Day 16: Franklinton to Jackson

March 2, 2025

I went to bed at 9:30 and woke up at 5:30. It was colder (low of 40F) and I was up a few times, so it wasn't a great night sleep. The lights in the police yard might have contributed.

We got to use the kitchen in the police department for dinner last night and breakfast this morning. It was nice to have place inside. We could also leave our stuff charging. I left my large power pack charge over night as it charges slowly. I used my smaller battery pack to keep my phone charged during the night. One bad thing about eating breakfast inside was that I was cold when I went outside. I started the ride with leg warmers, sun sleeves and a long sleeve jersey. I put on my toe covers and used the heavy sock guy socks. I took off the leg warmers and the vest at about noon when I stopped for lunch. I was a little cool at first, but when the engine warms up it was perfect.

I think I was a little dehydrated at the start of the day. I drank a 24 oz bottle of water, but didn't have tea. I finished my first bottle pretty early, and felt better after I did. I stopped at a convenience store at ~mile 22 (in Tangipahoa) and bought and drank milk and ate a granola bar and a Kind bar. I stopped again at mile 48 at at Dollar General and ate a PBJ sandwich, a string cheese and a White Reeses Peanut Butter cup 2-pack (that I got at Tangipahoa)> stopped in Clinton, I think mile 24 and ate some trail mix. I was super hungry and stopped briefly at mile 68 to eat some more trail mix. I would have eaten a Goo if I had one. I drank most of my 2 bottles on the ride, so had about 3 bottles and the milk. I felt like I did a good job of hydrating, bu should have had some more to eat. Tomorrow I may make a 2nd sandwich but am not sure where I will put it. At the campground I ate a big bag of carrots and the rest of my trail mix.

The ride itself was very nice. There was a north westerly wind and we were traveling mostly west. It definitely made riding easier, which was nice given the length. There was more elevation gain (2500 feet over 74 miles) than any previous day, but they were rollers that you can ride over without real climbing effort. The roads were good. They were busier than yesterday, and it is the day of many Mardi Gras parties, but almost everyone was very polite. All-in-all, a great day.

Tomorrow is a shorter day: 55 miles. Funny that a 55 mile ride is now short. It looks like it will be another tailwind. I have to cook tomorrow and am planning to have shrimp creole. Tuesday is looking like a storm is coming through with rain and high winds, and it looks like it will be a headwind.

Today's ride: 74 miles (119 km)
Total: 815 miles (1,312 km)

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Kelly IniguezBeef jerky is a good snack that's available at the convenience store. It's nice to have something salty to combat all of the sweetness. Fig newtons are another touring only snack. 50 calories each. Got to love that on long days.

I'm enjoying reading along with you.
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3 weeks ago

Eric FreyTo Kelly IniguezI don't know why I didn't think of beef jerky. I eat it when backpacking. It is a good way to get some protein and a change from all the carbs, as you said. I have been eating fig newtons, and agree they are a good food.
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3 weeks ago