Day 10: Docs on Bikes

Posted on April 27, 2012 by Chuck

Cheryl filling in tonight for Chuck with info from his phone call.

Sneads to Chipley, FL
50 miles

Chuck called tonight (via FaceTime, which is the Mac equivalent of Skype – technology is so cool!) and said the guys are camping at Falling Waters State Park in Chipley, FL. Chuck’s familiar with this campground, as we stayed at Falling Waters together back in 2003 when we took our ‘Big Trip Out West’, RVing for the first time.

By the time everyone made it to the campground and got their tents set up, it was too dark to hike the short trail to Florida’s Highest Waterfall this evening, but they plan to take a look at it tomorrow morning before heading out again.

Today was another ‘Death Valley Day’ according to Chuck. This is his way of saying the winds were miserable. Chuck has used this phrase a lot on this trip, but the first time he said it was back in 2009 when he rode his bike from the entrance to Death Valley National Park down to Badwater (the lowest point in the U.S.) when we were traveling as full-time RVers. If you click the link and read his post, you’ll know what he’s talking about. 🙂

Chuck said he’s not complaining, though, and that everyone’s still motivated and feeling strong, but “we feel slow.”

The boys seem to be settling into the routine of riding, with not too much to report out-of-the-ordinary. They stopped in Chipley at a laundromat to do some laundry, and did some shopping at CVS and Wal-Mart for some batteries and stuff before riding to the campground.

The big excitement of the day was meeting yet another group of riders coming east from San Diego on the Southern Tier trail. Jessica, Caley, and Tad are three med students on their way to St. Augustine.

The "3 MDs" Riding Sea-to-Sea

Everyone chatted with each other for a little while, took pictures of each other, and exchanged blog addresses. Before long they parted ways, but not before one of the girls complained about having fallen on her bike and Chuck joked facetiously that he’d never done that before.

Of course, as they parted and the light turned green, Chuck clipped in before he had enough momentum and promptly fell. He said he never felt so embarassed in his life. But, hey, it happens. The only time we cyclists ever seem to fall is when we have an audience, right? It must be bicycle Murphy’s law!

The current plan is to ride to DeFuniak Springs tomorrow and maybe stay a couple of days to see the sights.

Snead to Chipley, FL

Day 7: Kick My Butt If I Complain

Posted on April 24, 2012 by Chuck

Suwannee River to Marietta, FL
50 miles

This morning I could not get organized. Felt like I was going in slow motion. It was 42 degrees this morning. It was cold, but my sleeping bag was nice and warm. Hated getting out :-). We were up at 6:30 and riding by 8:10 am.

Today was a very hard day on the bike. 50 miles isn’t much, but fighting head winds all the way really beat us down. But I’m not complaining. No way, it was a cake walk.

About 30 miles into our ride, we stopped at the top of a hill for some water and to catch our breath. As we were recuperating, a couple (husband & wife) coming from the other direction came across the road and stopped to chat a bit.

They had started from El Paso about 6 weeks earlier. The guy was a retired Army officer and asked how long I was in the Corps (he saw my USMC flag). We talked military stuff for a while, then we talked biking.

He is completing going around the perimeter of the whole United States. WOW! Plus, he had done the central route too. On this trip he had broken his chain and had fixed it, but it was too short and he couldn’t use his high gears.

We told him he probably wouldn’t find a bike shop until he got to Gainesville. We said our goodbyes and they headed east. As they rode off Bob said to me, “If I complain about anything on this trip, kick my butt.” I said that goes double for me.

The guy we had been talking to had his right artificial leg strapped to his center tube. This guy was riding with only his left leg.

Kick me if I complain about anything!!!

Today's 50 miler

Day 6: On The Road Again

Posted on April 23, 2012 by Chuck

White Springs to Suwannee River, FL
30 miles

Sometimes things happen for the right reasons. The whole time we spent at Suwannee Bicycle Association was like serendipity. We missed the rain. We met great people at SBA. We met Kevin & Josh, fellow cyclists completing the same route we are beginning.

Kevin & Josh about to get back on the road

And we learned the amazing history of the SBA from Jean, who helped start SBA 21 years ago.

