Cycling the Atlantic Coast

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/2082806868?share_unique_id=124 Another day, another 63 mile day in 100 heat index weather (with headwinds).   The good news is that we are getting used to these conditions and mileage.   Also, as the tour winds down, we have given up camping in favor of motels. We spent a lot of the ride on barrier islands, which was nice cycling, but not a lot of picture opportunities.   We rode through Jupiter Island, the home of Tiger Woods.   We did not see him.  Lots of beautiful homes. One of the riders from this part of Florida was escorted to his home by members of his cycling club.  Ron is in the middle of the group of the Treasury Coast Cycling Club.  He will join us Thursday night for our celebration,  but his ride is over.

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/2075842692?share_unique_id=122 We are working our way down the Florida peninsula at 60 miles a day.   Today we had a feeling of deja vu with it being hot, humid and a headwind.   I think that the NY Yankees used to have spring training here, so perhaps in honor of Yogi Beara I should say "deja vu all over again." We are staying in very nice accommodations near the beach, so I got some ocean swimming time in.  That never gets old for me. The tour is beginning to wind down.  Rob is cooking tonight, and is going to try a Wisconsin theme,  brats, sauerkraut and maybe some beer.

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/2068048560?share_unique_id=120 Another hot ride today with the heat index of over 100.  We had a ride down highway 1, which had some views of the barrier islands.  To be honest,  it was a put your head down and get it done day.  Not a lot of sights, restaurants or attractions.   It was nice that Sunday morning traffic was light. We are in a hotel tonight,  which is really fortunate.   Both last night and tonight, the low temperatures are about 80, which is not good sleeping weather in a tent.  Also, I hope to catch the Packer game, which is a treat. Go Pack Go!!!

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/2061573867?share_unique_id=118 Well, it had to happen, and today was the day.  We rode 60 miles in a constant 10 mph headwind.   The wind was not bad, but combined with high humidity and near 90 degrees temperature, it was a long day. On the positive side, it was flat and along the ocean just about the entire day.  Traffic was not bad and the roads were good. On the even more positive side, I got to ride my bike down the famous Daytona, which was fun.  Also on the plus side, we started our 7th and final map.

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/2048445017?share_unique_id=116 Today was a quick run down the coast to St Augustine.   We had a wind out of the east at 25 mph, with gusts up to 40, which meant that it was time to hang on and stay on the road.  Fortunately,  the road was lightly traveled and had a 8 foot bike lane. The ride was nice, routing us through beautiful golf communities and a nature peeserve.  There was a statue of Ponce de Leon where he reportedly sited the new world on his quest for gold and the fountain of youth. Near the end of the day,  we went through a beach community that showed lots of signs of storm damage.   The blowing sand made us all happy to end the ride and get a warm shower. Tomorrow is a day off.  There is rain in the forecast and hurricane Nate is causing some mischief.  It will be nice not to sleep in a tent.  We are in a kitchy hostel called the Pirate Haus whichis actually quite nice.  ...

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/2043462844?share_unique_id=114 Another fantastic day of cycling.  We had a nice tailwind for much of the ride and lots of variety in scenery.  We departed the lowlands of Georgia and arrived in our destination state of Florida.   The roads in Florida showed a significant improvement over the past couple of states.  The main road, A1A has wide shoulders, low traffic and a good surface.  We have been told that it will continue. We saw more storm damage today in the form of piles of trees and branches 10' high on the side of the road.  There are a lot of trucks halling debris and crews working along the roads. Right now we are on the coast east of Jacksonville.   The ocean is being affected by 25 mph east winds.   It is not a good day for swimming,  but I got in a nice walk along the beach. It is exciting to be in Florida and see the end in sight.  It is time to stop eating anyth...

We had a fun ride through south Georgia today.   We crossed a bridge and I got high enough to get a view of the terrain.  It is flat as a pancake, with lots of swamps and tidal rivers.  We had a wonderful 15 mph tailwind which made the pedals very easy to turn.  We have begin to see signs of wind damage from Irene.   I got a  picture of our shopping ritual.  The store was about 10 miles from camp, so we all meet to help carry groceries.   I am sure it is quite the sight in these small rural towns to have 10 lycra clad cyclists and loaded bike show up at the local IGA. Tomorrow we enter Florida.   Our last of 13 states on this journey.