Natchez Trace - Day 5 - Tupelo MS to Florence AL

We broke through the 300 mile mark and entered Alabama today.  It was another great day on the Trace filled will lots of historical stops, a couple of "highway men (dogs)", a few good climbs and a sweet descent. The 72 mile route and data - http://connect.garmin.com/activity/91303430.

About half the crew headed into Tupelo to see Elivis' birthplace.  The rest of us made were on the Trace by 6 AM.  Rod, Helen, and I spent the first few miles together before Rod and I went ahead.  I played photographer and captured a few shots of Helen and the quiet mist that surrounded the road. Rod and I caught up with Leo and stopped at another Old Trace marker that included 13 unknown confederate grave sites.  Rod's front wheel continued to give him problems.  We loosened it up, but the bearings were pretty seized up.

Helen Leads the Way

Great Early Morning Shots of the Road

Confederate Unknowns

A few more miles up the road we stopped at Twentymile Bottom Overlook for a nice view overlooking the Trace.  There were two dogs at the stop that appeared to have been abandoned.  They had the remains of what looked like a water bowl and some food.  Rod gave them some water and food and we called the Trace headquarters only to find out the little guys were notorious Highway Men that lived in the area ... they made a good living getting food from travelers.

Lots of These Along The Trace

Nice View of the Road Through the Trees

Rangers Confirmed They Were Not Abandoned

We pulled into the SAG at the Pharr Mounds.  Karen and Aila have done such a great job this week with the SAGs .. .a big thank you is in order.  The rest of the crew arrived and we hung out for a nice relaxing rest.  Rod's wheel continued to cause him issues and even with some tools, he and Jeff could not free up the bearings.  Jeff, Alex, and I headed out and made good time while stopping at several sites along the way.  Rod ended up calling it day as his bike just did not cooperate. 

Best Support Crew ... Karen and Aila

Karen Applies Vanilla to Leo

Our Mechanic Jeff Tries to Fix Rod's Bearings

Alex Successfully Splits a Banana with Her Bare Hands

SAG Laughter and Photo Opps

One of Several of Alex's Faces ...

The Geldings (minus 2) cycled together into another state (Alabama) and then hit our first real climbs of the trip.  At The Freedom Hills Overlook we pushed up short (1/2 mile), but steep 20%+ grade for some nice views.  Next up was our biggest climb of the trip so far (still very tame compared to those mountains of last summer).  That was followed by a sweet descent that saw Joe and I hit 40 mph.  It was like old times and I led the gang for several miles all the way to the Tennessee River and the John Coffee Memorial Bridge.  A few short miles later we were done for the day and quickly on our way to the hotel in Florence.

Another State for the Geldings

Our Photogenic Philly

Freedom Hills Overlook

A Nice 20% Climb

Crossing the Tennessee River (Alex and Jeff)

Great Closeup of Jeff on the Bridge

Alex on the Bridge

I spent a humorous 30 minutes with Ellen, Rod, and Helen in search of some lunch.  After much discussion and a few stops we ended up at Arby's for roast beef.  We had a great dinner at Legends Steakhouse in downtown Florence.  We all got a good laugh when I paired a fufu drink with a 16 ounce porterhouse.  Another 70+ miles tomorrow and a lot more hills to conquer.

Good night moon ... good night bandit dogs ... good night Geldings ... good night awesome SAG team (thanks Karen and Aila!) ... good night friends and supporters (full list coming soon) ... good night steak.

Natchez Trace - Day 4 - Maben to Tupelo MS

Only 51 miles today (http://connect.garmin.com/activity/91127233) ... we lost 10 miles at the start due to a detour associated with the recent tornado damage.  A few folks went in search of the damage, but did not find it (we would see some later in the day).  I rode sweep with Joe and by the time we headed out it was 7:30.  Joe and I had a great day chatting and riding intervals ... we stopped a lot for the sights and made sure to keep everyone in front of us.  It made for a slightly longer, but just as fun day.  With the flat terrain, our average was a brisk 17 mph.  This week's ride is definitely more about the people then the numbers, but it was still enjoyable to hammer out some of the miles.

Joe Waiting to Get Rolling

Leo and Alex on the Detour

Leo ... Should I Stay or Should I Go .. He Went

Rod Cruising Along

Helen and I in a Game of Chicken?

Joe Finishes "Herding the Cats"

Riding sweep enables you to ride with almost everyone at some point during the day.  We met up with a group four young riders self supporting from Alabama to California on hand made bamboo bikes.  Check out the Alabamboo for more details.  They even posted a picture of us.

Bamboo ... Lots of Possibilities

Team Alabamboo ... Jason Dilworth, Nicole Lavelle, Rose Lavelle and Marc O’Brien

There were lots of interesting historical markers along the Trace today.  Joe and I paused to celebrate the half way point at mile post 222.  Another great SAG by Karen and Aila (I promise to post a few pictures of them tomorrow) had has energized and ready for the late morning heat.  Peanut Butter sandwiches provided by Alex was a nice touch. 

Rod at Another Section of the Old Trace

I Was There Too

Half Way Point ...

