The Memphis Hightailers bicycling club had their first TNT (Thursday Night Thrill) of the year. It's 25-35 miles of riding through the North Memphis countryside, depending on when the sun goes down. I joined them ... my first group bike ride ever!It was a blast, and I kept up with the front-running pack fairly well. They say this is unusual for a novice - a boost for my ego! Of course I was dying by the end, but oh well. It makes me think I'll try some group rides in Syracuse this year. It's helpful watching the techniques of really, really good riders.
Before that, I went to Sun Studios downtown. That's where rock and roll really started - with Jackie Brenston's Rocket 88 (the first r&r record) recorded there, as well as a young Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, etc. A video of Elvis' first television appearance had him singing the raw version of Shake Rattle and Roll. You know, the version with "I'm like a one-eyed cat, peeping in the seafood store." I asked our tour guide why they didn't censor that, and she said, "They had no idea what he was saying." Oh, please. Someone did!
They had a picture of the blues belter Roscoe Gordon and his chicken, who would peck at a glass of whiskey while Gordon sang (eventually the chicken would fall over).
"Thash right. Go chicken. Yeah, go ... you chicken, woa! Stop spinning, you stooopid floor." Tom slurred. Lisa, I think you're quite right in your assessment of Tom. I'm dropping him off at Betty Ford on my way home.
Bye bye Memphis! It's tough to leave your BBQ, Blues and Sweet Tea. But all good things must end.
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