Letters from the Road: 5/11/08

My Story

.....On March 22, 2008, I begin my self-contained bike tour across the southern part of the United States from San Diego, California to St. Augustine, Florida along the Southern Tier Route. This is a trip I've wanted to undertake for many years and now it's finally happening. I will be riding with a group of 17 people orgainzed by the Adventure Cycling Association. The tour will take 65 days ending May 25th. We ride on average 57 miles per day for a total of about 3,082 miles with rest days about once a week. I will attempt to keep this blog site updated as we progress across the U.S. on this great adventure. Energy and access to a computer will be key factors. Wish me (us) luck. It's a long journey.

Shirl's Poem

In San Diego, our starting place
We gathered together
and came face to face.
Then Andy Mac came and took the chair
With baggy shorts and a face full of hair.

He spelled out the rules and left no doubt
That here was a man
with strength and clout
He said, “We’re going all the way;
You’re a real good group, just do what I say!”

“On busy roads, if you get stuck,
Please don’t make a cluster f***
If it’s sex on the road, well that’s ok,
But do it quick and get on your way.”

And so, without much further ado
The circus left town, a motley crew,
To see this fine and beautiful land –
Over hills and through the desert sands.

Up near the front is a man of steel.
He’d like to have meat
every lunch time meal
But every day Aede’s heard to utter,
“Oh no, not again – it’s peanut butter.”

Matty, lovely Matty,
goes faster than the wind,
He gets to camp each day
before we’ve hardly beginned (!)
Not only that, but on the way,
He drinks umpteen Starbuck every day!

Nick, from Frisco, brings a touch of class
He cycles with individual panache,
“Life is good,” he’s heard to say
About a hundred times a day.

“Oh crap, I see another hill,”
Says Jan, “I’ve really had my fill –
That Andy must be taking the p***
I sure never signed up for this!”

This trip would be dull
if we didn’t have Frank
Who started out built like a tank,
But three thousand miles of steady crank
And now his tum is as flat as a plank.
(Well nearly!)

Kristina rides with finesse and grace
But downhills doesn’t like to race.
All day she keeps a steady pace –
And never a hair out of place.

On recumbent is fine Dick Beeman,
Patriotic and brave, he’s a former seaman.
“Awesome” is what
you’ll hear him screamin’
As he rides that machine like a real demon.

And then there’s Eileen
Our hill country queen
Always quick with a witty remark
A great sense of humor, a vital spark.

Steve Shapland’s a name
that clearly denotes
A man who needs his carbs and oats
His brain is full of information and facts
But tell him there’s no shower
and watch him react!

Doug’s a guy that we all dig
Tall and strong – he rides a fine rig.
But when a dog made him go ar** over tit
He hurt his bike and body a bit.

There’s a chap who’s quiet
and goes like a bomb
He’s well put together, his name is Tom
He rides like a rocket or a bird on the wing
Is sharp as a knife and doesn’t miss a thing.

Dave’s added a splash of color to this trip
His vivid tie dye makes him really hip.
On his recumbent, he’s striking and lean,
But, Dave, what do all those hand signals mean?

Herb speaks with a voice
that’s dignified and calm
He’s won our hearts with his quiet charm
He has a great eye for a quality photo
And rides his bike as though it has a motor.

Dee has a heart as big as the sun
She lavishes love on everyone.
She’ll help everyone to cook and then….
The very next day, she’ll do it again.

Andy’s a cool leader,
resourceful and inspired
Always helping with our bike stuff
although he must be tired.
He’s been real hardworking
and, besides that, funny –
We’ve sure had good value for our money!

So thank you, Andy, it’s been a blast,
Our trip has gone by real fast
We wish you luck
as you follow that (North) Star
Pleasant tailwinds be at your back
wherever you are.

Finally, I’m bequeathing you
this little parcel (a deck of card)
Do try hard not to always be the a******!

Friday, May 16, 2008

Unplanned Rest Day in Milton

Steve, owner of the Cedar Pines RV Park, allowed us into his home due to rain. Thank you very much for your kindness and hospitality.

One of Steve's Passions, 1948 Whizzer.

Shirl loves her new top.

Morning scene the following day when we were to ride to DeFuniak Springs.

We decide to take another rest day in Milton. Steve again allows us to use his home. Thanks again Steve.

Shirl getting her panniers out of the rain.

It's game time.

Heading for Milton

Steve riding along the beach front on Hwy 182.

Condominium Development abound.

Now I'm in Florida and there's just about 500 miles to go.

Developments line the coast from Alabama to Florida.

Shirl heading into Pensacola.

Checking out the local bike shop. I also needed inner tubes.

Waterfront homes in Pensacola.

Kristina.

The I-98 bridge, the one we didn't need to ride. Thank goodness!

Looks like rain is on its way.

And rain it did. We stayed in DQ for about an hour before heading out.

Shirl waits patiently.

Andy leads us back onto the road.

Our Stay in Gulf Shores

A bamboo bike is displayed at the La Quinta Inn where we're staying in Gulf Shores .

Happy Birthday Dee

We celebrated at the Big O in Gulf Shores.

Many spent the rest day checking out the local beach scene.

Aede and Doug enjoying the beach scene.

Onward to Gulf Shores

Colorful buildings just over the bridge.

I missed the 2:00 p.m. ferry, so I decide to go sightseeing

Beach at the end of the road pass historic Fort Gaines.

Fort Gaines from the beach side.

Locals fishing off the pier.

Nick awaiting the 3:30 ferry.

Everyone is ready to board.

On the ferry, the bikes go on first.

Off shore platform.

Kristina riding along the beach front properties. Many were for sale.

Riding the beach front.

Condo's abound on the beach front.

Hurley and Beyond

We camped by a pond in Hurley. Steve taking it all in.

Our cooking and sitting area undercover..

Our Camp, level ground was hard to find.

Steve does Tai Chi each morning.

Did I say dogs were a problem..

Shrimp Boats.

Our lunch place for the day.

The Gordon Persons Bridge to Dauphin Island.

View of Mobile Bay.

The headwind increased as I approached the bridge.