Today’s ride was another day full of rolling hills on tree-lined roads with many miles of no shoulder and mill-bound semi’s passing us by. We entered our sixth state when we crossed the Pearl River and entered Mississippi. At about mile 24 we exited the busy roadway and traveled some back roads of Mississippi – and there were some picturesque farms along the way. Because today was a short day, we were encouraged to spend some time in the small town of Poplarville before we ended our day at a Mississippi National Guard building where we will be sleeping in a gym-type room. In town, Janet, Linda (Queenie) and I had lunch at Scooters, I had an ice cream cone at the Pearl River Drugs which had an ice cream parlor in the back, and we all had a latte at Main Street Coffee. We gave the local economy a little boost. I took advantage of another massage. For a week, Michelle is with the tour. Michelle lives in Traverse City, MI and has been a sports massage therapist for 15 years. She has also supported the DALMAC since 2003, which means I may have had a massage from her in the past as I tended to get a massage when Doug and I rode the DALAMC. My shoulders were so sore, I signed up for another 30 minutes on Friday evening. Needless to say, Michelle is solidly booked!!
Stats from the day:
Start city: Franklinton, LA
End city: Poplarville, MS
Miles: 45.11
Total miles to date: 2232.21
Pedaling time: 6 hours, 27 minutes
Avg. speed: 13.1
Feet climbed: 1,403
Fatigue factor: 4 out of 10 (10 is the worst);
Wind: start: NNE 3 mph; end ENE 7 mph
Road condition: 3 out of 5 (1 is the worst);
Temperature extremes: 48 at ride start, 77 at ride finish
Janet (middle) and Linda (Queenie) ahead of me hill-climbing. Near the top of the hill is Fred, who is also from Florida.
Just one of many semis carrying logs to the mills.
We've been seeing these wild flowers along the side of the road for the past several days.
We entered our sixth state today!
Janet, Linda (Queenie) and I.
Some of the back roads of Mississippi.
Memorial in Poplarville that honors Civil War and WWI local soldiers, including the "beloved women."
And we did add to the local economy today with lunch, ice cream and a latte.
I have not been able to resist ice cream along the way. This little parlor is in the back of a small, local pharmacy.
Where we are spending the night.
Taking adavantage of a sports massage therapist.