Storm damage was evident along a stretch of the road ... the pictures really do not capture the power of the storms.  So many large trees were just ripped from the roots.  Joe and I could not resist the fun at the Black Belt turn out to recreate Jeff's Black Belt kicks.  It was even funnier when my camera paused for a few seconds similar to last summer (inside joke). 

Storm Damage

Reenactment of Jeff's Black Belt Exam

The highlight of the ride took place toward the end ... as we had hoped, part of our support team from last summer stopped by on their way to Oregon. Mike, Barbara, and Karen brought big smiles to our face just a few miles before we made it to Tupelo.  We caught up, shared some laughs, and had one poor guy take eight group shots before they headed out.  It was neat to see them.

Seemed Like Old Times ... Barb, me, Mike, and Karen

Reunion Group Shot (Yes, I was Out of Uniform)

After lunch and check in, Rod needed a lift to the bike shop to check out his front wheel.  It was also a good chance for a few of us to get some laundry done.  My car filled quick and I was not able to fit everyone in ... Sorry Ellen.  After the bike shop and laundry, Rod, Helen, Howard, Shirley and I made a quick tour through downtown Tupelo and visited the birthplace of the King ... Elvis Presley.  Thank you very much.

Helen Thought These Looked like "Papa Bear, Momma Bear, and Baby Bear"

The King

Rod Enjoys the King's Car

Elvis' Birthplace

"Thank You Very Much" Tupelo

Another hearty and enjoyable dinner was at Vanelli's. After dinner, Jeff, Joe, Alex and I spent a fun hour talking with Toronto Mark and The Duchess (Susan) via Skype.  It was great to share the experience with him.  Our group pace lines and pictures are definitely missing his presence.

Good night moon ... good night Toronto Mark ... good night Mike, Barb, and Karen ... good night Joel (let's talk Thur day) ... good night girls (see you soon) ... good night Elvis.

Natchez Trace - Day 3 -- Carthage to Mathiston MS

Beat the heat, revisited.  Another 5:00 AM breakfast had us on the Trace by 6:30.  Less traffic and slightly cooler temperatures made for a great day.  The road surface was smooth chipped seal, but gave way to "virgin" blacktop.  While it heated up toward the end of the ride, the day was about as good as it gets.

As Good As It Gets ... Jeff Leads Us Out

Early Morning Along the Trace

Geldings (minus 2) Emjoy The Day

Today's map and data for the 62 mile ride - http://connect.garmin.com/dashboard?cid=8752723.  We even had a few hills and a climb or two.  Joe was riding sweep, so the Gang of Four (Geldings Minus 2) stayed back for a gentle start that enabled most of the reunion riders to stay together.  We had the road to ourselves and saw very minimal vehicle traffic.  About an hour into the ride we passed through Koskiusko ... claim to fame - it is the home of Oprah Winfrey.  A turtle sighting and rescue had Alex scrambling to avoid the scared creature's pee :-)

A Reunion on the Road

Helen and Rod

Ellen was Out in Front a Lot Today ... You Rock #16

Jeff and Alex ... How Serene Are These Pics?

Joe and Rod Ride the Silk Road

Turtle Rescue

Aila and and Karen set up another great shady SAG at the French Camp. Rod and I both needed after bite for some bee/insect stings, but no repeat of my bee sting bonk in Wyoming.  French Camp consists of several buildings including includes the Historic Village, French Camp Academy, the Bed and Breakfast, Log Cabin Gift Shop, Post Office, Council House Cafe, Drane Home, and Museum.  Another group of riders was heading south and thought our SAG was theirs.  An ABB rider would never had leaned his bike against my car!

Maine Crew ... We All Ride Together Father's Day Weekend for the Trek Across Maine

Log Cabin Museum at French Camp

French Camp Post Office

Drake House

It was starting to warm up, so I sported my ice bandanna and headed out with Jeff and Alex.  We would join up with Joe and Rod about 12 miles later at the Jeff Busby Park.  The Park included a short climb to Little Mountain Summit.  We passed lots of recent tornado damage and downed trees.  Our route tomorrow will be detoured (skipping 10 miles) due to clean up.  The whole crew was pretty close together at the end near mile post 204.

Little Mountain Summit - East

Little Mountain Summit - West

Another Shot of Me On the Old Natchez Trace

 Check in was a little slow and some rooms were not ready.  I got mine minus towels (housekeeping visit number 1) and then had to call them again to show me how to turn on the shower ... turned out I was not alone on that.  A nice dinner at Ruby Tuesday included a saltine eating contest that saw no winners (Joe, Jeff, and Shirley tried), but lots of laughs.  Joe's old licence photo also got a good chuckle.  Joe, Jeff and I reached out to Toronto Mark and hope to schedule a Skype chat tomorrow.  Timing may also be good for a connection with Mike and Barbara Munk who are heading to Oregon and will pass very close to us in Tupelo.  That would be cool ... we are desperately in need of a tip of the day.

Tomorrow is a short day (50 miles) and we get to ride directly to the hotel.  Aila and Karen will set up an early SAG and then head to the birthplace of Elvis ... "Thank you very much."

Good night moon ... good night smooth road ... good night first "climb" (short, but invigorating) ... good night ABB reunion riders ... good night Mike and Barb (see you tomorrow?) ... good night Toronto Mark (talk with you soon) ... good night Mom & Dad.