Jackson to Demopolis, Alabama

Today’s Miles: 94.9 / Total Trip Miles: 233.6

Today’s photos are here.

Today was A Great Ride!  Almost a century but totally different from the day before yesterday’s, coming into Jackson.

What made it so great?

• It was wonderfully cool when we started out - probably in the mid-50’s - and stayed, for this time of year, relatively cool the whole ride;
• Humidity wasn’t an issue;
• We had cloud cover for most the whole day - our cores didn’t overheat, we didn’t get dehydrated, we didn’t sweat off our sunscreen & end up with a sunburn;
• The climbs were both shorter and less steep than on the last day’s ride and there were fewer of them; 
• After the lunch stop at 60 miles, the route flattened out - a harder first half, easier second half - the opposite of the other day’s ride;
• The winds were negligible until mile 80 and for fifteen miles after that there was a tailwind (I know I’ve got the wind at my back when I find myself cruising at close to 20 m.p.h.);
• Until we got close to Demopolis, there was very little traffic and the few vehicles that did pass - logging trucks included - were super-considerate, going way over into the oncoming lane to give us wide berth; and
• The route had us on one road for the better part of 80 miles - no way for me to get lost!

And here’s what was absolutely The Best Part of the Day:   I stopped at a gas station/convenience store to use the loo & get a soda.  Chatted a bit with a woman, telling her about the tour, how we were biking from Mobile to Canada, that I was riding for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, etc.  When I left the store, she followed me outside and gave me a donation for Make-A-Wish!  

But wait: it gets better.  

Another woman who’d been a customer in the store & must’ve overheard us talking, gave me a donation too!  

I was - I still am - overwhelmed by these two women’s unexpected generosity and kindness!  If either of you is reading this, thank you so much - you made my day!

Lots more to tell - saw some great animals today - but I’m starting to fade.  More tomorrow.  Thanks for reading my blog!