May 28, 2008: Tallulah, LA to Natchez, MS - Longer, wetter, but better!

Today we spent another day on US65, rolling through Louisiana farmland on our ride from Tallulah, LA to Natchez, MS. The main difference today was that 45 or more of the day's 76 miles were in light to drenching rain. On the positive side, temps were in the low to mid 70's for most of the ride.

I'm not sure the other guys feel the same, but I much preferred today's weather to yesterday's heat. I spent most of the day at the front, but we were going a bit slower and the wind wasn't bad, so it was very easy. My heart rate was way down around 120 or lower most of the time.

The most interesting sight of the day was a mailbox at a farm that could house two adults.

As we rounded the corner in front of our hotel here in Natchez, I got a flat in the rear tire. It turned out to be a staple that I undoubtedly picked up while rolling through the roadside debris on the final busy street.

If you are going to have a flat or other mechanical issue, what better place than in front of your hotel?

 

We are going to try a shortcut to St. Francisville tomorrow - down US 61, which is a designated scenic route. Nonetheless, it is a busy 4 lane divided highway. We will know within 5 miles if the road's shoulder is good enough to ride. If not, we will have to backtrack and take the long route. That would end up being a VERY long day!