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?