Finished Cycle: Jul 31, 2011 6:19:07 PM
Route: New Route
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110731-1112.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/ownJ70
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110731-1112.kml
Ride Time: 4:40:00
Stopped Time: 2:26:08
Distance: 55.58 miles
Average: 11.91 miles/h
Fastest Speed: 16.78 miles/h
Ascent: 379 feet
Calories: 3182
7.31.2011
Cyclemeter Cycle (Road) Jul 31, 2011 11:12:58 AM
Started Cycle: Jul 31, 2011 11:12:58 AM
Route: New Route
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110731-1112.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/ownJ70
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110731-1112.kml
Route: New Route
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110731-1112.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/ownJ70
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110731-1112.kml
7.30.2011
Trip 2.28
So close and yet so far. I figure I've got at least five more days. Yet I am south. Real south. I'm further south than most of the Mexican-American border.
No rain at all today, just clear skies for these views.
On my last trip I wrote about roadkill. It surprised me then that the most frequent carcasses I saw were birds.
This trip, I kid you not: Snakes. And gators. I've noticed at least half a dozen small gators, but too late to turn around and get a photo. Besides looking out for dead gators, time to start looking out for live ones.
If I was here one week ago, I would have seen the landing of the last Space Shuttle. Stopping here made me more emotional than I expected. I felt like I grew up with the Shuttle. And now it's done.
(Grabbed this from the web for comparison sake.)
I had a flat yesterday as well, but I didn't take a picture because my iPhone overheated sitting in the direct sun. Today's flat was on the back. That's the end of the Slime-brand tubes I bought a couple of weeks ago. I always felt a bit unsure about the integrity of them. Both leaks were very small, so the tube's claim that it will self-seal up to an eighth of an inch was bull.
I got to talk to Nate and E today at lunchtime. They had just gotten back from a birthday party, so Nate told me all about the goodie bags. E was chilling, watching Bob the Builder, but Kristen got him on the phone to say hi. I won't be able to hug and kiss them enough to let them know how much I miss them.
While you wear a helmet for six or more hours a day, your hair only has certain directions it can grow. If only this looked cool, like a triple Mohawk... I need a cut.
No rain at all today, just clear skies for these views.
On my last trip I wrote about roadkill. It surprised me then that the most frequent carcasses I saw were birds.
This trip, I kid you not: Snakes. And gators. I've noticed at least half a dozen small gators, but too late to turn around and get a photo. Besides looking out for dead gators, time to start looking out for live ones.
If I was here one week ago, I would have seen the landing of the last Space Shuttle. Stopping here made me more emotional than I expected. I felt like I grew up with the Shuttle. And now it's done.
(Grabbed this from the web for comparison sake.)
I had a flat yesterday as well, but I didn't take a picture because my iPhone overheated sitting in the direct sun. Today's flat was on the back. That's the end of the Slime-brand tubes I bought a couple of weeks ago. I always felt a bit unsure about the integrity of them. Both leaks were very small, so the tube's claim that it will self-seal up to an eighth of an inch was bull.
I got to talk to Nate and E today at lunchtime. They had just gotten back from a birthday party, so Nate told me all about the goodie bags. E was chilling, watching Bob the Builder, but Kristen got him on the phone to say hi. I won't be able to hug and kiss them enough to let them know how much I miss them.
While you wear a helmet for six or more hours a day, your hair only has certain directions it can grow. If only this looked cool, like a triple Mohawk... I need a cut.
