Scenic Natchez Trace Draws Bicyclists
bicyclists, biking, cycling, natchez trace, recreation, scenic,
The Natchez Trace Parkway tempts more than motorists with its shady paths‚ plentiful wildlife and historical sites. Bicyclists from across the country visit the designated bike route to ride a section or the entire 444-mile road through Tennessee‚ Mississippi and Alabama.
The Natchez Trace winds through Tupelo‚ where bikers and retail outlets alike are spreading the word about biking the Trace.
“It’s 444 miles long‚ and bicycle enthusiasts love that‚” says Ernie Price‚ park ranger for the Natchez Trace Parkway in Tupelo. “They really like our park‚ especially in the spring and fall.”
Now that the parkway was completed in 2005‚ bicyclists can forget about dealing with annoying detours or other obstacles to the scenic views on the Natchez Trace‚ Price adds.
Cyclists visiting the Natchez Trace should call the park’s visitor center at (800) 305-7417 for an information packet that includes a map and lists of nearby bicycle repair shops‚ sources for water and food and accommodations. The packet‚ updated every six months‚ also is great for local riders‚ Price notes.
Harris Magruder‚ owner of Trails & Treads outdoors store less than two miles from the park’s headquarters in Tupelo‚ says many visitors to the Trace pop in for bike tune-ups or to pick up spare bike tubes.
Visitors also can catch Magruder and several more riding along the historical road.
“For the most part‚ we ride several days a week‚ starting at the visitor’s center and going north‚” he says. “It’s pretty tame‚ not that hilly‚ but you get a great workout.”
The dedicated crew rides as much as 60 miles on weekends. And riders be warned – Magruder advises getting out early before the Mississippi heat sets in. In fact‚ his own group is usually on the road by 6 a.m.
And the informal club is gaining more members as word spreads. “On a Saturday ride‚ there’s anywhere from six to 25 people and all caliber of riders‚” he says.
People of all ages seem to be catching bike fever.
“More people are getting into it again. Road bikes have really taken off. Tupelo is holding its first triathlon at Tombigbee State Park in August.”
New bike technology‚ as well as the sport’s easiness on one’s knees‚ is helping to fuel biking’s popularity in Northeast Mississippi.
“They’ve made so many advances in bicycles now‚ it’s easy to get on a lower bike and go faster‚” Magruder says. “It helps you mentally stay out there longer.”
Story by Cristal Cody
Photo by Greg Emens
Comments
Leave your own comment:
