What an Adventure!

So, my wife wanted me to put one last entry to finish off the ride and to make my posts complete. We got home yesterday, and the kids are back in school. I have had two days now off the bike and am sore in every little place. I guess while on the ride I never gave myself time to get sore. It was nice to spend time on the drive back to NC with my family. It was nice to just be with them. It was a bit sad for it to be over but then again not. It’s sad to see friends I had been with for 6 weeks head off into their world. But we have been bantering back and forth on social media this morning, so it made it a bit easier. We live in a great time where all this is possible. Where you can be away and be close at the same time. I enjoyed my last day on the beach. I saw many tears in eyes and strong and emotional hugs. Keep a rolling everybody.

Monday, April 17 - Palatka, FL to St. Augustine, FL

 And I am done.  I made it across the country.  

Sunday, April 16 - Alachua, FL to Palatka, FL

 Alachua to Palatka, Florida.  If you can say either name correctly then you are better than most.  They say them differently than you think.  But who am I to say.  So one more day left in our ride across the US.  I can say many things about this ride and what I have learned.  But I am happy to report that people have just been nice to us.  Many along the way have gone out of their way to greet us, talk to us, give us water, help us, and show us kindness.  The rude occasional sole was few and far between.  We live in a beautiful country with people who are helpful and kind.  I have met fellow cyclist on the ride who are positive about life and live it to the max. Those memories will last forever.  Not that everything went perfectly on this trip but much more did than did not.  We had fun being kids and old men and women at the same time.  We ate terrific food and treats (that I will have give up to some extent or else).  My bike and my body did not let me down which was a real treat.  My wife was an angel to let me have this opportunity.  I guess I have a big hole to dig out of to make that even.  I guess I can’t say no to any of her ideas from here on out.  Oh well it was worth it.  Find your dream and live it in the best way you possibly can.

Saturday, April 15 - Madison, FL to Alachua, FL

 Madison to Alachua, Florida.  83 miles and the last of the 80+ mile days.  Two more days and the Southern Tier Cross Country Ride will be finished.  It was a hot day today.  The hottest of the trip, near 90 degrees.  The morning brought a surprise where Shelly and I had visitors from Florida Bike Safari, which is beginning right now.  We knew these folks from previous rides together.  It was nice to see each other.  We then followed the route through pretty flat country with lots of fields, cows and flowers.   It was nice not to climb as much as the previous few days.  The heat came in the afternoon, and it was the first day I used both water bottles between rest stops.  I like warm days, but it was different.  It also was the first day since New Mexico that we didn’t have a headwind to fight.  Simple things that make us happy. We ended the day in Alachua, Florida, meeting my family there for the first time in 6 weeks and going for supper and afterwards ice cream.  A good day and a good evening.