Location:University Ln,Cocoa,United States
Cyclemeter Cycle (Road) Jul 30, 2011 11:01:53 AM
Finished Cycle: Jul 30, 2011 6:36:18 PM
Route: New Route
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110730-1101.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/ndIpAw
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110730-1101.kml
Ride Time: 5:04:56
Stopped Time: 2:29:29
Distance: 68.65 miles
Average: 13.51 miles/h
Fastest Speed: 26.45 miles/h
Ascent: 676 feet
Calories: 3723
Route: New Route
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110730-1101.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/ndIpAw
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110730-1101.kml
Ride Time: 5:04:56
Stopped Time: 2:29:29
Distance: 68.65 miles
Average: 13.51 miles/h
Fastest Speed: 26.45 miles/h
Ascent: 676 feet
Calories: 3723
Cyclemeter Cycle (Road) Jul 30, 2011 11:01:53 AM
Started Cycle: Jul 30, 2011 11:01:53 AM
Route: New Route
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110730-1101.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/ndIpAw
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110730-1101.kml
Route: New Route
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110730-1101.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/ndIpAw
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110730-1101.kml
Trip 2.26
Turns out I was only a few miles from the Florida border when I stopped the night before. The welcome sign caught me by surprise. This is it. The last state. And the biggest.
Entering Florida here was like entering Disney World. Everything was neatly groomed. The shoulder seemed recently swept.
Though the road didn't stay idyllic, it was generally the best I've seen so far. Good shoulders, sometimes extra wide. Even biking through Jacksonville seemed less stressful than many urban areas I've been through.
Found a bike shop. I had been wanting to buy some more White Lightning degreaser, which I discovered earlier this trip. The stuff I'd amazing for cleaning the grime off the whole drivetrain.
I had time to visit Walmart before bed for a few things. I dumped my Neutrogena sunscreen. It's meant to be sprayed on even if you're wet. Okay. But I applied it in the morning, and when I heated up while riding, my sweat pooled on the surface and annoyingly ran down my arms and legs.
I just happened to spot a container of pool noodles. I had been planning to engineer some sort of cushion for my left hand. This fit rather well after I trimmed a sliced it. A little electrical tape...
A 60-mile day, and like the others recently, most of those miles are a blur. I kill time listening to music and audiobooks. I want to insert my playlist into the blog, but it will probably be easiest to wait until I get back to my desktop at home.
I'm anxious to finish this trip. Not because I've become bored (like in North Carolina), but because I want that sense of satisfaction I had after the last trip. It truly changed my life, and how I thought of myself. This one will continue that pursuit.
Entering Florida here was like entering Disney World. Everything was neatly groomed. The shoulder seemed recently swept.
Though the road didn't stay idyllic, it was generally the best I've seen so far. Good shoulders, sometimes extra wide. Even biking through Jacksonville seemed less stressful than many urban areas I've been through.
Found a bike shop. I had been wanting to buy some more White Lightning degreaser, which I discovered earlier this trip. The stuff I'd amazing for cleaning the grime off the whole drivetrain.
I had time to visit Walmart before bed for a few things. I dumped my Neutrogena sunscreen. It's meant to be sprayed on even if you're wet. Okay. But I applied it in the morning, and when I heated up while riding, my sweat pooled on the surface and annoyingly ran down my arms and legs.
I just happened to spot a container of pool noodles. I had been planning to engineer some sort of cushion for my left hand. This fit rather well after I trimmed a sliced it. A little electrical tape...
A 60-mile day, and like the others recently, most of those miles are a blur. I kill time listening to music and audiobooks. I want to insert my playlist into the blog, but it will probably be easiest to wait until I get back to my desktop at home.
I'm anxious to finish this trip. Not because I've become bored (like in North Carolina), but because I want that sense of satisfaction I had after the last trip. It truly changed my life, and how I thought of myself. This one will continue that pursuit.
7.29.2011
Cyclemeter Cycle (Road) Jul 29, 2011 11:06:18 AM
Finished Cycle: Jul 29, 2011 7:43:05 PM
Route: New Route
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110729-1106.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/qqcCwd
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110729-1106.kml
Ride Time: 6:21:18
Stopped Time: 2:15:30
Distance: 90.59 miles
Average: 14.26 miles/h
Fastest Speed: 28.33 miles/h
Ascent: 1972 feet
Calories: 5099
Route: New Route
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110729-1106.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/qqcCwd
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110729-1106.kml
Ride Time: 6:21:18
Stopped Time: 2:15:30
Distance: 90.59 miles
Average: 14.26 miles/h
Fastest Speed: 28.33 miles/h
Ascent: 1972 feet
Calories: 5099
Cyclemeter Cycle (Road) Jul 29, 2011 11:06:18 AM
Started Cycle: Jul 29, 2011 11:06:18 AM
Route: New Route
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110729-1106.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/qqcCwd
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110729-1106.kml
Route: New Route
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110729-1106.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/qqcCwd
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110729-1106.kml
7.28.2011
Trip 2.25
I'm writing about this a day later, and remembering day 25 in three distinct chunks.
