Day 6 Sunday 5-17-15 Eufaula Al to Dothan Al

Steep rolling hills are the order of the day going into Dothan - the second longest day of the trip at 54.3 miles. I will encounter 5 steep grades of 5-7% (yuk!) between mile 16.7 and 27.8. Mile 26 - the half way point - puts me in quaint downtown Abbeville, Alabama. Abbeville was home to West Point Pepperell's Textile Mill from 1950-2008. The closing costs hundreds of jobs and 30% of the tax base. Abbeville has bounced back though. Thanks to a real modern-day "cowboy" in a bright yellow hat, this onetime home of  the "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement in America", Rosa Parks, has bounced back from being on the verge of shrinking into obscurity. Parks moved with her family to her grandparents’ 260-acre farm on the outskirts of Abbeville shortly after she was born on Feb. 4, 1913. In 1915, she and her mother moved to Pine Level. She married Raymond Parks in 1932. In 1943, she joined her husband as a member of the NAACP and the rest is, of course, history. "What about the cowboy in the Yellow hat?" you ask.

Jimmy Rane

His name is Jimmy Rane, the big guy wearing the bright yellow hat and cowboy boots in the TV commercials, known as the “Yella Fella,” hawking his "Yella Wood" products. This modern day "Sheriff" headed up a posse of business leaders dedicated to saving their hometown. The changes they've made are quite striking. Each April, and at various other times during the year, you can follow the antics of the Yella Fella. You can also meet a “hugging ghost,” see the former home of a civil rights pioneer, and discover the history and heritage of the place Native Americans called “Yatta Abba,” meaning “a grove of dogwood trees.” Unfortunately, I will be travelling through Abbeville on a Sunday and the famous Huggin' Molly's Cafe will be closed. Best bet for  lunch will be at mile 28.7 (intersection of Hwy 27 and Hwy 431) where there is a new McDonald's, Hardee's and Subway. After mile 28 it's mostly downhill or flat.  Next water/food stop is in Headland at mile 44.2. +68 ft. gain in elevation from start to finish.

Bike Shop in Dothan that repaired Bill's wheels

Back in the 80's we rode this portion of the trip on a Greyhound Bus instead of bicycles. That's my bike - a Raleigh - in front of the bike shop where Bill had his wheels repaired. Getting close to the Sunshine State. I will stay at  Dothan La Quinta Inn & Suites 3593 Ross Clark Circle Dothan, AL 36303 (334-793-9090). List of places within walking distance - Waffle House , Panera Bread, Publix, McDonalds, Krystal, Chill Yogurt Café, Hardee's, Subway, Cracker Barrel, Chic-fil-A, Ruby Tuesday, Longhorn Steakhouse and Wendy's. Wiregrass Mall across the street has a food court, GNC and outparcels with O' Charley's, Red Lobster  and Burger King. Since the next days ride to Chipley is a short 38 miles, this might be a good place to pork up, pig out, sleep late and chill.

Day 6 Elevation and Grades