Day 7: The Finale

 

Out with the old (water), in with the new (ice).  Start the day with a cooler full of a variety of beverages.

Getting ready for one last day's ride.

And we're off to Nashville!

The road was particularly crowded today.

Seniors on Bikes (a.k.a. SOBs) at the Gordon House stop.

TN 96 Double Arch Bridge.

The end of the line - Natchez to Nashville 440 miles.

Celebrating a week of comradery with family and friends.  Time to start planning next year's ride!

Dinner at River Bottom Grille Florence AL

Day 6: Colbert's Ferry to Exhibit Shelter

Jack and Cliff unloading bikes from the SAG truck.  Cliff was in a particularly difficult position.

Cliff modeling his new hernia belt.

Oiling the chains and gears. Vicki wore her bike out on the 100-mile day.

Modern day Trace Travelers

Crossing the Alabama Tennessee line.

Day 5: The Detour

Day 5 started like all the others.  These are views from the 3rd floor of our hotel.

The ride started and ended at the Parkway Visitor Center.  The Trace was closed from MM 290 to 320.  So, Barry, Jack, and Vicki rode 28 miles to the Jamie L Whitten Bridge (Cliff was SAG). 

Our big stop was at the Pharr Mounds which are sacred to the Chickasaw.

Then Vicki and Cliff rode 28 miles back while Jack and Barry worked the SAG.

Barry was able to take pictures when passing the riders.

Tommorrow we'll start at the northern end of the detour.

Day 4 Halfway with the 100 mile Woman

Today's riders are Vicki and Jack.  It was Cliff's day to serve as SAG.  He was joined by Barry who was suffering from severe chaffing in places where the sun don't shine. 

Vicki wanted to ride 100 miles today.  After stops at Hurricane Creek, Cole Creek and Jeff Busby (total of 30 miles) Jack called it a day and joined Cliff and Barry in the SAG truck.

Vicki then took on the next 70+ miles solo.  The SAG met her at several stops along the way, including Old Trace, Dancy, Witch Dance, and the Chickasaw Council House.

After one more stop at Chickasaw Village Site, Vicki completed her ride 2 miles South of the Parkway Visitor Center.  She rode over 7 hours at an average speed of 18.5 MPH and finished with over 102 miles. She was sustained by Coca-cola and peanuts. 

 Congrats Vicki!

For David

 This is why we ride…..