Day 4: Friday, 05/11/18, Nachez to Vicksburg, MS

Map of today's ride:



Distance of  Today's Ride: 91.0 miles
Trip Total Distance: 283.4 miles
Elevation Gain:  3356 feet
Riding Time:  6:15 hrs:mins

The weather today was basically a repeat of the past two days. Temperatures are in the high 80s, clear skies, and negligible wind. Good riding weather with the exception of the humidity being higher than what we are accustomed.

The highlight for both of us today was not only seeing the Natchez Trace Parkway, but also riding on it for 45 miles. The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444 mile recreational road and scenic drive through three states (Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee). No commercial trucks are allowed on this road as it is only to be used for recreation. It roughly follows the "Old Natchez Trace" a historic corridor used by American Indians, "Kaintucks", European settlers, slave traders, and soldiers.

This is a picture of the Natchez Trace Trail. There are cars occasionally using the trail, but an empty road is what a rider would normally observe.  Bikers are allowed to use the entire lane in which they are bicycling.  Parts of the Natchez Trace are also used and designated the Mississippi River Trail as indicated by the above MRT sign. These signs are found from the headwaters at Itasca State Park to the Delta Region at the Gulf of Mexico. The road itself is in pristine condition, perfect for bicycling!

This picture was taken at our first SAG stop today (note the purple fork and knife on the map).  There are two vans traveling with us on our journey.  At a designated SAG stop, the van will have food and water available to keep us moving North.  When an AbB van passes us en route, we put our hand on our helmet to indicate to the driver we are in need of water or assistance. 

Dad/Wayne is coming up one of the steeper grades on today's ride.  He finally caught up with me! ;) A lot of the ride today on the Natchez Parkway looks like what you see in this picture - lush and green with trees for shade and minimal pavement obstructions.

Tonight we are staying at a Hampton Inn in Vicksburg, MS.  Most of our breakfasts are at the hotel while dinners are at local restaurants, usually within walking distance.