Cycling in Mississippi

[Glenn Hladek]

I am planning a bike tour in 2015 starting in Natchez, MS.  I am attending a camp in Clarksdale.  I can either go to Tupelo on the Natchez Trace or head north on Highway 61.  How is cycling on Highway 61 and what time of the year is the best to tour in Mississippi.  Am interested in biking, blues, and barbeque.
Glenn

[pmac]

I live in Ridgeland, just north of Jackson on the Trace.  There is a whole lot of blues and bbq on Hwy 61 in the Delta.  Not so much on the Trace.  At the time, I think the Trace is much nicer to ride a bike on than Hwy 61.  No commercial trucks and some shade, but not many towns right on the Trace.  If you like cotton fields and sun, with the occasional juke joint, Hwy 61 may be for you.

I would pick either Oct/Nov or March/April to ride.  The summer can be brutal with high humidity.  The fall is great and generally dry so long as we don't have a hurricane coming through.  Spring is also very nice, but you have a higher chance of storms.   

[Glenn Hladek]

Thanks for the info.  Maybe I'll do a loop and get both the Trace and 61 in.  Your information was very helpful.

[rwnetworks]

We have just returned from a cycle tour which included the Natchez Trace.  We loved the Trace and would highly recommend it...great roads, safe riding, great camping - FREE camping, shade and friendly folk.  You definitely need to leave the Trace to stock up on food or find restaurants...so it really depends on your style of touring.  Feel free to visit our blog as we have included many pictures from the Trace.  Happy Cycling!  http://rwnetworks.blogspot.ca