Day 14 – Saturday 6/11/22

Corinth, Mississippi to Humboldt, Tennessee – 74.3 Miles

Today was a good day for riding, but not much for scenery. Yesterday, I’d finished in Corinth so I would be able to take Highway 45 towards the NW and eliminate the twists and turns of the back roads I’d been traveling on. With the time saved, I’d feel less pressure to hurry along the Lewis and Clark Trail later in the trip.

I was confident that I’d move quickly today, so I didn’t leave the hotel until 9:30. After wandering through downtown Corinth first, I headed north on Old Route 45. This used to be the main route between the two states in the region, and I crossed the border 4 miles into the ride.

When new Highway 45 was built, traffic on Old 45 almost disappeared. It isn’t non-existent but wasn’t enough to support the businesses on the old road. Within a quarter mile, I counted three abandoned gas stations. Here’s one that’s been taken over by plants.

Having been on rural roads for a while, I felt like celebrating when I saw the wide shoulder and relatively flat elevation of the road ahead of me.

It was a joy to ride. Yes, it isn’t as picturesque as some of the places I’ve been but was safer and I was making good time. The road isn’t restricted access like an interstate, so people could enter from side roads and. in some cases, their driveway. The good news was we were all heading in the same direction and had our own lane.

A couple hours into the ride, it was lunchtime. A billboard advertised Ada’s Country Store in Bethel Springs, so I stopped in. After a chicken wrap and a bottle of water, it was on towards Jackson.

I’m always interested in unusual place names, and Finger, Tennessee has one. It’s a small town, but gets some attention on Highway 45.

When they’re not touting Finger, music gets a mention. Elvis Presley and Carl Perkins lived in Tennessee, so this sign is appropriate.

The original plan for the day was to finish in Jackson, but I was going well. So, I just made a pit stop at Jack’s for a chocolate shake and water and got back on 45. I was undecided about heading for Dyersburg or Humboldt, both about the same distance from Jackson. Ultimately, I chose Humboldt because it put me in a direct line with Hickman, Kentucky. In a few days I’ll have to cross the Mississippi River and can’t use an Interstate bridge to do so. Fortunately, there’s a ferry that provides transportation across in Hickman.

Humboldt is an attractive town with a comfortable hotel and the ubiquitous Mexican restaurant. Coming from a larger city, it’s interesting to see the lifestyle of those living in smaller places.

This is the end of 14 days on the road, and mileage was 529 for the week. That gives me 1,021 miles so far, for a 73 mile per day average. I don’t feel worn out at the end of the day or when I wake up, so I’m pleased with how things are going.