Cycling stories from the Trace
A 79-year-old grandfather, Ross Sherman of Wiggins, and three of his grandchildren — students on spring break from schools in Stone County — made a stop in Kosciusko to rest from cycling the Natchez Trace Parkway.
While not the traditional break from classes, the trio of Kale Thomas, Ross Russell Johnson and Drennan Hull began their ride on a Saturday morning in Natchez and arrived at the Visitor’s Information Center about 3 p.m. a week ago Monday.
Their grandfather, traveling in a van with camping equipment, arrived earlier in the day to make preparation for the overnight camping.
“The boys will ride ‘til Friday afternoon and wherever we are, we’ll load the bikes and head home,” said Sherman.
Retired from the Mississippi Forestry Commission and 29 years with the Mississippi National Guard, Sherman said he is a firm believer in staying fit.
Although he is driving the van, he said he could probably compete with the grandsons’ stamina.
A cross country ride from San Diego, Calif., to St. Augustine, Fla. and hiking the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine gives him the credentials.
“I try to stay in shape,” he said.
The riders said they average about 50 miles a day.
“We like the Trace. It is really a nice place to ride,” said Kale. The others agreed.
The riders said they planned for a weekend of spring break to enjoy and rest before returning to the classroom after having spent quality time with their grandfather.
