ALABAMA MISSISSIPPI

Location: Alabama and Mississippi, two southern states in the United States, marked brief stops on the journey through the Southern Tier. Both states feature expansive rural landscapes, with Alabama offering rolling hills and Mississippi showcasing wide-open flatlands.

Duration in the States: From March 26th to March 28th, 2024.

Distance in Alabama: 118.5 km (73.7 miles).

Distance in Mississippi: 153.5 km (95.3 miles).

Historical Background: Alabama, known for its Civil Rights history and significant contributions to American music, contrasts with Mississippi, which has a rich cultural heritage rooted in blues and folk music. Both states have a storied past tied to agriculture, particularly cotton farming and played key roles in the American South's development.

Route Type: The journey through both states was predominantly along asphalt roads with a few stretches of gravel. However, the roads had narrow shoulders and bike lanes were nonexistent, making the ride challenging at times, especially with the high traffic volume.

Environment: The route passed through rural, agricultural landscapes with open fields and small towns, offering a glimpse into the quieter, slower pace of life in the South. The route in Mississippi was mostly flat, while Alabama provided slight rolling hills, adding a bit of variety to the terrain.

Weather Conditions: The mornings were cool and fresh, a welcome relief after the often hot and humid conditions of Florida. The rest of the day gradually warmed up but temperatures remained manageable for cycling.

Bike: Pepper 89 titanium gravel bike, model Kampot.

Main Cities Traversed: Mobile, Alabama, was the primary city passed through but it lacked notable charm with a more industrial feel and little to offer in terms of character.

Difficulties Encountered:

• Encountering aggressive dogs chasing the bike, making some sections of the route quite tense.

• Dealing with anti-cyclist behavior from some drivers, who did not respect the limited space on the narrow roads.

• The absence of bike lanes and very tight shoulders made the ride more dangerous in some sections.

Terrain: The terrain was mostly flat, with minimal elevation change, allowing for steady progress. However, the narrow roads and limited space presented challenges in terms of safety and comfort.

Distance to the Next State: 272 km (approximately 169 miles) to the Louisiana border.