Day 2 – Little River by the homeless bridge to Jackson

The norm. Rolling hills. Up and down. Leaving Little River I nearly missed my turn which would have been disastrous! Any missed turn and it would take quite a while for me to realize what I had done and could set me back hours. Luckily my Spidey sense knew it wasn’t right as soon as I flew by the road. My next rest stop was Purdue Hill so I pushed the roughly 25 miles to get there. There wasn’t much but at the major intersection was a post office/grocery store. I went in, browsed the aisles looking for something tasty. Day 2 I’m realizing a good part of training would be only letting myself eat at convenience stores on my training rides. Suffering with the food selection available there. I thought prior to the ride, this would be a highlight, eating junk food but really…it’s a low light. All I crave is a smoothie or salad or good quality chocolate. But instead, I’m left with Pringles, Hostess products, prepackaged cookies and the like. After spending a ridiculous amount of time browsing I just get my chocolate milk and water. The women at the cash register ask where I’m heading. When I reply “Canada” they immediately say “Praise the Lord, I’m going to pray for you”…just like most people seem to respond. Some version of the same. I pack up my milk and water and leave on the epic decent down the other side of Perdue Hill. As soon as I left Perdue Hill, this put me on highway 84. Super not awesome road. Between the logging trucks flying by and the cars that drive way too close, it was not super enjoyable. Also, at this point, the shoulder is about 2-3 feet wide but over a foot of that (usually in the center) is hogged by rumble strips and is not rideable. I think many of the passing cars and trucks don’t realize that is why cyclists are not completely riding on the shoulder. It’s not possible!! Anywho, makes for an adventure. Next stop was Grove Hill. Coming into Grove Hill there was a Mickey D’s and although not my favorite, it was promised to have cold beverages, restrooms and predictability. I still wanted a smoothie and good chocolate but settled for McDonalds. Ended up being the most awesome Mickey D’s experience ever!!! When I went to order, one of the employees had seen me riding earlier in the day and remarked that I was “fast.” Obviously she must have caught me on a downhill, ha! (I’m SO slow!!!) They asked where I was going, I said Canada. They all were in disbelief. They even brought other employees out to tell them I was biking to Canada. They asked to take my picture so I stood there for a photo op. I felt so important. Ha! I mean…I am important but…you know. So then I asked to have my picture with them. So fun!!! 

 A customer that overheard us talking came over and asked if someone was checking on me during my trip. I said yes. She offered to give me her number so I could check in with her to make sure I was safe and someone was keeping track of me. So sweet!

Then another customer and her Dad came over to talk and see if they can double check I’m taking a good route. 

Another employee came up to tell me she was a cyclist and does an annual benefit ride that is 150 mile one day ride. Crazy talk. 

And as I was leaving, one of the guys that was working in back ran out to confirm the story his coworkers told him, was I REALLY going to try and ride my bike to Canada?!? So we chatted for a second before I hit the road, bound for Jackson. A few friendly dog chases along the way from here but right away you could tell they were barking and running out of curiosity and to do their guard dog duties but had no intention of taking my leg off. 8 in total for the day. 3 at one house, 3 at another house and 2 at a third house. One even ran along side, wagging and barking for a block or so before turning back.   

There’s a gravel road bypass that takes off a few miles I wanted to try but because it had rained so much last week decided it was best to skip. It was called “gravel” but when I approached, it looked a bit more clay/mud like. My bike is probably around 85 lbs with water etc. and that plus me, I wasn’t sure if we’d sink in.   

We stayed on the long route and rolled into Jackson for the night. There was a Walmart on the towns edge. I really wanted to go buy something. I can’t say that I usually say that. But…it was just that it was right there and has everything. I couldn’t think of anything to buy so I kept rolling into town.