Annette & Alice, report from the Natchez trail

By BrianC
October 7 2002

Here it is, straight from the horses mouth. Well from the horse via longsuffering if truth be told. Annette phoned Kevin with this update this morning.

Everyone including the bike arrived safely on Friday. Alice was pouting and none too happy about being put in the hold, but they made up on Saturday and away they went.

The communications are very poor, with those having Tri-bands unable to get a signal, there are no phone boxes, so basically it is one call a day just before set-off from the hotel.

The first day was a relaxed a mere 55 miles, and pretty uneventful.

Second day was much tougher. It is very hot, late twenties, making the going even more difficult. I suspect those who have trained will probably manage it, those who haven't may well wilt.

As usual they exercised in the morning and Alice joined Annette for this. They are running a competition to see who do the funniest workout. Needless to say Annette and Alice won, so Annette gets to wear the yellow jersey to-day. She has explained to the group the reason for Alice.

Yesterday and today they are starting at 07.30 am and are cycling for 12 hrs. It gets dark over there around 7.30pm so they must stop for safety reasons. Also dinner is served at 8.00 so there is very little time to do your own thing. They are typically crashing out straight after dinner.

Annette and Alice have had their photo taken at the Alabama State line.

Today they leave Florence for Tupelo a mere 100 miles. It is also raining. So I think Alice will be kept inside.

151 miles down. They are 25% complete.