Day 46: Alachua to Palatka (80 miles) May 3

Our second to last ride of the tour, and our last long ride. Bittersweet feelings all around.

Today's ride was absolutely beautiful. Most of it was on bike trails: Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail and Palatka-Lake Butler State Trail. It was peaceful. No traffic. We even saw an alligator scurry across the path!🐊 I saw a couple of snakes on the path, too. Other than that, it was peaceful 😂.

I’m processing the last 8 weeks. Tonight, our group of riders will share our last meal together on the road.

In Palatka, we found a second WomanTours van had arrived. A representative from WomanTours is here to document the last day, and interview us about our thoughts on the tour. She will film and document our ride into St Augustine.

Our hotel is on the St Johns River. The area is full of walkable and bike-able trails, and the riverfront area has lots of trendy shops and restaurants.

Tomorrow’s ride is short - 33 miles. This is the final countdown into St Augustine. We will all wear our Southern Tier Jerseys and ride in formation with a police escort into Anastasia State Park. I feel like I’m graduating 😂. The best part will be seeing my husband, Cliff. He has been my biggest cheerleader through it all.

My last post in my blog will be tomorrow. I’ll be sure to post pictures!!

Palatka State Park Trail

Many miles along this shady trail.