyo Decaturvill, Tennessee. Will vist the Tennessee River Museum. Details to follow. Tomorrow, onto Waverly, Tennessee.April 30
Dr. Stephen Thomas (Dr. T) and Mario and I arrive in Louisville Kentucky, home of the Kentucky Derby and the “Greatest”: Muhammad Ali.They are anxious to join Norm and the other riders – Dr T's ready to begin “his Great Adventure” and Mario is eager to reconnect with the group and continue his travels in the” footsteps of his ancestors.”May 1
Mario and Dr. T travel from Louisville, 80 miles to Vastwood Park, in Hawesville Kentucky, nestled in the hills of Kentucky, not far from the banks of the Oho River. After picking up last minutes supplies for themselves and food for tomorrow’s breakfast, we arrive at camp at 2:30 pm, and are warmly greeted by 4 riders. Dr. T is please with the camaraderie and cohesiveness of the group.This was a long arduous riding day – 75 miles and the campsite is uphill and it very warm, close to 80 degrees.The camp ground the riders settle on is next to a beautiful lake and has an indoor shower which is always welcome. Mario and Dr. T pitch their tents with the help of s few of the riders who are there.The riders continue to arrive and set up camp, Dr. T is excited to meet-up with Norm, who is leisurely waling along the path.The local park officials are providing the night’s meal, so the riders will have a chance to relax and catch up.May 2
57-plus miles to Corydon, IndianaMay 3
A side trip to New Albany, Indiana for a visit to an Underground Railroad exhibit at the local Carnegie Center for Art and History.
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