Published: July 28, 2008 11:17 pm      

Journey of Hope cycles through Meridian today

Push America's Journey of Hope will be cycling through Meridian today. The Pi Kappa Phi sponsored group of cyclists is biking across the country to raise money for the disabled.

For years, Meridian resident Bessie Ann Briggs coordinated the cyclists' welcome, but Briggs passed away earlier this year, leaving her daughter, Annie Goss, to follow in her footsteps.

"I've stepped into some really big footprints here," said Goss, "and I hope I can make my mother proud."

Goss will help organize the cyclists' welcome meal by the Meridian Ladies Civitan Club and the Collinsville Homemakers Club.

"Push America loves stopping in Meridian," Goss said, "because Meridian is the only place between California and Washington D.C. where they get a home-cooked meal."

The cyclists are expected to arrive about 5 p.m., and will be met in Lost Gap by members of the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department, who will escort them to Meridian Community College's Thornton Hall dormitory. They will spend the night in the dormitory, their home-cooked meal will be served in the cafeteria, and they will be provided with breakfast the next morning by McDonald's.

Journey of Hope has a Northern and a Southern route, which meet in Washington D.C. for a banquet honoring the disabled.