91 miles ridden – 3000 feet climbed – 27C

It’s official – Day 4 is the new Day 3 (only not so bad). It was a long hot day that split into 3 parts.

The first section took us through the outskirts of Natchez into some beautiful quite country lanes. The only drawback was the road surface which ranged between OK and awful and this was compounded by bursts of brilliant sunshine through the tree canopy making it difficult to see.

Although not heavily populated there were plenty of nice looking houses all of which had a decent amount of land. In UK terms they looked pretty decent but this area of the US is quite poor and appearances are deceptive.

The second section of the days ride was around 50 miles on the Natchez Trace Parkway. Its origins go back to pre-colonial times when Native Americans used this natural break through the forest to travel many hundreds of miles for trading. It subsequently became a major route all the way from Natchez up to Nashville in Tennessee but was superseded by the Interstate Highways and was then designated as a National Scenic Trail. Running over 400 miles, the critical point is that it has possibly the best quality road surface I have ever cycled on AND over the 50 miles we were on it I don’t think we saw more than 30 cars. Very nice!

The third section took us through quiet roads with farms and a few small communities through to Vicksburg itself. Like many cities on the Mississippi Vicksburg has seen better days but is trying hard to harness its history and reinvigorate its economy. As always these things are a mixed bag.

So why is Day 4 the new Day 3? I woke up and felt great until I started walking to breakfast (05:50!) when my legs politely informed me that they did not wish to go cycling again today. Of course I ignored them but it took about 50 miles before they gave up nagging me during which time it was getting hotter and more humid. I did start to wonder where the nearest air-conditioned diner was but there is always someone to ride with and/or talk to so onwards to tomorrow and our first 100 mile day.