74 miles
Easy ride today since it was in the 70s and there was a bit of a tailwind. Rode with Mike, Rita and Alayne. Whoever arrives first gets to unload the luggage from the trailer. Mike is often the one who does that.
Bridge into Palatka
Since we arrived by 1:00 pm it almost seems like a day off. The road was good until Hwy 100 when has a terrible shoulder with rumble strips intermittently placed and pavement all over the place, so riding in the lane is the only option for some of the ride and Hwy 100 is a busy highway. The women I ride with are safe riders that move over when needed and are always aware of the traffic coming. They don't antagonize the drivers. They all have rearview mirrors. They have a bell system to warn of big trucks coming from behind and I have a big mirror so I often call out "truck back" when attention is needed. We ride in single file and debris is hard to see so the front riders warn the back riders of large pieces of debris on the right or left so that they can be avoided. Typical signals for group rides. None of them has had a flat tire on the road during this entire trip.
Now that I'm almost done this whole thing is seeming a bit unreal. I've been thinking about what it will be like to return home and whether my riding abilities have changed. Am I stronger? Have I learned more about bicycling. It is good that I've kept this record since it all is a bit of a blur.
I am looking forward to your return also. Worked hard on house projects and busy at work, but miss you. So proud of the amazing journey - how many people can say they rode their bicycle across the United States? When you left it was still winter, now it is definitely spring. Heavy showers right at the end of April have set the stage for magnificent May flowers, very green lawn and every thing looking washed and clean. Enjoy the victory lap feeling of the final day of this trip.
ReplyDeleteDavid
Congratulations, JoAnn! Nic just sent me an awesome photo of you triumphantly holding your bike over your head at the Atlantic Ocean! You must have learned so much about the bike, yourself and relationships with some pretty incredible women along the way. What an amazing journey. Revel in it!!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see you and hear all about your adventures, and just catch up. Safe travels back to Portland!
Mac