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.......