66 miles ridden – 2300 feet climbed – temperature 32C

Today was a much more social ride, non just because Darin was riding but everyone seemed a little demob happy at the prospect of a short (relatively) ride and then a rest day. The extended Across America North 2016 alumni ride again and Ernie’s shirt deserves special mention:

We started on country lanes which were quiet with lots of tree cover which we really needed as the road temperature was 44C. Occasionally we would get a cooling headwind, but sometimes the joy of having the wind at our tail was lost by the relentless heat.

We passed Lake Arkabutla which was a fantastic sight. The dam was built by the US Army Corp of Engineers creating a fabulous sporting, fishing and camping environment. Below the sluice we saw Silver Carp leaping as they tried to get upstream – they are disliked as they are quite large and have a habit of jumping into boats. Glad I was on a bike.

Although things got progressively busier as we got closer to Memphis our SAG stop was at a closed down store. Sad progress I guess:

The last 15 miles were just busy roads and highway intersections, with the highlights being Graceland and Sun Records. For such iconic places the surrounding areas are pretty nasty, especially at Graceland, but I have been there!

Tomorrow I will visit the Civil Rights Museum and sit on large upholstered seats in air-conditioned buildings!