After the excitement of yesterday's ferry ride, and state crossing, today was just another day on the bike. But any day on a bike is a great day. Today had many miles of bike path, and many more miles of quiet road.
Today's ride was short - 61 miles - and just about everyone had the goal to do all the miles. Everyone also wanted to go shopping at a bike shop only 20 miles into today's ride. (Truly Spokin Bicycle Company)
We rode on the Blackwater Heritage State Trail. I’ve been on many bike trails in Florida but I have never been cycling in the panhandle. The Blackwater Heritage State Trail was very nice. After all the road riding I’ve done, any bike trail is a place of respite! The path was wide and well maintained.
After the path, we turned on to some quiet streets. I mean really quiet. Nothing but trees and bushes (and a donkey) along the road, and no cars. Some of us got a little concerned at how deserted the area seemed to be, especially those who were riding alone. And, no cell service.
Eventually, we rode into some small towns, and the vehicle traffic gradually picked up, until finally we were on the road to our hotel, and complaining about too much traffic, again. 🤣
It’s less than a week from the finish line. The excitement in the group is palpable. As I reflect back to the start of this adventure (which seems like a lifetime ago) I‘m reminded of how anxious and intimidated I was and now it’s a dream realized. I did it.
“The best rides are the ones where you bite off much more than you can chew, and live through it” – Doug Bradbury
View from our route
Blackwater Heritage State Trail
This guy! He seemed lonely but curious about us 🙂
My friend rides with tubeless tires. There wasn’t enough sealant to plug these two holes from the nail. She got SAG to take her to a bike shop for a new tire.
Oooof that nail! Yikes.
So excited with how close you are to finishing! Go Momma Go!