The end of day one (April 29)

The Natchez Trace Parkway has no billboards. There are no restaurants or gas stations directly on the road. You need to make an exit in order for these modern conveniences to appear. And you need a detailed map or mobile device to locate these stops. With a phone that eats battery life and a personal desire to disconnect from the digital world, I chose the detailed map. It provides location for the numerous historical homes, natural sites, picnic areas, and overlooks to pause and contemplate the history of the trail, as well as a rough outline of the miles I would be traveling.

At one of these sites, I paused to switch water bottles and look at the old trail. While I was relaxing, a couple pulled up in a car from New York. They exited and approached me with a bit of interest. Once they began talking, it was obvious the United States was not their home. They were from the Netherlands, and taking a long trip through the US. From New York to New Orleans, through the Natchez and Appalachian mountains, it seemed they were on a month trip. I had a wonderful conversation with them and they shared some of their biking experiences in Europe. What struck me was the clarity of their English and their patience in describing the cycling cultures of Europe. It seems you may want to avoid a bike tour through Spain, however the Scandinavian countries have a well founded cycling infrastructure. Though our visit was brief, I enjoyed hearing these people rave about the South's natural beauty and describe their own continent with such a welcoming tone. Put a European tour on my bucket list.

Near 5 pm, I reached Collinwood around mile marker 355. I estimated to have ridden 90 miles, but couldn't physically make any more of a dent. The welcome center at Collinwood provided me a refill on my water bottles, some advice on where to eat, suggested I shower at the fire station, and welcomed me to set up camp in their public park. 

I had blackened cajun catfish, a sweet potato and some over cooked vegetables. Won't say it was five star, but it was welcomed after a long day pedaling. I was the only patron in Chad's Steakhouse at the time, and of course stuck out like a sore thumb. After I explained my day and plans, the host was more than willing to give me the award of most miles ridden in a day. She had never met another cyclist who had ridden from Nashville to Collinwood in one, and so it became that I hold the record.

After dinner, I found the least conspicuous spot in the park, pitched my tent, checked in with Whitney (who mentioned I should take lots of selfies), packed some clothes into my tent bag as a makeshift pillow and crashed for the night. I ended up falling asleep by 7:30. It was all I could do to keep my eyes open even that late.

A look back ... Day 1: April 29

Look at him. A total newb. Bike touring? More than 60 miles in a day? That ramp leads to something totally beyond this fella with a tight lip, poker face, nervous tick with the right hand.

This is a moment that will spark a flame in this one traveler's life. It is a five day journey with unmet challenges and unknown adventures in an enthusiast's life. Welcome to my #BikeNatchez2015

The day began with a packing and fancy brunch with my partner, Whitney. She saw me off around nine with a full belly and nervous excitement. First stop on the trace was a toilet break at Garrison Creek (7 miles). I can't recall much because the only remembered thing was a stranger leaping forward to catch my falling bike. I thanked him for sacrificing himself to save my bike. 

He stated, jokingly, "Just an American Hero."

I laughed and offered my gratitude again, moving my bike to a more secure mount.

Tennessee is the state I love. It has held a beat in my heart since the moment I moved to Nashville in the early 2000s, and grown upon return in 2012. Visiting TN by bike is an experience in itself. The natural beauty that lies in all areas of the state is a constant adventure. It is part of why I want to climb and bike and be in nature as much as possible, and why I can't see leaving her. I would love to share the landscapes I saw, but my weak photos can't describe the surreal moments where all five senses are engaged on the road.

While I can't say that I soaked as much of the history in this trip as some would like, I enjoyed Tennessee for her trees, the wildlife and landscape provided. I noted through the day two deer, an owl (mid-day), squirrels, a wide variety of birds and plenty of turkey. Thought of Terry and Tyler Newton as I sighted a big tom, strutting his tail feathers through the trees.

What I experienced through the first day was a whirlwind of nerves and nature. It was a race in some aspects. There were goals to be met and sites to be seen, but the lines would be blurred until my first interaction with another traveler. He didn't try to give much advice, while we were at the Merriweather Lewis monument & gravesite. Mostly he gave me a recap of his journey from Colorado Springs to our meeting place, and told me his plans to go through the Appalachians. I remember him telling me stories of 30 mph headwinds that defeated some transamerican trail riders in Kansas, as it brought his own pace to 8 mph. I was already thankful for the blockage of the beautiful Tennessee forests.

Always drink water and feed yourself. The body is like an alkaline battery, he said. You can run it until it's dry, no more. But, he told me to load up on carbs and don't be afraid to go for the sausage McGriddles at McDonalds. You know it won't get you sick from food poisoning, and you'll burn it off (I wouldn't particularly be looking for Mickey D). I took in all his gear, and had a bit of envy. He was packed for any weather and prepared for a distance w/o water. 1600 miles and nearing his goal, this guy was a clearly a seasoned cyclist, and still he didn't ridicule my setup. It was nice to run into a tourist within 60 miles of my first big ride, and not feel like a poser or complete beginner.

... more on my first day, later ...

Seriously, selfies?

