We have now traversed over 2700 miles! In the last week, we rode from Texas, thru Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama and finally into Florida (one rider took advantage of the opportunity to knock Georgia off his list by taking a 4 mile detour just past Chatahoochee and then getting back on our road – he still finished ahead of us!).
We have seen an amazing change in terrain and travelled through small towns that I never would have seen otherwise. Everywhere we went, the people were friendly and curious about our ride, and they welcomed us. In many cases, they offered to pray for us. Of course, we were never quite sure if they were praying for our safety or our sanity! In either case, I always told them we would take all the prayers we could get.
Yesterday and today were the last days of hills. Hurray! Yesterday, Chipley to Midway, was almost entirely on Route 90. Fortunately, there was a wide shoulder the entire way and the road was very smooth. Today, we left Midway a little later in the morning to miss the Tallahassee traffic – we rode 10 miles along 90 into Tallahassee, then got off the highway, rode through the bike path in town, and on the other side got onto the Olde St. Augustine Highway. What a beautiful ride — the road was canopied by old trees and had very little traffic. After the first water stop we did another paceline for 20 miles to the second one — I’m nearly an expert now! We had lunch in the town of Greenville, which is where Ray Charles was born. Nice statue of him in the park is featured. We finished the day in Madison.
Tomorrow is a mostly flat day with some roly polys and one small climb. The Florida heat and humidity are already here. We’re going to leave extra early to get as much done as we can before it’s too hot. That works for me. We’ll be on 90 again for the first 40 miles and then head south to Alachua. The last days are flying by!
Amount Pledged to Charities to Date