I got up around 7am and searched for bike shops on line. Found one about 14 miles away just off the Natches and back by Hwy 51. I had to get to the bike shop, so this determined my route for the day.
I headed out at 8:30 and made my way up to the Natches and headed east to Ridgeland. My body was definitely worn down from yesterday’s ride so I decided to make it an easier day.

The nice thing about the Natches Trace is that it follows the contour of the land and is not as hilly. It is also a designated bike highway and is not as busy.

I found the bike shop around 11. I had not eaten breakfast because I thought there would be something along the way… note to self… there is absolutely nothing on the Natches!
I got all the parts I needed and had my wheels trued and things adjusted. The people at The Bike Crossing bike shop were great. I hung out there in the AC till about noon.
When inquiring about food choices, I learned of a BBQ place called The Pigskin just a few blocks away. How could I resist? I headed over and had the lunch special; smothered hamburger steak, fried ochre, mac n cheese, corn bread and butter corn… and sweet tea.

After that, I filled my water jug with ice and water and hit the Natches once again.
Had no luck in finding a host before Memphis so I decided to camp. There was a camping area 23 miles up the trace so I made it my goal.
The Natches Trail is quite beautiful and scenic… once originally trails used by native peoples, early settlers and traders began to use it and eventually it was turned into a federal supply trail. It is now listed as a scenic highway route and bike route through 3 states.
There are also many historic stopping points along the way as well as scenic overlooks such as the Reservoir overlook and the sunken cypress swamp.

The only real excitement along the way was my last patched tube finally started to leak and I had to swap it out…

I made it to the camp around 6. Just in time to get a shower, set up camp and get some dinner at the weekend only bar at the Ratliff Ferry Trading post.

Did I mention the locals performing drunken karaoke?…
I left the air conditioned restaurant at about 10pm and settled into my tent. The temp was much more tolerable than the last campout with less humidity. I actually slept fairly well.