Chilly Willy

So I finally was able to get out today after a busy week at the Inn, and weather that was not very conducive to cycling. It was a cool 47 degrees (for Mississippi), at Noon so I decided to stay off the Trace and ride the Ridgeland bike paths. One reason was because there was a cold wind and the trees on the path protect you from the wind. Secondly, with everything else going on this week, I didn't feel very focused for riding and wanted to avoid traffic. There was practically nobody on the bike paths and I didn't have to think a lot about running into walkers or cyclists. Good day to bundle up with arm and leg warmers to protect me from the cold. When you ride a cycle, the cold air feels probably 20 degrees cooler on a bike than walking. I started north and went as far as I could before the path came to a dead end and then I turned around and went back to where I started. Then headed south and dead ended before turning around and returning to the Natchez Center in Ridgeland. Completed 22.3 miles in  1 hr. 42 mins. Climbed 1230 ft. and burned 691 calories. with an average speed of 13.1 mph. I have figured out that drinking water with Emergen-C gives me gas while I'm riding, so I'm back to drinking plain water on the ride. I've been riding this week without my panniers, so I'll have to get them back on the bike and start loading them with weight to experience how it will be when I am in England. I hope you will consider supporting the charities and sponsoring my ride. Any donation is welcome! Two weddings this weekend, but hope to get in a 60 mile plus ride. Stay tuned........

And the Oscar goes to......

So I'm recovering from today's ride while sitting here on the couch watching the Oscars. Today was a mixed bag. I started on the Trace heading South towards Natchez all the way to Raymond, MS. Had a smooth ride down with what seemed to be downhill riding all the way. Completed the first 30 miles in 1hr.45 mins. and then hit a tough headwind with many hills on the way back. Completed 50.1 miles in 3 hrs 44 mins. with ave. speed  of 13.4 mph. Rode 2,425 ft. in elevations burning 1,575 calories. It was  such a beautiful day, cool at 50 degress but not a cloud in the sky. Put on the leggings and arm warmers on the way out, but when it warmed up around noon, I was able to take them off. As you can see from the photo, I chose to ride without my panniers today. (For those that don't know, panniers are the packs that we store are clothing, etc and hang on the sides of the racks on the bike). My goal is to get a ride to Natchez & back the next day by late April. It's 101 miles from Jackson to Natchez, so that should be a good pre-LEJOG ride. All for now...

Prize if you're paying attention

So for those of you reading my blog, the first person to comment on the blog as to the correct location in the UK of the photo on the middle of my header on the blog home page, wins dinner for two in Sophia's Restaurant! Hint: It's a popular tourist region to visit! Good Luck!

Boy Scout....but not prepared today!

After heavy storms yesterday, the sun came through and at 58 degrees made for a good day for a ride. Wanted to get a long ride in after resting for two days, so took off north again on the Natchez Trace. Went 30 miles and then doubled back. The wind was crazy as it was pretty strong in my face going up and seemed to be the same intensity coming back the other way. At about 38 miles the sky got very dark and pretty steady rain continued through the rest of my ride. I believed the weather forecasters and did not come prepared with rain gear, so I suffered through the remainder of the ride. I actually don't mind the rain, just have to be extra careful with the traffic, puddles etc. Cycling in the middle of the day (I began at 11:00 a.m.), there is a lot less traffic on the Trace. I still kept a 4 min. 10 sec./mile pace and once again I 'm feeling it this evening. I still have not learned my lesson to slow things down. Anyway was happy to reach my new milestone of 60.4 miles? YEAH! Finished in 4 hrs. 11 minutes with average speed of 14.4 mph. climbing 2,940ft. and burning 2,001 calories. Once again except for a couple of steeper hills, I never really felt winded. Being four hours on the bike though, I did feel it in my back and shoulders after the ride. I'm at 20% of my goal raising money for the charities thanks to everyone's support. Still have a ways to go, but confidant I will get there. Thanks for all your support! More later....

