Taking a step back to Thursday, included are some photos of the B&B where a few of us stayed overnight (rather than the Econo Lodge). I wsa able to enjoy the slice of cheesecake that was separated from me in Collinwood on Day 2. It melted in my mouth and was the perfect end to a long day. Our hostess, Donna served us coffee early in the morning and then we headed back into the town of Kosciusko where breakfast was provided at a restaurant next door to the Econo Lodge. I opted to skip the sit down breakfast and to get onto the road early. I did have two Skratch energy bars that I had brought along on the trip. It was misting/drizzling, with a temperature of 67 degrees when I started riding at about 8:00 am. I finally had tailwind of 6 mph from the north! I cruised along until the first SAG stop at mile 14.5. I beat the support crew there, but I knew that was possible as I started riding as the others were enjoying a sit down breakfast. I waited just a few minutes for the crew to arrive. I “checked in” and headed back onto the Parkway. I stopped a few times along the way, to the second SAG stop, to take some photos. I met Julia at the second SAG stop at River Bend at about mile 37. It was now about 9:30 am and the temperature was up to 74 degrees and I was still enjoying a tailwind. We cycled along the Ross Barnett Reservoir for several miles. We stopped at a scenic overlook and then headed onto the Chisa Foka multi-use trail. The trail took us off the Parkway, and away from the heavier traffic near Jackson, for the last seven miles. Unfortunately, the trail contained long, numerous cracks/fault lines. due to contracting caused by cold temperatures in the winter. It made the last seven miles slow going as we were riding very carefully to avoid the cracks. Julia and I arrived at the hotel around 2pm. The temperature was now 79 degrees and the winds were still out of the north. I completed just about 61.5 miles. I did run into Bubba in the hotel parking lot while I was on the phone with a friend; Bubba teased me and gave a stern warning to the friend to treat me nice. Bubba looks out for his Coaster family! After cleaning up, we headed to a restaurant in a nearby mall for dinner. Dinner was on our own; we chose to stay within a short walking distance. I’m glad I chose this ride. The pavement was superb on the Parkway and the traffic remained light all week, until we neared Jackson. For the week I pedaled 293 miles over the course of 22 hours of pedal time. The days were definitely longer than the pedal time when including shuttle times and sight-seeing. Overall, I had a wonderful week riding with Julia. The hills were a challenge early on, but riding with a good friend is always the best. We talked so much!
The mailbox at the B & B where Julia, Beth & I stayed on Thursday night.
The B&B from the street view.
Beth (C), Julia (R) and I inside the B&B. We are wearing our Natchez Parkway jerseys that we purchased the day before. Proceeds form the sales help promote safety along the parkway.
Julia did a great job with this selfie that included our Hostess, Donna. It was such a pleasure for Donna to allow us to share her home.
AS I approached the first SAG stop at Myrick Creek, the constant mist/drizzle had finally stoppped.
I was the first one to the SAG stop, I even beat the support crew there. I waited until they arrived so I completed a proper “check-in.” In fairness to the crew, I had skipped breakfast to get an early start and they arrived shortly after I took this video.
Getting closer to the end of our weeklong ride.
In this photo, you can see a pink arrow on the road that directed riders to turn for the second SAG stop at River Bend. New to this ride are the orange flags along the road, near the turning points. I liked this addition as you could see the flags before you could see the arrows on the road.
The SAG stop at River Bend and where Julia joined me for the rest of the remainder of the ride.
The Ross Barnett Reservoir is a reservoir of the Pearl River between Madison and Rankin counties in Mississippi. The 33,000-acre lake serves as the state's largest drinking water resource, and is managed by the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District.
Rather than leave the reservoir and go back on the Parkway, we took the Chisha Foka multi use trail the remainder of the ride to our hotel overnight stay at the Hyatt Place.
Along the trail.
Julia ahead of me on the trail.
Although I appreciated being off the roadway as we cycled closer to town, the trail was full of cracks in the pavement. It was nerve wracking trying to avoid the cracks.
Made it to the end of the ride in Jackson, MS. Our bikes were loaded into trailers and will be headed back to Franklin, TN.
I don’t normally post photos of food, but I thought about having a hamburger all day long! Julia, Beth and I headed to Aplos Simple Mediterranean restaurant. We shared hummus for an appetizer. Usually I would opt for a Greek food, but the hamburger was calling my name; it was delicious.