Morning Chunk: 50 miles to this gas station.
Storm Chunk: Standing outside this gas station for an hour until the rain lets up enough to at least try to ride in it.
Evening Chunk: Riding 36 more miles.
This is typical of my recent days-- not just dealing with rain, but zoning out during big mileage gains. The limits to my rides have to do with my start time, any technical problems, and where to stop before dark. My body and mind could probably do a century a day as long as I eat and hydrate correctly.
But because I love sleeping in so much, we may never know.
Morning Chunk: 50 miles to this gas station.
Storm Chunk: Standing outside this gas station for an hour until the rain lets up enough to at least try to ride in it.
Evening Chunk: Riding 36 more miles.
This is typical of my recent days-- not just dealing with rain, but zoning out during big mileage gains. The limits to my rides have to do with my start time, any technical problems, and where to stop before dark. My body and mind could probably do a century a day as long as I eat and hydrate correctly.
But because I love sleeping in so much, we may never know.
Location:Kings Way,Kingsland,United States
Cyclemeter Cycle (Road) Jul 28, 2011 11:24:37 AM
Finished Cycle: Jul 28, 2011 6:10:14 PM
Route: New Route
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110728-1124.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/mVoiTV
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110728-1124.kml
Ride Time: 4:01:38
Stopped Time: 2:44:00
Distance: 57.16 miles
Average: 14.19 miles/h
Fastest Speed: 48.13 miles/h
Ascent: 452 feet
Calories: 3136
Route: New Route
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110728-1124.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/mVoiTV
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110728-1124.kml
Ride Time: 4:01:38
Stopped Time: 2:44:00
Distance: 57.16 miles
Average: 14.19 miles/h
Fastest Speed: 48.13 miles/h
Ascent: 452 feet
Calories: 3136
Cyclemeter Cycle (Road) Jul 27, 2011 11:04:41 AM
Finished Cycle: Jul 27, 2011 8:18:49 PM
Route: New Route
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110727-1104.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/oUbeN9
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110727-1104.kml
Ride Time: 6:09:38
Stopped Time: 3:04:29
Distance: 86.10 miles
Average: 13.98 miles/h
Fastest Speed: 41.67 miles/h
Ascent: 1094 feet
Calories: 5500
Route: New Route
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110727-1104.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/oUbeN9
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110727-1104.kml
Ride Time: 6:09:38
Stopped Time: 3:04:29
Distance: 86.10 miles
Average: 13.98 miles/h
Fastest Speed: 41.67 miles/h
Ascent: 1094 feet
Calories: 5500
Cyclemeter Cycle (Road) Jul 28, 2011 11:24:37 AM
Started Cycle: Jul 28, 2011 11:24:37 AM
Route: New Route
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110728-1124.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/mVoiTV
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110728-1124.kml
Route: New Route
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110728-1124.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/mVoiTV
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110728-1124.kml
Trip 2.24
After eating breakfast at a Waffle House, I got on the road. In the rain.
I got hit by a little rain a couple of times this trip, but not like this. Steady rain fell for the first couple of hours, and I made great time. The rain basically knocked the wind out of the air, and that made all the difference. Once I was fully wet, I settled into a good rhythm. I set my taillight to pulse, and I had no trouble being seen at all.
The height of this bridge was amazing. I don't think the pictures do it justice. The steamboat reminded me of one of the greatest books of all time. Screw Tom Sawyer, Stephen.
More rain. I stopped at a great little authentically southern restaurant for steamed squash, rice, and hamburger steak. It was delicious and filling.
