The level on the Natchez Gauge today is 22.1′.

We spent the majority of the weekend working with the Natchez Bicycle Club on their LAMBLA multi level races at Natchez State Park.  It rained most of the time, but was otherwise pleasant.  Our presence at their race secured for us two things of considerable significance.  First, it provided us with a new set of timekeepers for the Phatwater.  From this point forward our timekeeping will be conducted in conjunction with the NBC.

On The Hard Right At Mile 1.5. No, that's not sweat!

The second thing it provided was the realization that a joint bike-kayak race is entirely possible.  We won’t likely revert to the Bi-Yak Biathlon, of years gone by, but we will entertain the idea of having a bike race running in conjunction with the Phatwater in the future.  We have available a course which will allow serious cyclists to undertake a road course of up to 75 miles, finishing at Natchez Under-The-Hill at about the same time our VIP paddlers cross the Phatwater Phinish, in future years.  Stay tuned through the year for more on this.  It could be quite an endeavor.

Melissa and I will be photographing the Mayor of Natchez, Jake Middleton, in about an hour, as his fills out his Phatwater Bowie Raffle Ticket Stub.  And if purchasing one is good enough for our Mayor, it’s good enough for the rest of you, so keep those cards and letters and pictures of Alexander Hamilton flowing our way.

All for now—KB