Because I know you all miss me sooo much, in uploading all my selfies from the trip, plus a bonus (at work). It's day 3, and I am tired, but happy. I'll make a day by day write up at the ends of things. Meanwhile, enjoy these?

Up too late.

Made last trip to REI. Ate a late dinner and was gifted a fantastic assortment of bars from dear friend, Kevin. Packed. And packed. Weird feeling, nervous. I always doubt myself. Terrible habit, I know.

Read up a little on the Merriweather Lewis death on Natchez. Interesting stuff. Doubt of the death as suicide and a family that wants to exhume the body. Marked his final stop on my map for a visit. I want to track my ride, but still don't know what app to use. Maybe mapmyride? It eats a lot of battery though.

Tomorrow morning comes soon. Sleep will be interesting.

Two days...

And I'm back to "under-prepared" as the emotion de jour. Don't have my campsites picked out. Not sure where I'm going to get my meals. Will water be an issue?

However, my hairs are all cut off. My bicycle has been tuned like a precision machine. The wife and I have a plan for the return trip on Sunday.

I just need to keep telling myself this is a well traveled road, with plenty of stops along the way. My bike is in great shape. I'm a resilient person. This will be fun.

one week left

One week from tonight, I will be camping under the stars. As I expected, now I begin to question how prepared I am. Am I carrying too much? How will my bike withstand the weight?

Did I spend too much? No, I want more of this. More bike trips, camping, exploring. More bike frames and gears, mechanics. I can keep dreaming from there

half day off

I took most of the day from work. It was nice because I spent my time doing inventory and applying waterproofing to the outside of my tent's rain slick, sleeping bag, and a few other items I expect may get wet. Won't say I am absolutely confident that the results will be as envisioned, but we'll see.

It's been an adventure in itself to try and prepare myself for this trip. Typically, I ride my bike as a commuter, but I'm always pushing myself to go faster. I average near 17mph on the trek to work (and I do have stops). While it is a great workout and I can make it 9.5 miles in 30-35 mins is pretty great, but I won't survive long with that pace on tour. I guess I'll just have to constantly remind myself to enjoy the scenery.

One more thing for anyone who may be interested in touring. I have found this website by Darren Alf to be a huge help in my planning. What he is doing is just the bee's knees and I would recommend his work for entertainment and information: http://bicycletouringpro.com/blog/

Sunday plan day.

Typically, I love to take a nice bike ride on my Sunday. Nashville has been covered in rain all week, however, and today is no different. Can't mow the lawn. Don't feel like pedaling wet (I'm sure that will happen in a week & change). So, I'm spending my afternoon with a little Madden on the Wii and some planning for the big trip.

To those friends and family worried about my going alone, please don't fret. The Natchez is a slow paced drive with no stops, and according to Steve a perfect beginning bike touring trail. There are public stops with water and food along the way, and even some bike-specific camping sites. I'll be checking at the end of each day and have all the necessary identification if any serious issues should arise.

What I'm most excited about is the alone time. For the past few years, I have been working to the brink of burnout. It has been very important for me, as I am still learning and growing as a technician. My troubleshooting skills have improved greatly, as well as my knowledge / interest in power amps, synths, powered speakers, solid state and tube amps. I have helped friends and learned how to better help customers (won't say my people skills have improved as well as the technical side). Point being, I have put many things on the back burner. I formerly wrote creatively and played music, and almost would have called myself a musician. There is a part of me that has been dormant and out of touch, in order to improve one aspect of my life. 

All that being said, I'm not expecting some sort of creative revival that brings me "back to form". Rather, I plan the time will be spent reflecting upon myself and planning my future. Probably will take form in pen and notebook rather than public blog.

17.April Update

Less than two weeks away. I can barely hold the excitement. Unfortunately, there was some bad news. Steve won't be joining me after all. A job he bid on has grown and he won't be able to leave the work behind.

I'm definitely disappointed. It was, after all, him that introduced this tour to me. However, if we were to go together the trip would need to be delayed until fall. To be honest, I don't know that I can mentally hold out that long. My stress load is high, and work isn't slowing down. More and more, I'm losing patience with myself and others. I need to escape.

So, the plan changes. Hopefully, Steve and I will make a future tour together, but this one will happen solo. Now my head goes into full prep mode. I have to complete my checklist. The tent need to be waterproofed. I have to plan out my meals. Snacks must be stocked. Maybe I need to pack my bike and go for a day ride, just to see how heavy it really will be. Already have my ride home secured. Whitney will be flying down and driving up in a rental.

The wheels are turning and won't be stopped.

Bicycle Touring the Natchez Trace

So, this first post is obviously to give you a taste of why I'm starting a blog. On April 29th, Steve and I will begin our 445 mile tour of the Natchez Trace Parkway. This is our pic from last year's Jack and Back:

Most of what I plan to do with this blog is create a place to plan and note places of interest. We'll be leaving the 29th and riding through until Sunday May 3rd. 

There are several places along the route for water, food and emergency gear. We will camp through the trip, and hope to average near 100 miles a day to finish the ride within our allotted time frame. While I won't update the blog during the tour, I do plan to take lots of photos and notes for sharing at a later time.