We did it. We travelled the Southern Tier of the US by bicycle. I am still processing the entire experience. Arriving at St. John’s Pier yesterday was, in a word, surreal. We left Palatka at 8:45, and, as promised we had very strong headwinds, but most of the ride was along a bike path, so … Read more
Our last long ride. 64 Miles from Alachua to Palatka. And, consistent with previous days, there were a few hitches. The ride was excellent – the day started out overcast, which makes for perfect riding weather in Florida. But, we all arrived at the first water stop at 22 miles only to learn that the … Read more
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 … Read more
We rode into Florida yesterday, and traversed a whole bunch of bridges along the Pensacola highway and Santa Rosa Island, then moved inland to Fort Walton Beach. The view of the gulf from the island was spectacular. The water was both blue and green, and the sand was soft and white. We really gave serious … Read more
Yesterday was a new kind of challenge. Did I mention that Rob and I are the slowest riders? We had a ferry to catch at 11 AM and it was 40 miles to get there. He and I left extra early (7 am), because we figured that even at our slow pace of 12 mph, … Read more
We rode into Mississippi yesterday. Every kid’s favorite state to spell. The Texas Hills are now long gone and replaced by what I am calling the roly polys. Today and yesterday were 70 mile days. All back roads. Just perfect. I think I’ve earlier reported that Rob and I are the slowest riders, so we … Read more
Yesterday and today were the best days yet! Yesterday we spent the first 30 miles winding our way through the country next to a Bayou. We finished the day crossing the great Mississippi River. I had told Rob that I wanted to stop just before the river for a photograph, so he dutifully got a … Read more
We crossed into Louisiana a mere 86 miles ago, but it’s like we’re in a different world. We traded ranches and farms for swamps, bayous and rice paddies, which are also used to harvest crawfish. The counties here are called parishes and the towns, street signs and stores all have a french basis to them. … Read more
Texas didn’t want us to leave. The day started with double digit headwinds and continued for the entire ride — as if the state was pushing us to stay. Big surprise there. We have by now decided that the concept of prevailing westerly winds is a myth. But the headwinds could not hold us back … Read more
Today was an excellent day of riding. Just under 70 miles from Cleveland to Lumberton. Nice cloud cover the whole time, a little rain, mostly smooth roads, and significantly less traffic than yesterday. So I thought that instead I’d share with you some pictures of just some of the yard art that we have seen … Read more