July 28, 2021 – Shreveport, Louisiana – Something must be wrong because everything is going right with this ride since arriving.
Arrived at the Shreveport airport and so did my luggage. Assembling my bike and Reed Cartwright of West Bend, WI comes up behind me. “What’s the news, Judy Steffes?” Flattering and creepy at the same time.
Reed was in town on business. His friend took a Napoleon Dynamite full-body shot of us.
Found my Louisiana license plate lickety-split. Bigg Al from Bigg Boyz Toyz was generous with the donation. It was an honor to receive the plate from a man who carried the same name as my dad.
His shop was industrial and authentic. I thought a Rottweiler with a spiked collar would jump out from around the corner at any minute.
The sign on the side of the building read “No trespassing. I own firearms and a backhoe.”
It was a bit of an interesting ride passing through very old neighborhoods with buildings that seemed the city had forgotten as I made my way towards downtown Shreveport … but I understood Elvis had been there and had to find the street sign and memorial statue.
The Rockin’ Elvis statue was on Elvis Presley Ave. In 1954 Elvis made his debut on the Louisiana Hayride Radio Show.
The announcer introduced him, “Ladies and gentlemen you’ve never heard of this young man before but one day you’ll be able to tell your children and grandchildren that you heard musical history made tonight.”
With these prophetic words, Elvis Presley was introduced to the country from the stage of the Shreveport Municipal Memorial Auditorium on the Louisiana hayride radio program in October 1954.
From a working-class background, Elvis would grow to become the king of pop culture and an ambassador of a new age, and arguably the most beloved artist of the 20th century.
The sculpture was dedicated on October 16, 2004.
Following in the footsteps of Bonnie & Clyde
There are still a lot of decrepit buildings and dated signs that dot the landscape leading to downtown Shreveport. I snapped some photos wondering if they were there in the era (1932-1934) of Bonnie & Clyde.
Have I not commanded you? … Be strong and courageous. … Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
The 2021 Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s is raising money this year for music programming for seniors at Cedar Community, a 501c3, so all donations are tax-deductible.
Donate via the secure website through Cedar Community. Donations should be marked “Amazing Ride 2021.” Click HERE to make a secure online donation.
Checks may be made payable to “Cedar Community Foundation” with “Judy Bike Ride” in the memo line and mailed to 113 Cedar Ridge Dr., West Bend, WI 53095
Be sure to include the Federal Tax ID Number for the Foundation: 39-1249432
You may also find a downloadable donation form HERE.
Cedar Community is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, and donations are tax-deductible.