I thought I would need the energy, that this would be a big day. But as the rain let up later in the afternoon, the wind came right back. I passed a motel in Midway, stopped for some pizza, and went back to the motel to call it quits for the day. I cleaned and dried the bike and bags besides doing my usual bit of motel laundry-- scrubbing in the sink and hanging clothes to dry.
I got hit by a little rain a couple of times this trip, but not like this. Steady rain fell for the first couple of hours, and I made great time. The rain basically knocked the wind out of the air, and that made all the difference. Once I was fully wet, I settled into a good rhythm. I set my taillight to pulse, and I had no trouble being seen at all.
The height of this bridge was amazing. I don't think the pictures do it justice. The steamboat reminded me of one of the greatest books of all time. Screw Tom Sawyer, Stephen.
More rain. I stopped at a great little authentically southern restaurant for steamed squash, rice, and hamburger steak. It was delicious and filling.
I thought I would need the energy, that this would be a big day. But as the rain let up later in the afternoon, the wind came right back. I passed a motel in Midway, stopped for some pizza, and went back to the motel to call it quits for the day. I cleaned and dried the bike and bags besides doing my usual bit of motel laundry-- scrubbing in the sink and hanging clothes to dry.
Location:Ocean Hwy,Midway,United States
Trip 2.23
I'm starting to get a little behind, so just some quick updates.
Climbing the bridge into Charleston was one of the most tiring quarter miles of the trip. The wind, plain and simple. Even on the downhill side I had to pedal to get anywhere.
Saw some pretty country here. The only problem is, when the scenery opens up like this, the wind gets added momentum.
Never forget? Never forget what? That the F shouldn't be capitalized? What was most spooky about this billboard was that it was on a backroad. And I heard banjo music.
I've been finding some good, cheap motels lately. How did I take this picture? Think about it.
A good day. Over 80 miles, even with the persistent breeze. This trip may be about getting over my hatred for the wind. Making peace.
Nah.
Climbing the bridge into Charleston was one of the most tiring quarter miles of the trip. The wind, plain and simple. Even on the downhill side I had to pedal to get anywhere.
Saw some pretty country here. The only problem is, when the scenery opens up like this, the wind gets added momentum.
Never forget? Never forget what? That the F shouldn't be capitalized? What was most spooky about this billboard was that it was on a backroad. And I heard banjo music.
I've been finding some good, cheap motels lately. How did I take this picture? Think about it.
A good day. Over 80 miles, even with the persistent breeze. This trip may be about getting over my hatred for the wind. Making peace.
Nah.
Location:Ridgeland,United States
7.27.2011
Cyclemeter Cycle (Road) Jul 27, 2011 11:04:41 AM
Finished Cycle: Jul 27, 2011 8:18:49 PM
Route: New Route
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110727-1104.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/oUbeN9
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110727-1104.kml
Ride Time: 6:09:38
Stopped Time: 3:04:29
Distance: 86.10 miles
Average: 13.98 miles/h
Fastest Speed: 41.67 miles/h
Ascent: 1094 feet
Calories: 5500
Route: New Route
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110727-1104.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/oUbeN9
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110727-1104.kml
Ride Time: 6:09:38
Stopped Time: 3:04:29
Distance: 86.10 miles
Average: 13.98 miles/h
Fastest Speed: 41.67 miles/h
Ascent: 1094 feet
Calories: 5500
Cyclemeter Cycle (Road) Jul 27, 2011 11:04:41 AM
Started Cycle: Jul 27, 2011 11:04:41 AM
Route: New Route
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110727-1104.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/oUbeN9
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110727-1104.kml
Route: New Route
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110727-1104.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/oUbeN9
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110727-1104.kml
Cyclemeter Cycle (Road) Jul 26, 2011 11:39:50 AM
Finished Cycle: Jul 26, 2011 6:18:45 PM
Route: New Route
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110726-1139.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/qRTCqJ
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110726-1139.kml
Ride Time: 4:19:57
Stopped Time: 2:18:58
Distance: 63.68 miles
Average: 14.70 miles/h
Fastest Speed: 46.36 miles/h
Ascent: 1008 feet
Calories: 3559
Route: New Route
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110726-1139.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/qRTCqJ
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110726-1139.kml
Ride Time: 4:19:57
Stopped Time: 2:18:58
Distance: 63.68 miles
Average: 14.70 miles/h
Fastest Speed: 46.36 miles/h
Ascent: 1008 feet
Calories: 3559
7.26.2011
Trip 2.22
This was the fifth or sixth day of this heat wave that was hitting all of the east coast. (My nephews have been swimming back home, and I can't wait to join them.)
