I headed back out tonight for another ride on the Trace. Last night I got back to the hotel right around dark and thought to myself, why am I not still riding? So today I strapped the headlight on the bike with full intentions of going around 40 miles which would take me well after dark. Great decision.
The weather was phenomenal again. 82 when I took off, 77 when I got back to the car. The breeze was slight, the kind that just lets you know it exists, but not hard enough to really count as a head wind as you ride. Flying through the hardwood forests hearing nothing but the whir of wheels, chirp of crickets in late afternoon, and feeling the wind in my face made me feel as alive as I have in a while.
I love living in Arkansas, but the beauty of the forest really made me homesick for my native home, the Magnolia State. Looking down into the forest and seeing dozens of deer grazing on the depressed centuries old Natchez trace was surreal. The forests here are one of a kind. Maybe they just have that familiarity that can only exist when it's tied to countless childhood memories. The glassy reflection of cypress knees on the Ross Barnett, the smell of the pines and wisteria all made the afternoon feel like I needed to pedal in search of a porch swing hung under one of the many Spanish moss draped live oaks.
After dark the reflection of the full moon as I returned past Ross Barnett, the fire flies, the call of the owls, and the countless deer becoming emboldened by the darkness and gazing mesmerized at my headlight was all magic. The slow drawl of the other friendly cyclists I occasionally spoke to reminded me of everyone I grew up with.
The two rides yesterday and today on the Trace reminded me of all I love about this state. I do miss Mississippi and even if I never move back, it'll always be home.
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