Ride through History and then....

A beautiful day to get away from the Inn and explore the Vicksburg National Park. Tamar came with me and walked the park while I cycled around. The 16 mlle meandering trail was very hilly and proved to be a great training ground for steep ascents and downhill runs. Controlling speed on the downhill was just as challenging as climbing. Used many more gears to make the climbs and felt it in both my heart rate and in my legs. Completed the ride in 1 hr 27 mins. Climbed 1074 ft and burned 462 calories. Ave speed was only 11.2 mph. Below are a few photos of the park. Arrived home safely and then slipped and fell flat on my back hard on the tile floor. Bruised my right index finger and my middle back. Shook me up for a little while. Also. still have a problem with my right foot that hopefully will heal with a little rest. Been on my feet a lot with all the Valentine's week activities at the Inn. More soon........

For the Love of it......

After a crazy busy Valentine's Day at the Inn yesterday, I went out on a beautiful, sunny day today, 62 degrees...perfect riding weather. Another milestone today...50.1 miles! The wind was steadily in my face most of the way heading north on the Natchez Trace. Made it to mile marker 127 and then turned around.
Felt great until about 34 miles into the ride and then started getting tingling and numbness in my right foot. Thought I had put my sock on wrong causing the sensation. After pulling off the road and taking off my shoe, I realized the sensation was due to the pressure on the pedal for so long. After a few minutes I was back on the bike and completing the ride. Finished the ride in 3 hrs. 34 minutes (too fast) averaging 14 mph and climbing elevations of 2,585 ft. Burned 1,612 calories and had an average pace of 4 mins. 18 secs./mile. I have this program on the I-Phone called runtastic. It keeps track by GPS my location and stats and you can actually like me and I hear the cheer through my speakers. The APP also verbally tells me each mile my total distance and time. Pretty cool! It's now four hours after my ride and I'm definately exhausted. I fueled up on the ride and had a great Sushi dinner this evening, but I think I pushed a little too hard today. I have to learn to pace myself better for the longer distances. Hoping to get over to the Vicksburg National Military Park this weekend. It has 16 miles of steep hills for the tour around, what has been called, the "Gettysburg of the South". This will be great practice for me climbing hills. More to come.......

Alone......or.......Community

Yesterday I rested after the rough ride on Monday. Lot's happening at the Inn with luncheons and then Mardi Gras celebrating Fat Tuesday in the Library Lounge. Great New Orleans Mardi Gras music by the Big Easy Three. The masks came out of the closet and King Cake was enjoyed by all.

Our friend and famous Mississippi artist Wyatt Waters stopped by to join the celebration with friends.

Recognize any faces behind the masks?

So today I headed to the Ridgeland Trails close to the Natchez Trace. It occurred to me that all but a few of those walking, running or cycling were together. So when it comes to exercising, we choose to be alone and yet we're still part of the exercising community. Maybe we just like to leave on our own schedule, maybe we want to go at our own pace, or maybe we just need this time to be really "alone" to reflect on our day, our marriage, our life and our accomplishments.
By being on the same trail we still are connected as part of the exercising community, yet not really having to talk with each other. Similarly in a gym the same thing applies although conversations are more likely to be had with those exercising close to you. What I like about riding the bike alone is that I can truly think and dream without being interrupted. Invariably any Innkeeper will tell you that while at the Inn you never have any alone time. Your guests and your staff constantly are vying for your time. So having this escape time is helping me be more creative and giving me the "space" I need to dream and reflect.
Completed 22.1 miles in 1 hr. 45 mins. At 12.7 mph burning 668 calories. Elevation climb was 1,214 ft. I could have biked much further but ran out of daylight. Went to the end of the Trace Trail hence the photo below.

