anyone out there live in hattiesburg? might be moving there for work. curious what the cycling is like? any trails to run on, open water swimming,etc…thanks.
j and a
It’s been a few years since I’ve been there. But I went to college at Starkpatch, MS. Had ex-inlaws that were in school at Hattiesburg. Unless things have changed drastically there wasn’t much to be had when I was around in that area. H-burg is a decent little city but it’s extremely rural outside city limits and the Necks are EVERYWHERE. Just down the road about ten miles on Hwy 49 there’s a shack/shop that still sells rebel flags and material. It always cracked me up whenever I’d drive by it. It’s actually kind of amazing that it keeps hanging around. I know this isn’t much but I thought I’d bump it for you. There is some decent biking on the Natchez Trace though which isn’t far from you. And a couple decent tris up in Jackson.
I think the prior post does not do justice for Hattiesburg nor the biking. Yes, I went to school there in the late 80’s and live within 2hrs. It has the only “true” rails to trails in the state…(45+ miles one way) http://www.longleaftrace.org/
The town has “boomed” since Hurricane Katrina which may not be great to find routes. But, there are at least two bike shops in town. Start there and good luck…also, if you are there, check out the GOLDEN EAGLES.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/sportsline/main10288323.shtml
It’s a lot better than you might expect. Lots of multisport action also, if you don’t mind ‘yee haw man’ t-shirts 
I’m from Hattiesburg and live in Petal now. The Longleaf Trace is a good ride but if you are into serious training you can’t ride it very often it is flat. The first 15 miles or so is often loaded with walkers, golf carts and even church buses filled with bikers. You have to be very careful. The roads are tough because there are no bike paths whatsoever and little shoulder. There are alot of rednecks that make fun of lycra shorts, I have had stuff thrown at me even. Mostly just comments yelled out the window or a car swerving to scare me. You can find ok roads if you don’t mind traveling a little. Look on www.routeslip.com I’ve posted some there.
Those ‘yee haw man’ shirts totally rock though.
I mean, how can it not be cool to have proof that you actually completed Mulletman or Crawfishman? They’re some of the best-named races in the country.
You will be within 3 hours of some really good races (IMFL, Gulf Coast and smaller races like Mulletman). Riding on the rail trail is not bad if you get on it early. I rode the thing a few times starting at 6 AM in the summer and encountered very few obstacles. Not sure about riding on the roads there though. It is probably workable. There is a pretty good race down the road in Meridian also. There are worse places to live for a triathlete.
Mike
Mullet man - How many tris do know have an athena (under 40 and over 40), clydesdale, super-clydesdate (225+, under and over 40 division), fat tire (under/over 40), fat people+fat tire (under/over 40), okay I made up that last one but who knows, maybe next year. And they say we southerners are intolerant.
Damn that is funny! I imagine the post race fried catfish and grits must be good though?
Mullet man - How many tris do know have an athena (under 40 and over 40), clydesdale, super-clydesdate (225+, under and over 40 division), fat tire (under/over 40), fat people+fat tire (under/over 40), okay I made up that last one but who knows, maybe next year. And they say we southerners are intolerant.
It’s right on the Gulf Coast, so it’s more of a beer and red beans and rice kind of race.
And they’ve got some awesome awards- trophy-style fish on a plaque. (at least when I saw them a couple years back)
Only problems are that the swim is far too short and the bike course control isn’t great.
One word:
LEATHA’s
.
I went to USM for a time and seeing Petal mentioned reminded me of a girl I hooked up with…ahhh he memories!
Leatha’s is some good BBQ around the H’burg area. I had the chance to work in the area for about 4-6 weeks at a time between '00 and '03 and there’s some good riding in the area if you don’t mind the smell of chicken plants on the rural roads. There’s some good triathletes in the area and a great group of guys. It should be easy to hook up with them and the pool at USM is not bad. I don’t know how the traffic is since katrina but it shouldn’t be too bad compared to other parts of the country.
You can race from April 'till November within 4 hours of H’burg if you don’t mind the drive. Housing should be cheap but social life lacking. Good Luck on the move and the decision
Chuck