|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Over hill and over and over and over.... November 5, 2008Leave a comment ;)
Did I say Mississippi was flat? I stand corrected if I did. The Mississippi bottom land is flat. Flatter than a pancake, I believe I claimed yesterday. Leave the bottom land and up you go. Up and down, over and over. I really do think I am a nut for hills. It's something about working hard and resting shortly thereafter. The first hill just east of Greenwood rose out of the cotton fields and snaked up through the trees. It was a seven percent grade and I could actually hear the trucks downshifting and struggling up the climb. The undulating landscape carried on for about 30 miles and it was quite a pleasant experience. The shoulder was reasonable part of the time. I now believe that the rumble strips are not inherent to any particular county. Rumble strips would appear out of nowhere. No change in county or municipality. So much for my highway department theory! I think they are just doing it to keep cyclists on their toes! The landscape changed dramatically from the bottom land to the hills. Not just the natural features, but the economic ones as well. The homes were more stately and well kept. The yards were manicured and spacious. Throughout my ride along the bottom lands and on either side of the Mississippi, there appeared to be much more poverty and economic downturn. Even though the economic status was less than other places I have been, the people were incredibly pleasant and outgoing. Many times a truck or car would pull alongside or pass in front of me and people would wave and call out. It's amazing how people respond to someone on a touring bike. Everyone seems to be interested and willing to chat! To be honest, many people have expressed concern about me riding across the south, but I have seen the exact opposite. A pleasant and enjoyable revelation over what I was told to expect. Highway 82 is four lane with a large median separating the eastbound from the westbound. It weaves around the local communities, bypassing the heart of most of the small towns that dot the landscape. My Dad and I pulled into Kilmichael, MS and found an awesome cafe right in the heart of the town square. The place was packed! The Chief of Police started up a conversation with a deep southern drawl. I find my drawl rising to the surface when I chat with folks from the south, be it OK, AR, or MS. It becomes especially strong when I order "swwweeet teeaa" or "peekhan pie." "Thank y'all, y'all come back now, ya hear." Most of my ride took me along Hwy 82, but it was a nice experience to detour into Kilmichael. For today's problem, let's do some everyday math. Our bill for two grilled chicken sandwiches with mushrooms, onions, and swiss cheese, a "sweeeet teea" and "peekhan pie" with ice cream was $17.59 with tax. How much should I have tipped the waitress (there was a sign encouraging me to do so) if my tip was 15%? I tip 20% if the service is great. Do you know a fast way to calculate the tip without grabbing your calculator or pencil? It's easy to figure out 10% of $17.59. Half of 10% would be 5%. Add them together (in your head) and you get 15%. For those of you that like to shop garage sales or yard sales, this is the place for you. Bonita's Hobby Shop was actually a well stocked yard sale complete with table cloths on each of the folding tables. All of her items were neatly spaced on each table and row after row of clothes lining the side of the house. Not sure what Kamp Kumbaya held in store for campers, but I had this strange urge to sing as I passed the sign. "Swing low, sweet...." I slid under the Natchez Trace Parkway, which I am told does not allow commercial truck traffic. Why didn't they build it east to west? Sure would be nice to be rid of the large trucks that prowl Highway 82! Most of the cotton fields I have passed by in AR and just east of the Mississippi have already been picked, so it was a surprise to come along a large field just right of the highway. In the setting sun, it made a beautiful sight with the tufts of cotton brightly lit. I crossed the Choctaw County line and within 500 yards, I crossed into Oktibbeha County. Smallest county I have come across in my travels. I've been trying to complete 90-mile days, but it is hard with the sun setting just after 5:00 pm. I rolled into Starkville with my taillight and headlight flashing, but I couldn't quite make it to the hotel before the sun set. The key to be safe is always having a plan to minimize the risk. Not riding after dark is mine. Tomorrow my ride will take me through Columbus, MS and down to Tuscaloosa, AL. With just under 84 miles, it shouldn't be a problem if I can drag myself out of bed at a reasonable hour. More Images: ;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
3 Comments
Nov 6, 2008 7:34 am - Joe Oswald wrote : Hello John, I know you are happy to be on the final leg of your journey. It was great to spend so much time with you this summer. I should have warned you about the Mississippi River bridge. My bike is still in the shop but I should have it back early next week. Take care, stay safe, ride hard, and keep making a difference in people's lives. You have a gift for that! Joe
Nov 5, 2008 10:16 pm - Trottmann's in Oregon wrote : Keep on Keeping On John. Love reading about your travel adventures. The folks you are meeting are the real Americans. Sure makes us proud of all you have done and seen. You should be leading us from Washington as an Oklahoma Senator. Add a comment: |
 RSS
Follow John on his trek via
Google Earth! 
PLEASE SUPPORT
THESE SPONSORS 
View Clip Now! >> |
Linn Productions.
Hey John!! Glad you enjoyed your SWEEEEET TEEEA! Seriously..... have you ever considered politics? Think you would be great at it!! Enjoying your blog! Will check on you tomorrow! Lisa Wilson