SBA's Jean

Yesterday we had a good talk with Kevin and Josh – really great guys. They are super adventurous. They had a lot of good stories to tell us, including one about backpacking with skis for two weeks! They gave us good info on places to avoid and things to look out for on the rest of our trip.

Pumping the tires

Late last night, someone tried to get into SBA. It was Jean. She was coming in to be there early for some street marking the next morning for the Florida Bicycle Safari. We were all sleeping on the couches and Josh & Kevin were sleeping on the floor. Bob gave up his couch so Jean could sleep on it and he moved to the floor. Jean joked the next morning she better not tell her husband she slept with 5 guys!

Jean talking to cyclists

Jean told us all about the history of SBA. She said the founders (husband & wife Dan and Lys Burden) did a huge cycling trip from Alaska and were featured in National Geographic at the time. They are also the founders of Adventure Cycling. Wow.

Suwannee Bicycle Association Beginnings

We could have left earlier this morning, but we only planned to go 30 miles to Suwannee River State Park. We’re having to adjust our route based on campgrounds. There’s nothing between there and Tallahassee. With the strong winds (20-25 mph) today, 35 miles is like 50 miles.

After Suwannee River State Park, there’s a big strip of 110 miles to the next campground. We have info on two Warm Showers possibilities Wednesday night in Tallahassee. We’re trying to break down the mileage to manageable chunks.

The ride was cold. Having to wear long-johns, but having a good time!

White Springs to Suwannee River

Day 5: Still in White Springs

Posted on April 23, 2012 by Chuck

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.

Day 4: Rain, Rain, Go Away

Posted on April 21, 2012 by Chuck

Chuck here. 🙂

Day 3: Ichetucknee Springs to White Springs, FL
30 miles

I know a few people will be a little disappointed when they see we have only gone 30 or 40 miles in a day. We are on this journey to ride our bikes across the country and see and experience the ride of a lifetime. It’s not a race. We want to share our experiences; the good, bad and the ugly.

Today has been a good day. Yes, we only went 30 miles, but we are staying the day/night in a dry and clean place.

Bob knew of the Suwannee Bicycle Association in White Springs. He is a member and he made some phone calls and they are letting us spend as much time as we need to ride out the rain that is now pouring outside. Cheryl gave us a heads up about the bad weather or we might have been caught in the open country. Thank you MBB.

We arrived here in White Springs about an hour before the rains came down. 🙂

Rain? What Rain? Bob & Harry with some cyclists about an hour before it rained.

Florida Bicycle Safari riders caught in the downpour.

The Suwannee Bicycle Association puts on a lot of rides and this weekend there were about 400 riders here taking advantage of their SAG stop for the Florida Bicycle Safari that started today.

Fellow Withlacoochee Bicycle Group cyclists, Colin & Evelyn and Mari & Jerry, have been here for their Suwannee Sweetheart Cycling Weekend in February. It is a nice place to ride and meet great bicycle people.

We’re staying the night here at the club, sleeping on their nice, big couches. Thank you SBA for the fantastic hospitality. We really appreciate it.

Inside SBA

Tomorrow we hope to reach Madison, or at least Live Oak. But with the weather forecast (more rain, winds 15-20 mph with gusts to 25 mph), we are going to have to play this one by what happens.

Today's Route

Day 3: Flat Tires & Jumping Through Hoops

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Chuck

Post by Chuck! 🙂

Day 3: Gainesville to Ichetucknee Springs, FL
50 miles

Thanks again to our Warm Showers host, Tom Harris. He’s really funny, interesting, and just a super guy! Below is a video of Tom and his talented cat, Leo. I think Leo thinks he’s a dog. He knows how to sit and jump through hoops! Not many cats do that.

Today was a rough day. We started off good, and rode on to Alachua again and stopped at our favorite Subway again. Bob got a flat tire five miles after Alachua. He changed it, then we rode on.

First flat (Bob)

Bob got a flat tire again. I gave him one of my tubes, but it wouldn’t hold air. We checked the tire again but saw nothing there. We kept looking and found a little piece of metal in the wheel. We filed it down and so far the tire is doing okay.

2nd flat tire (Bob)

It was a good ride. Not as hectic as yesterday. We only had problems twice, but it’s not a five minute tire change. You have to take stuff off. You have to take the trailer off so you can turn the bike over.