The road continued in the usual fashion. The picture below might as well be a window into my mind as I recall the landscape of these days through the Carolinas.
I think the sweat makes the ink look extra cool. I've been thinking about the tat I'll get after this trip, but nothing inspired has come to mind.
This lucky find was next to a small store I stopped at. I think it's called "Chicken City". Very cool little buildings, like an old west town built for chickens. It would have been even cooler if there were actually chickens.
I've been trying to eat at authentically-southern places. This one was a mom/pop place called Seewee Restaurant. That's deep-fried soft-shell crab.
The real purpose of this day was to end up exactly here:
I am very fortunate to be passing through the hometowns of two of the Ciccarelli clan; Justine in Maine, and John here in Mount Pleasant, SC. John is the eldest of the Ciccarelli "kids", and I've known him for at least 30 years. His wife, Denise, and I have known each other for at least 12, since that's the age of their oldest daughter.
The kids were at their grandparents, so John, Denise, and I had the luxury of being able to squeeze into one car for a tour around Charleston.
First stop, the waterfront park, a long pier that used to be part of the old bridge that connects Mount Pleasant to Charleston. John helped design the piece behind them in this picture. It's like a pavilion... but not a pavilion. (I wish I had a better shot. It's beautiful.)
Denise works for the College of Charleston, so we toured that as well. I won't try to do it justice-- if you're ever in Charleston you've got to see it, even without all the coeds around.
And then down to another park overlooking the water with Fort Sumter in the distance. Fort Sumter, a place John and Denise embarrassingly admitted they'd never been to.
A big pineapple fountain here. Denise told me it's a symbol of welcome, which makes perfect sense given the way I've been treated down south, and especially by these great friends.
Then drinks at a rooftop bar, delicious Italian food at a place that probably only locals know about, and back to their house for ice cream. (Speaking of the house and it's coolness, I'll just say this: John has a room with bumper pool, two turntables, and a closet urinal.)
John and Denise were hoping to convince me to take a rest day at their home, and the only reason I didn't was that I am anxious to wrap up this trip. I would love to come visit them again. There seems to be no shortage of things to do and see in Charleston.
The road continued in the usual fashion. The picture below might as well be a window into my mind as I recall the landscape of these days through the Carolinas.
I think the sweat makes the ink look extra cool. I've been thinking about the tat I'll get after this trip, but nothing inspired has come to mind.
This lucky find was next to a small store I stopped at. I think it's called "Chicken City". Very cool little buildings, like an old west town built for chickens. It would have been even cooler if there were actually chickens.
I've been trying to eat at authentically-southern places. This one was a mom/pop place called Seewee Restaurant. That's deep-fried soft-shell crab.
The real purpose of this day was to end up exactly here:
I am very fortunate to be passing through the hometowns of two of the Ciccarelli clan; Justine in Maine, and John here in Mount Pleasant, SC. John is the eldest of the Ciccarelli "kids", and I've known him for at least 30 years. His wife, Denise, and I have known each other for at least 12, since that's the age of their oldest daughter.
The kids were at their grandparents, so John, Denise, and I had the luxury of being able to squeeze into one car for a tour around Charleston.
First stop, the waterfront park, a long pier that used to be part of the old bridge that connects Mount Pleasant to Charleston. John helped design the piece behind them in this picture. It's like a pavilion... but not a pavilion. (I wish I had a better shot. It's beautiful.)
Denise works for the College of Charleston, so we toured that as well. I won't try to do it justice-- if you're ever in Charleston you've got to see it, even without all the coeds around.