For those of you following the Red Chair around the country at B&B's, I think my bike in these photos could become the next red chair!
By the way did you know that only 14 percent of the traveling public think about staying at a B&B or Inn. Hence the "Better Way To Stay" logo on my home page. Click on the link to learn more about the BETTER WAY TO STAY!

Neither snow, nor rain.........stops me from cycling!

Started today at the Hilton Garden Inn in Madison. Headed west on Hwy. 463 up to Rte. 22 on to Flora. Then doubled back on Rte. 22. Ended up at the Nissan Plant across I-55 and found my way home via Gluckstadt. That was a 42 mile ride that felt like 60. (Not that I know what 60 feels like yet). I was cycling into the wind most of the way on Rte. 22. It rained on/off, but my gear kept me dry except for my gloves. I solved my power supply problem for the I-phone. I picked up a charger at Apple over the weekend and was able to play music and run my bike program that tracks my rides.Awesome! Only in America can you see redneck trailers and homes with tacky yards (beat up cars , white painted rubber tires for decoration and junk everywhere), and a mile down the road see 10,000 sq ft homes on 40 acre lots with lakes and grand entrances.
Relatively flat ride with elevations totaling 1250 ft. Burned 1300 calories and completed ride in 3 hrs. 24 minutes at 13.1 mph or4:35 miles. No wonder I feel like I do. (Like I was hit with a Mack truck). Took a nice long Epsom salt bath when I returned home. Please tell your friends about my journey and ask them to sponsor me! Thanks to all of you who have sponsored to date. I really appreciate your support. More later........

A Milestone.....some firsts.......and 3's

Before I get to today's ride, let me tell you about yesterday. I was able to get out after our Manager's Staff Meeting and clocked 16.6 miles in 1 hr. 21 minutes burning 493 calories and climbing 702 ft. Just rode up to County Line Road and back and stopped in The Complete Flag Source on the way home to get a U.S. & U.K. flag to put on by panniers on my bike for the trip. Had to rush back to get to a dinner to honor Macy Hart, one of our Temple Members, and so cut my ride short.
Today, however, I reached the 40 mile milestone. Yea!!!! Went back out on the Natchez Trace , so my first "first" was being chased by three wild dogs ( 2 tan and one black), they looked like young Rottweilers. They chased me for a half mile and then gave up. Then I came upon a flock of wild turkeys. Pretty cool just meandering along the side of the road. The wind was pretty strong, so I practiced staying low in the handlebars, my head down, for about five miles to cut the resistance to the wind. The technique will come in handy on those real blustery days. I arrived at the 20 mile point and stopped to take a photo of BaldCypress Swamp. After about two miles heading back south, I encountered another three dogs ( this time 2 black and 1 tan). They definitely got my attention and made me realize I need to pick up a dog deterrent spray that I saw available at the The Bike Rack .
So as I was completing mile 38, I saw three doe on the side of the road. It was past sunset and the traffic on the road was pretty active, but they didn't seem bothered. So if you are going near a casino tonight, play three. Like I said earlier, I finished 40.1 miles in 2 hrs. 55 mins. Burned 1530 calories and climbed 1644 ft in elevation. Ate 2 bananas, 2 goo, 6 fig newtons and a great steak when I got home. Really enjoying my bike and feeling OK in the saddle (my butts not too sore). Mississippi like most states has a law that requires motorists to allow three feet clearance when passing a cyclist. While most of the drivers abide by the law, (thank you!!!), I have an answer for those that get too close. While cycling it is not uncommon to clear one's sinuses. In fact you develop a skill level so as to not get the mucus on your clothing. Well if a car gets too close to me, they better make sure they have the passenger side window rolled up. :) More later.......

Where to Pee?...or finding the Loo!

