Chuck says:
Still at White Springs. 08:25 and it is still raining; more of a drizzle but not worth getting on our bikes. As I write it is getting a little more heavy. Nice and dry inside.
Last night Tony, one of the SBA managers, cooked up some great pork chops and muddles for us. It was delicious. This a.m. I had my oatmeal, and Tony cooked up some eggs and bacon, so I am getting plenty to eat. Thanks, Tony!
Everything is packed and ready to go. When the rain stops we will be heading for Suwannee River State Park. Another short day if we get out at all, but not sorry. We knew we would have days like this.
Bob passing the time by patching inner tubes
Here is a video I took of the ‘TP Cyclist’ inside Suwannee Bicycle Association. They say he’s been here 20 years. Cheryl posted this and more videos on YouTube for me. Just click on the VIDEOS link here or at the top of the page to see more.
UPDATE by Cheryl:
Chuck called a few times throughout the day. The guys stayed put at the Suwannee Bicycle Assoc. waiting out the rain. By the time it cleared, they figured they wouldn’t get far before they would have to stop and camp, so they might as well stay the rest of the day and head out first thing tomorrow morning.
During the day a couple of riders came in. “Guess where they’re from?” Chuck said. “San Diego! They are on their way to St. Augustine. They have three days left and we have fifty-something.” This was exciting for the guys and they spent the rest of the day talking to Josh and Kevin, getting tips for the rest of their long journey ahead and checking out each other’s blogs.
Kevin & Josh
Chuck felt better about everyone spending the night in White Springs last night when Josh told them that they had camped at Suwannee River State Park and that they were only about 25 feet away from a tree that got hit by lightning! Close call, but they weren’t hurt. You can read about it at The Southern Crossing 2012 Blog.
Josh also told the guys to avoid a particular alternate route in Arizona, as it was the worst road they took the entire trip. They wrote it down to remember so as not to make the same mistake when they get to Arizona.
The riders also told them that there were times they didn’t even have to pedal, enjoying some tailwinds they encountered. Chuck said, “I’m thinking about buying a ticket to California and starting there!” Especially since tomorrow’s weather forecast is for winds 15-20 mph from the Northwest. The guys face a stiff head wind tomorrow, and it won’t be the only time.
Though they really appreciate the amazing hospitality of SBA, everyone’s eager to get back on the road tomorrow and a few more miles closer to San Diego.
