By Larry Lagarde

This is the 2nd in a 3 part series describing how a catastrophe turned me into a cycling advocate and led Tennessee cyclists to ground truth the Mississippi River Trail.

Reality, Shock & Despair
By the time I returned to my room, reports were already trickling in about flooding. At first, the reports were unconfirmed but that changed quickly. In shock, we watched images of massive, catastrophic flooding in New Orleans. As the storm winds ebbed, the video worsened. Hundreds if not thousands of New Orleanians were on their rooftops pleading for rescue. Bodies floated in the streets.

It was clear that no one would be going home soon but staying indefinitely in a hotel room wasn't an option either. My grandmother, aunt, a cousin and her 2 daughters drove to Phoenix, AZ. My parents and the families of my brother and a sister drove to Alabama. My wife was having preterm contractions due to the stress of the circumstances so we went to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Relocating On The Fly
The staff at the ER were able to avert a tragedy but they advised against Robin traveling anywhere and suggested bed rest. Two days later, I signed the lease on the first apartment we viewed. We immediately bought furniture and moved in.

Over the next 2 weeks, we settled into our new home. We found schools for the kids & bought them new uniforms. High speed Internet was installed at the apartment so I could run my business. Throughout the entire catastrophe, the websites of my customers remained online. Unfortunately, the same was not true for New Orleans. The Big Easy was gasping for air and commerce had ground to a halt.

With little work to do and my wife needing me close by, feelings of grief, powerlessness and depression began to cloud my days. I became angry with myself. I wanted to be part of the solution, not the problem.

I came to look upon the relocation as a veiled opportunity to start afresh. All my life, I'd told myself I wanted to do something that would improve the lives of others rather than enrich myself. Here was my chance.

I thought about how I could give something back. I had a computer, Internet access, a desire to help others and a love of cycling. Suddenly, it hit me - what better way to help others than to promote the very activity that had brought independence, joy and health to my life - cycling.

Tomorrow: Trail Suggestions Bring The MRT Calling

Labels: bicycle-advocacy