Natchez Trace and more

[KathiCville]

ReadytoCycle.......Here's a link to a thread I posted last April after doing a week-long WomanTours bike tour of part of the Natchez Trace to mark my 50th birthday.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...=natchez+trace

I think the link to the photo album I uploaded onto Shutterfly doesn't work at the moment, but the overall 'report' on the trip, plus comments from other TE posters might give you some useful insights.

Before I headed to Mississippi, I snagged a guidebook to the NT: "Bicycling the Natchez Trace" by Glen Wanner. Offers practical info, plus historical highlights along the Trace and places nearby.

[AnnieBikes]

HI there, I have been a long distance hiker for many years and have just made the leap to bicycle touring. There are many, many similarities except that you don't have to carry everything on your back!! If you will hike the aisles of the grocery store, you can find many easy, short-cooking meals. Knorr (formerly Lipton, I think) makes all kinds of "sides" that are great to eat. At the beginning of the trip, you might only want half a serving, then later, as your appetite increases (), you can eat a whole package. I repackaged them at home with the directions, into two meals. Ramen, which is very cheap, can be spiced up with packaged shrimp, tuna, or salmon. Just don't use the whole flavor packet in the Ramen, which is loaded with sodium! Tortillas and peanut butter are great for lunches, especially if you are not near a town. I rode a short section of the Natchez last year on the Underground RR Route with WomanTours, and it often does not come close to a town for lunches. There are lots of places to camp. I also have heard great things about the Big Agnes so you should be fine there. Go light in the panniers!!! Look at your gear and take out what you do not absolutely need. The less you carry the happier you will be. Please, please keep us posted about your trip!! It sounds wonderful!!

[Aint Doody]

I'm sure you've probably already been on this site. www.nps.gov/natr/index.htm If not, take a look at it. I, too, am plannng to do the Natchez Trace in 2011 with my sisters. I requested their maps and info for cyclists. The map is also available online, but I found that I had to print sections at a time. The one they sent me is very nice indeed. Let us know all about the trip.