Some Miscellaneous Stuff

Replaced the cassette on the Safari yesterday. It hadn't reached the point where it was a necessity, but would have needed it with the next chain replacement. Before I set off last August I discussed with the people at FNBS (Bikes and More) the possible need for a lower bottom gear than was provided by the original Shimano Alivio 11-32 since I intended to ride hills far steeper than anything here in north central Florida. Consensus was that the 11-32 would be adequate. It was, but, the lingering gearhead mentality urged me to take the plunge. I chose to invest in a Deore upgrade and a lower gear justifying it as a worthwhile investment. Monday was one of those days where I felt a compulsion to ride. I set-off on one of my usual circuits and made the 50 miles in four mostly leisurely hours. As I approached Micanopy I felt the same urges so typical of longish rides; I wanted some Gatorade! Arrived at Pearl and discovered I'd left my wallet at home. There was no lack of water aboard the bike, so hydration was not an issue and I had several Larabars to take care of carb needs, but sometimes a cold drink feels so damn good! With the near completion of the Archer to 91st Street section of the Archer Braid Trail I saw many more riders on Monday. (Guess that means it's no longer my personal/private ride.) No longer do we have to contend with heavy driver volume on any GCC rides going to or through Archer. Nice! Being able to start at the Tower Road Publix and access the Trail after a short transit passing Barnie's then using the already existing trail on the south side of Archer Road makes the trip to Archer safe and pleasant. May people are uncomfortable with using the Bike Lane west of I-75 on Archer Road, but I ride it often and have never had a serious incident. Of greater concern is the stretch from 34th to I-75 where I use the sidewalk instead of riding in traffic. Drivers wanting to turn onto Archer Road are mostly unaware of walkers and riders whether you use the north or south side of Archer.

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Day Five; Odum to Statesboro, GA - 75.53 miles, average speed 11.7 mph

It was a restless night in the Odum Recreation Area. The restlessness was increased when I awoke and discovered a screw had fallen out of the bottom mount of my rear rack. Paul at Bikes and More had recommended I carry one of every kind of screw, but the one I did not have was a 40cm one. A couple to twist ties worked to hold the rack in place and that seemed an adequate solution. I anticipated that I could try a NAPA or similar major auto parts store for a replacement.

As I was assembling my gear two guys arrived with their smokers for the "to do" I had heard about the previous evening. I soon learned that it was a family reunion and the number of pieces of chicken and ribs, along with some pig's feet being prepared for someone special suggested that this was a significant to do.

I was late leaving because of the screw issue and did not get on the way until almost 830. After not too many miles I realized I was miserable because I was dirty, smelly and worn out. Less than 20 miles into the day I decided I would aim for Reidsville as a stopping point ans take refuge in a motel again.

Like yesterday the ride was abundantly boring. Cotton fields and cattle.Small settlements. No hardware or auto parts stores. There was rain and threats of rain and an hour of light drizzle. Then . . . the "city" or Reidsville lacked anything city-like. I was told there was a "small motel" that I probably missed and a B & B that I already knew cost close to $100 per night. Pausing to eat a Larabar and drink some water I decided to set off for Statesboro, another 30 or so miles.

And then it rained! Usually I just ride, but it rained so hard. One of those storms where you have to hold your breath for fear of drowning if you inhale. I found a church with a breezeway and hid!

Thank goodness for The Lighthouse!

The ride was not as difficult as I anticipated. The final miles were more uphill than I liked. As I reached Statesboro a guy caught up with me. When I stopped at a convenience store to ask directions he asked whether I was doing the East Coast Adventure Cycling route. We chatted and I learned where to go for a motel and food. After leading me to the right road he went his way and I crashed at a HoJo.

Tomorrow? 80 ore miles? Probably

Day One; G'ville to St. Augustine - 86.9 miles, average speed 12.6 mph

Left later than intended (745), but within my planned window. Stopped at work, which was on the way out of town and said goodbyes. I've dealt with all the internal issues related to leaving my job to someone else. I prepared as much as possible and have to trust that things will work out. The nature of this Adventure is such that I cannot dwell on what might happen anywhere except on the road.

Before leaving G'ville, I stopped at Winn-Dixie and bought the sunscreen I had forgotten yesterday. Later, I'd be glad of the decision. I also picked up a handful of Larabars because I had packed my supply deeper than I wished to dig. Added a tin on wintergreen Altoids for their diversionary quality.

From G'ville to Palatka was typical Florida except for a few tedious hills. The final several miles really sucked, though; hot, featureless, straight and a headwind. It's been my observation about headwinds in Florida. No matter which way one rides, eventually there'll be a headwind. Pallatka turned out to be 50 miles distant and while that had been my maximum distance previously, I did not intend to stop before reaching St. Augustine, another 35 miles.

I ate two Larabars, drank a lot of water, even stopped at a convenience store for more water and some Gatorade, but over the final miles before reaching Palatka I could only think about double cheese burgers Well, I never intended to make this a fine food adventure. I bought two. Loved 'em. And had refills of Coke and suffered not a moment of remorse. I did have an extended moment of anxiety when two men in my age range left and headed to their cars. They wore jeans. Neither had an ass. Will this happen to me? Is there a treatment or is it terminal?

Soon after leaving McDonalds I encountered one of Florida's "mountains."

This one climbs over the St. Johns River. 5 mph up. 30 mph down.

I opted to diverge from Adventure Cycling's route which would have me zigging and zagging my way to The Ancient City. Having driven 207 I knew it has an adequate paved shoulder. Using it would reduce the distance by 5 to 7 miles. It was a tough 35 miles. Headwind. Heat. Tired. And a diversion.

The bike path to nowhere.

 About 10 miles from St. Augustine a bike path appeared along the 207 right-of-way. I doffed my helmet and took it. When it crossed to the other side of 207 an continued to follow the right-of-way I stayed on it. When I reached a point where it seemed to vanish at the horizon was concerned. A single road crossed it after 3 miles. When I met an oncoming walker and asked about getting to my destination he told me the trail was a dead a few miles ahead. I needed to backtrack only a few hundred years and eventually reached the Pirate Haus.

I admit to being damn tired, but managed too get bike and gear to the top of the stairs of The Pirate Haus. After sitting numbly for awhile I showered, got some expensive pizza and a lot of Pepsi and am now ready to call it a night. Tomorrow will be a significantly shorter ride likely in the 55 mile range. It will also be the first tent night. Today convinced me I can do this thing.