DAILY BLOG

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.
— James 1:2

Cycling on the Natchez Trace

Today was supposed to be the day that we were going to set our non-wind-aided time record for 100 miles. Our goal was 5 hours, which would work out to 20mph average. The route seemed like a perfect one for the attempt—low winds, low traffic, little hills, and good roads. The problem would be with that last assumption—good roads. The Natchez Trace pavement near Jackson is perfect, totally smooth and easy to reach a consistent, steady pace. Unfortunately, we discovered this morning that the quality of the pavement in the mid-section north of Kosciusko was awful. For the first 40 miles of the day, we had to fight the constant vibrations coming from the pavement, leaving our seat and hands quite numb and pained. “Consider it pure joy!”

Getting water from the support vehicle

I was pushing hard in the lead, but I was having trouble going much beyond 17-19mph. Crazy how inefficient the rough road is on translating energy/effort into speed. (Interesting science experiment!)

The heat is getting to Rich

Jordan, Jared, and Rich

Jared was really struggling during the first 70 miles today. He was not feeling well, but was bound and determined to finish the full distance. So, in spite of the fact that he slowed down for awhile and had trouble keeping going for about a 30-mile stretch, his perseverance paid off and he made the complete 100 miles today into Tupelo. Good job!

Breaking for lunch

All around, it was a good character building day. Because of the initial rough roads and general fatigue, I was in pain the entire ride—legs, seat, hands, etc. Some days riding is a pure joy, pain is minimal, and the challenge of riding a long distance is an amazing experience. Other days, like today, the pain of riding requires you to simply will yourself to finishing, in spite of the discomfort and in spite of the desire to want to lay down by the side of the road in the grass. “Consider it pure joy!”

Kim loves her cell phone on the trip!

It was hot & humid today! Temperatures reached 98 degrees, which is the highest we’ve had in awhile. Still, we’d take these humid temperatures over those 115 degree temperatures we experienced in the desert.

In the end, it took us 5 hours and 51 min, which is an average of 17.2mph. Overall, we were pleased with that given all of the challenges.

Jordan had a good riding day, including a very strong morning stretch. Justy rode for a bit this afternoon, but he seems to be preferring being cameraman to bike rider these days. That’s ok—he’s doing a great job as chief photographer.

Jordan and Justy get some miles in

Tomorrow is a rest day! Yeah! I deliver the message at the First Baptist Church of Tupelo in the morning and then we’ll have a free afternoon together. One of the best things about rest days is not having to pack and unpack on that day.