By Staff
FAST TRIP Billy Breland catches his breath in front of the U.S. Post Office in Meridian this morning after completing a 1,500-mile motorcycle trip in 24 hours. He started Tuesday at 7 a.m., and finished just before 7 a.m. today. Photo by Steve Swogetinsky/The Meridian Star.
By Steve Swogetinsky/The Meridian Star
Oct. 3, 2001
He made it, but it was close.
Billy Breland thought he had completed his 1,500-mile motorcycle trek early this morning with time to spare. But when the Collinsville resident pulled into Meridian a little before 6 a.m., he realized he was 30 miles short.
Breland's goal was to ride his Harley Davidson 1,500 miles in 24 hours. To prove that he made the trip, he had to keep his gas tickets and have people verify his appearance at stops along the way.
He left home Tuesday at 7 a.m. He rode to Meridian, and then to Jackson. He headed south to Hammond, La., where he turned east. He rode to Jacksonville, Fla., and then north toward Savannah, Ga. From there, he drove to Atlanta, and then back toward Meridian. He was just east of Tuscaloosa, Ala., at 4:15 a.m.
The weather was beautiful and there were no problems until he got to Tallahassee, Fla.
He didn't have much time for sightseeing. His stops were brief as he gassed up and grabbed a drink and a candy bar.
The motorcycle association that sponsors the certification program also sponsors a coast-to-coast ride in 50 hours. Breland said he is considering trying this ride, but first has to clear it with his wife, Ann.
In the meantime, Breland plans to gets some rest today.
Steve Swogetinsky is regional editor of The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3217, or e-mail him at sswogetinsky@themeridianstar.com.