Big Al and I
My peeps - finally in Florida
Fernandina Beach
Al to waiter: "We're riding our bicycles from Maine to Florida."
Waiter to Al: "Now, why would you want to do that? They have these things, with wheels, called cars."
We left the hotel at 9:00 AM this morning. With only 61 miles to ride, we didn't want to arrive at the hotel before our rooms were ready. Some of the riders went across the street to a Waffle House for breakfast while others opted for the breakfast provided by the hotel.
Blue skies, fluffy white clouds, and sunshine were the order of the day. Our route took us back on SR17 and miles of pine forest on both sides of the road. I was the last rider out of the hotel and after one red light and stopping to take a picture, found myself DFL (dead freakin' last). I took my time, no rush to get to the hotel and eventually caught up to Mac and Big Al who had stopped to take a picture. The three of us rode together, stopping for some swings in a roadside playground. When we got to the SAG stop, Peter and Jack were waiting for us and the four of us continued at a leisurely pace down the highway. At mile 42, we crossed into Florida and paused for the traditional state sign picture. We then left SR17 (yay!) and turned onto SR A1A (yikes!). Some construction, logging trucks, and many cars made for some unpleasant riding until we passed the hotel for the entrance to a Dairy Queen - large, chocolate milkshake, please. Our hotel is a short distance from the beach.
Fernandina Beach, FL
Population 11,487; elevation 25'
Isle of eight flags: France, Spain, Great Britain, Spain (again), Patriots of Amelia Island, Green Cross of Florida, Mexico, Confederate States of America, United States of America.
62.6 miles; 3:44 hours; 518' climb; 3,164 Calories.
Today Team Bitey Girl and the Mutts rides in honor of our compatriot, Kimba from New Zealand. We wish you a safe journey to the land of eternal treats, and when you get there, say hi to Emma for us. God speed, friend.
ReplyDeleteTeam Bitey Newsflash! The Bidding War Begins!
ReplyDeleteSouth Bay Cycling News reports that a bidding war has erupted between rival teams as they try to finalize their 2012 rosters. The stellar season performance of the members of Team Bitey Girl and the Mutts has made them valuable commodities on the cycling market, and with their future sponsorship uncertain, anything is possible. Will the team be forced to disband, forced out into the cold like the once-great Team HTC? If so, which existing team will capture the prize(s)? Will it be current US top team BMC? There is room for only one GC contender on a team, and rumor has it that Cadel Evans is disturbed by the possibilities of a roster addition. "If that Phoebus Horrificus comes over, I'm out - I know she'll never work for me, and besides, I heard that the Fourth Rider dopes," the recent Tour de France winner is rumored to have said. Or will it be the newly revamped Omega Pharma Lotto, the Belgian super-team? Team leader Phoebus Horrificus does, after all, hail from Belgium. Enquiring minds want to know, and this reporter will keep readers updated as soon as anything fit to print becomes available.
Congratulations on making it to FL Dad!!! What a champion!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks Team Bitey and the Mutts for the shout out to Kimba. ( ;
XO,
Bec