We rode into Mississippi yesterday. Every kid’s favorite state to spell. The Texas Hills are now long gone and replaced by what I am calling the roly polys.
Today and yesterday were 70 mile days. All back roads. Just perfect.
I think I’ve earlier reported that Rob and I are the slowest riders, so we get out first thing in the morning, with the knowledge that everyone will either catch up to us, or pass us, by the first water stop. This morning, we were all at the first water stop together, and Rob and I promptly headed out toward the next stop. In about 5 minutes a group of 5 caught up to me. Rob had ridden ahead, so I thought, I’m gonna jump on the back of this pack and see if i can stay with them. For those of you who are not cyclists, drafting on the back of a paceline is the best. And today was my first time. On my own, I normally ride 12-13 mph. Today, at the back of the line, I was coasting at 17 mph. What joy! In about 2 miles, we caught up with Rob and he jumped into the line ahead of me. We now had 8 riders (the ride leader had joined the end), and we kept up that paceline (all “pulled” by one guy, John, for the majority of the time) for 15 miles!
We broke the pack for the ride to lunch, and then small groups took off for the final 20 miles. At last, we were able to take advantage of the winds and got a crosswind for 8 miles and then a tailwind for the final 4 as we turned north.
We are at the Gulf of Mexico!
Tomorrow, we leave Mississippi and get into Alabama; then onto a ferry for 4 miles and finishing up in Gulf Shores, AL. The ride will be flat as flat can be.
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