Still doing the thing
Exhausted as I was, I slept through the night with no assistance and woke up ready to go. It’s amazing what a night’s rest will do for you. No matter how much rain I got, I was STILL doing this thing!
Another room
I had reached out to bunk a bikers in both Florence, AL and another in Iron City, TN. Neither of them ever got back to me, so I searched for a room and made a reservation for tonight. The destination is Muscle Shoals, AL!
A great plan
It turns out that by BFG was right. It was still pouring in Natchez, but in Vicksburg no more rain was falling. Of course, everything was wet, but my gear had mostly dried and I packed up and hit the road.
The Natchez Trace
The original plan, of course, was to ride the Race from the beginning, but I missed the early parts, jumping on right before mile 67. The only way I can describe this ride was glorious! While the speed limit was only 50mph, I didn’t mind going so slowly, for one in my life! This was without a doubt, the cleanest road I’d ever been on. And there were no gas stations, hotels, roadside stands, nothing to distract you from it. The weather did its part too, with the sun shining and perfect temperatures of mid-70s. I could not have made a more perfect day!
At the first turnout I came to, Cowles Mead Cemetery.
Wildlife
The main thing I saw on the Trace was turtles. There were a lot of them. Several species, but all virtually unidentifiable to me riding by. There were no shoulders on the Trace, so I couldn’t pull over and help them across the road or get a good look at them. I didn’t see any deer, thank goodness. I did see 2 dead snakes. They were black or dark gray, but too smashed to identify.
Taking it easy
After the rough, rainy 4 days I had, I just enjoyed the ride! I stopped for a parking lot lunch at another turnout and relaxed. That’s something I don’t usually do a lot of!
Chilling in the parking lot after lunch.
The lunch spot. There’s a campground back there.
Lucille enjoyed the break too!
Exiting
I spent most of the day riding the Trace and it was wonderful, but all good things end, and so it was with me and the Trace. I finally left the byway and worked my way to my hotel. This was a day of riding that could keep me going. If I could get a few more like this, I might never stop! And with the slow riding, Lucille got 55 mpg!
Glad you got a little “glorious” – you deserve the rest of the days to fall in that category!! No matter what, you are slaying the memory making category! You are a rockstar. Period.
Woohoo!! So happy you had a nice day, Deb! Sounds awesome! <3
It was the best day yet!
Hooray for glorious days! I know you loved the trace. (my brother rode the entire Trace on his bicycle, camping along the way, and he loved it, too) Let us hope the weather keeps on being NICE. 55mpg? Wowzers, that’s better than a Prius! Have a great day, Deb!
It was beautiful! And Lucille did do better than my Prius average!
Great to hear things are looking up. Your last post was a great example of how the outer weather can affect the inner weather, but it all passes when we sit through it. Continue being kind to yourself through it all. Loved this update!
It was so awesome! It’s been my best day yet! Thank you so much Jess!
I hope the good weather continues for the rest of the trip my friend. Happy trails!
I hope so too! You know I need it.