Rode the first five miles out of Lake City on the sidewalks to avoid heavy traffic because of very foggy conditions. The next 25 miles was in dense fog through very marshy terrain. It was easy to imagine alligators crawling up out of the marshland to sample a bicyclist leg bone! When the fog did lift we found ourselves in Starke, Florida but the map showed it as Lincoln City. This town had a creek running through it named Alligator Creek.
It was an opportune time to stop for an early lunch break as I had my 13th flat tire. As we completed lunch and changed the tube, the sun was peaking through the fog layer. The afternoon was spent continuing on a road that was flat and straight for 35 miles. It was a very nice change of pace from up and down. However, not to be lulled to sleep, I suddenly found the seat leaning back like it has come loose. In checking I found the carbon fiber seat post had broken. Fortunately, Libby was only a mile ahead and a cell phone call sent her back to rescue me. The solution was that I moved the seat post from Libby’s bike to mine and it worked.
The remainder of the ride today was without incident, 83 miles after starting our day we found ourselves in Palatka, Florida.
Tomorrow is just a short 50-mile ride to our final destination, St. Augustine and the Atlantic Ocean, however, there is a scenic route I am considering along the St. John River -- what's another 20 miles?
Miles Traveled Today = 83
Total Miles Traveled = 2,651
Trivia = Windshield wipers on my glasses would have been a nice addition for the fog today. I had enough dew dripping off my mustache that I didn’t need much water for the first 25 miles.
2 comments:
Leroy,
The Sunshine State has proved to be anything but sunny. Of all places to have the most inclement weather along the entire route.
Wow, tomorrow is the big day! We'll celebrate here in Sacramento by going to the 40th anniversary celebration of the Sacramento Bike Hikers of which I am a member.
I'll save the congratulation speech until you safely reach the waters of the Atlantic.
Don
Greetings Leroy and Libby!
As an old salt sailor, I know that you can never appreciate "cozy" until you've had the experience of being totally drenched. It sounds like you have huge new appreciation for warmth and coziness!
Just want to congratulate you on your successful venture across the country. I'm so grateful that you have mastered the weather and circumstances to achieve this formidable goal (not that any of us had any doubt, but we are still breathing sighs of relief that you have made it safely to your destination.)
By the way, since 13 is my lucky number, I can guarantee that's your last flat!:-).
I'll be toasting you tomorrow as you cross the finish line (and get yourself to that soccer game!!) All good wishes...Beverly Vifian
Post a Comment