POWERGRAMS

25 GPS to avoid losing their way. If a motorcycle broke down, two people stayed with the rider, then they'd have to catch up. A couple of riders had clutch issues. During the trip, three motorcycles broke down, requiring the replacement of four tires. And at 5,000 miles, every motorcycle required an oil change. "It was kind of like the power company – you break down and the mechanics stay with you, get you going and then everybody catches up," Ballard said. "If a motorcycle broke down, we had a mechanic on the team who had a spare part because he had already anticipated that part might fail, and would then change it out, and get them up and running again." Heading south on Highway 101, the major north- south state highway that runs along most of the Pacific Coast, they passed through the Golden State's famed Avenue of the Giants, whose towering redwood trees overshadow the road. "That was just fantastic," said Ballard, recalling the "epic view" of the ancient redwood forest. From there, they journeyed down that Pacific Coast Highway to San Francisco: "It was an unbelievable and beautiful ride, but it was almost terrifying because there were no guard rails." In some places, the ocean was 1,000 feet down. "You must stay focused on the road ahead of you, because if you look anywhere else, that's where you're going to go!" Ballard said. "If the speed limit said 15 miles per hour, you'd better go that speed because those roads are going to make a sharp turn that almost turns back around on itself." Afterward, they headed to San Ysidro, the southernmost point of California, then turned left to drive to Key West, the southernmost tip of Florida. Upon their return home to Columbus, Georgia, Ballard was greeted by a welcoming party of Alabama Power co-workers. Southeast Division Community Relations Manager David Quinney presented a gift from the company to CSU in Ballard's name. looking forward to 2024 miracle Ride For Ballard, the Miracle Ride was the ultimate escape from his comfort zone. "I had never been to the Northwest, Washington state or the West Coast," he said. "Now I have. I've been all the way around the U.S." Next year, the Miracle Riders plan to visit every state with a city named Columbus, in honor of CSU's mission to improve health care for children in Alabama and Georgia. Ballard can't wait to ride again. "The Miracle Riders are already in the process of planning the trip," he said, with a wide grin. "I am thankful I've made lifelong friends, not only at Alabama Power Company, but with the Miracle Riders, as well." By Donna Cope Photo by Phil Free Photo by Phil Free

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