Great day today. Cycled over 30 miles - a milestone for this novice. Started on the Natchez Trace at mile marker 102 and headed North. For those not familiar the Natchez Trace goes from Nashville, TN to Natchez, MS. Two lane highway, mostly wooded and cars should not go more than 50 mph.Very smooth ride going up, with very little wind. I started just after 3pm and I was thinking as I was riding about how calm the Resevoir looked.(See photo left). I remember from my 

Ross Barnett Reservoir

sailing days that the wind was strongest between 9-11am and 1-3pm. Something to do with the alignment of the moon and sun. So after 3pm it dies down-a good time to ride. When you ride long distances you get to think about many things. I noticed all the dead large trees on the side of the road and in the woods along the Trace. I thought what a great Boy Scout project and maybe even fundraising opportunity for the Scouts to contract with the National Park Service to remove the old trees and they could chop them up as part of their Merit Badge requirement and sell the firewood to benefit their Troop activities. Obviously the older boys would need to do this, and I'm sure for preservation reasons the Park Service would want some trees to naturally decompose, but there sure are a lot of trees out there. As I got to mile 15 on my ride I pulled over to pee. Now I have never hadan issue on the golf course finding somewhere to  hide and visit nature.



Natchez Trace Looking North

 Especially when the course does not provide lavatories. But where do you go when on the side of a highway with the possibility of a car driving by any second. It really is a dilema. Cyclists are programmed to consume adequate amounts of H20 to prevent dehydration, but all that water has to go somewhere. I know some of you are thinking this is way TMI (too much information). But if I want you to keep reading my blog, I have to make it somewhat interesting!! Anyway I hid behind the tree to the right. Not easy when you're in tight cycling shorts with suspenders.... As I was saying, it was a great afternoon , low 60's and overcast.I completed 30.2 miles in 2hrs 12 minutes with an average speed of 13.2 mph. Burned 960 calories. Ate oatmeal (porridge on the other side of the pond) before the ride, and two bananas, raisins, six fig newton's and a tube of Goo (packaged energy mix) during and after the ride. Climbed 1657 ft in elevation that got my heart rate up a couple of times, but never out of breath. More later.....



Super Bowl...or not?

After working Sunday brunch, and giving my wife Tamar a break to go to yoga, I chose to ride instead of watching the start of the Super Bowl. (Got my priorities correct, right?) I returned from Las Vegas to find another $1,000 pledge from Simon's anesthesiologist, Dr. Mayhew, who works at the University of Mississippi Medical Center . Thank You! Now if I can only figure out how to post offline donations to the First Giving site, I'll be adding over $3,000 to the goal. Perfect riding weather in the low sixties today. Went out about 4pm along Old Canton Road, Pear Orchard and up into Ridgeland on the trails. Spent sometime after three miles trying to fix my helmet that lost a snap. Will have to stop by the Bike Rack tommorow to get some help from Tim or Michael.The entire staff there have given me some great advice since I started on this journey. Came back down Hwy 51 and the frontage road and back through Fondren. Completed 28 miles in 2 hrs. 12 mins. riding 12.3 mph. Burned 806 calories and rode elevations of 1132ft. Still haven't figured out how to stop my I-phone battery from running low after 2 hrs. Really smooth ride today.Felt strong most of the way without ever feeling winded. The bike seat is comfortable and each time out I'm getting more out of the gears. I do think I need to build up my upper body strength. Stay tuned...

Leaving Las Vegas

After 7 days in Las Vegas, I'm ready to return home to MS. Great seeing all my fellow Innkeeper's, learning what's new in our industry, and sharing knowledge. With a jam packed schedule I did not get in the work outs I had hoped for, but received a lot of support and encouragement from the B&B community. A special shout out to the Bed & Breakfast Association of Mississippi  (BBAM), for their generous support as a Corporate Sponsor for my ride. So yesterday at the Tropicana gym I cycled 25.25 miles in 1 hr. 14 mins. burning 378 calories. My heart rate peak was 114 bpm. Flying all day today (Saturday). Ready to get back on the bike Sunday and put in some miles. Working on my itinerary and still looking for B&B recommendations in the UK. Check out my route on the blog. More later.....