We only went about 50 miles today. We’re at Ichetucknee Springs. People at the campground are so friendly. I don’t have any phone signal, but do have free WiFi from the campground. Bob has a phone signal — of course his phone is Verizon. I’m going to have to get a Verizon phone someday. Thanks to Bob, he let me use it to give Cheryl a call tonight.

Our Ichetucknee Campsite

I’m really feeling good. I’m glad. The training really helped. The weather shows for rain tomorrow. I’ll get online later to check the weather reports and see what we’ll be doing. It may be a short day.

T-minus-2: Camping St. Augustine

Posted on April 16, 2012 by Chuck

Today was the day we left for St. Augustine to begin the ride. After picking up Bob and his gear, we all headed to the East Coast with the RV to camp at Anastasia State Park. This park is right on the Atlantic Ocean, and the end point — or beginning — for many cyclists who ride the Adventure Cycling Association Southern Tier Route.

Chuck & Shadow relaxing at the campsite

We settled in at our campsite, then emptied the RV of bike gear so Bob could do some exploring on his bike.

Bob re-assembling his bike

Later we had a dinner of pigs-in-blankets, BBQ beans, and Bob’s special salad.

Making plans for tomorrow before dinner

Apparently Bob really likes to cook. He made this salad, and he told us about some home-made chili he made this weekend, and he brought some home-made spit pea soup with him for lunch.

Bob's salad

We decided that tomorrow we’ll watch Cheryl test out her new kayak, then we’ll go into downtown St. Augustine to see the lighthouse, fort, and whatever else looks interesting.

Blogging While Cycling

Posted on April 15, 2012 by Chuck

No blogging while actually riding. Really. :-)

Just a note to say that blogging while riding cross-country might be a challenge. My bride has already told me, based on her own ride back in 2000, that she knows that technical problems like no wifi or cell signal or low power, or me being just too tired, will make it hard for me to write a post and send photos and videos in real-time every single day.

So we decided that when I can’t write myself, Cheryl will fill-in for me. She’ll let you know what’s going on based on my phone calls to her. She’ll also add my photos and videos and my own writing later, when I am able to email them to her.

Final Shakedown & Thanks

Posted on April 12, 2012 by Chuck

Today started off on a mixed note. I spent most of yesterday re-packing my B.O.B. trailer for our last training ride today. I don’t know where all that stuff came from but my B.O.B. was way over-stuffed. The center of gravity was too high and when Bob and I took off I felt shaky on the bike for the first time.

We were a little late to join the group that we ride with so we just rode south. I was still feeling a little shaky and when we got to Floral City, and my back tire looked a little soft. Duh, over-packed and a soft tire makes for an unstable ride.

My B.O.B. is bigger than your B.O.B. - not a good thing

Bob continued south while I changed my tire. I put on the new tire and tire liner I have been carrying for our trip. When Bob returned we went to breakfast at Shamrock.

When we came out of Shamrock’s there was a small bag of goodies with a card stuck on my B.O.B. A gift from Cindy and Regis for our trip. Kind of made my whole day.

Goody Bag Surprise

Bob then told me he had a gift from Mary & Rick and Mari & Jerry for me, what a nice group of people to think of us in that way; really means a lot. Thank you guys and girls!

Thoughtful gifts for cyclists from Mary & Rick, Mari & Jerry, and Regis & Cindy

Bob’s brother in Rhode Island also sent us very bright bike shirts for our ride. Life doesn’t get much better than this.

Can You "See Me? Wear" Jerseys

Cheryl (my Beautiful Bride ) has been working hard on getting our web site up for the trip and it looks great, I am one lucky guy.

Oh! One other gift I received: my sister did some needle-point on a jacket for me for the ride. I drew-up the design and she did a fantastic job of making it something I can be proud to wear.

Joann, Me and the great jacket logo she embroidered for me

After the ride Bob helped me re-pack my stuff and I feel much more confident my B.O.B. won’t be over-loaded now. So a day that started off a little shaky ended up pretty good.

B.O.B. Mods

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Chuck

Bike FL 2 CA

Chuck and Bob's Excellent Adventure

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