And then down to another park overlooking the water with Fort Sumter in the distance. Fort Sumter, a place John and Denise embarrassingly admitted they'd never been to.
A big pineapple fountain here. Denise told me it's a symbol of welcome, which makes perfect sense given the way I've been treated down south, and especially by these great friends.
Then drinks at a rooftop bar, delicious Italian food at a place that probably only locals know about, and back to their house for ice cream. (Speaking of the house and it's coolness, I'll just say this: John has a room with bumper pool, two turntables, and a closet urinal.)
John and Denise were hoping to convince me to take a rest day at their home, and the only reason I didn't was that I am anxious to wrap up this trip. I would love to come visit them again. There seems to be no shortage of things to do and see in Charleston.
Location:Mount Pleasant, SC
Cyclemeter Cycle (Road) Jul 26, 2011 11:39:50 AM
Started Cycle: Jul 26, 2011 11:39:50 AM
Route: New Route
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110726-1139.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/qRTCqJ
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110726-1139.kml
Route: New Route
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110726-1139.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/qRTCqJ
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110726-1139.kml
7.25.2011
Cyclemeter Cycle (Road) Jul 25, 2011 11:20:05 AM
Finished Cycle: Jul 25, 2011 7:43:20 PM
Route: New Route
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110725-1120.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/oeu4WL
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110725-1120.kml
Ride Time: 5:55:42
Stopped Time: 2:27:33
Distance: 81.15 miles
Average: 13.69 miles/h
Fastest Speed: 40.25 miles/h
Ascent: 499 feet
Calories: 4440
Route: New Route
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110725-1120.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/oeu4WL
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110725-1120.kml
Ride Time: 5:55:42
Stopped Time: 2:27:33
Distance: 81.15 miles
Average: 13.69 miles/h
Fastest Speed: 40.25 miles/h
Ascent: 499 feet
Calories: 4440
Cyclemeter Cycle (Road) Jul 25, 2011 11:20:05 AM
Started Cycle: Jul 25, 2011 11:20:05 AM
Route: New Route
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110725-1120.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/oeu4WL
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110725-1120.kml
Route: New Route
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110725-1120.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/oeu4WL
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/08f0/80a8/4c0e/23bd/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110725-1120.kml
7.24.2011
Trip 2.21
Day 21 really begins on Night 20. I climbed into my tent after saying goodnight to my neighbors, did a little housekeeping, checked my map, my mail, had a snack, and finally settled down to sleep.
Once I'm asleep, I'm dead until morning. I've always been like this. On these bike trips it's a little harder to fall asleep because of all the physical activity of the day.
On this particular night I didn't get to sleep for hours. It wasn't the ground, or insects, or noise. It was the heat. I'm sure it never fell below 80 all night, and the wind that had been bothering me all day had completely subsided.
I opened the tent flap completely. No help. I stared up at the few stars I could see through the haze. No help. I went down to the air-conditioned bathroom at least twice. The temporary relief made the outside air worse in contrast. I left the tent completely and sat at the picnic table with my head down on my travel pillow. Nope. I tried to figure out a way to possibly sleep back in the bathroom.
I'm not sure when I fell asleep, but I remember having multiple dreams about the camp. I dreamt that I woke in the morning and all my stuff had been moved, and my superintendent and her girls were now camping next to me.
As soon as I woke I had to get out, even though I had gotten only a few hours of sleep. The sun was just high enough to be heating the tent. Somehow I got everything packed and visited the beach before heading out.
I'm trying hard to smile.
I wanted a short day. I felt a twinge of guilt, but it turns out if I hadn't taken a short day I might not have ended up here, lying comfortably in a friends' house after a great evening with them. (More about that later.)
I remember these shops so distinctly from our trip to Disney with the Ciccarellis back in the 80s. As Joe and I perused the long-sleeved OP shirts, Kristen and Joanne were trying on Panama Jack hats.
Rear flat tire. No mystery this time.
Georgetown was the closest town that would offer some accommodations. I booked a room through Travelocity. I wish I had a good joke here; I just love this review:
Georgetown put me 30 miles further south, which is nothing to scoff at, I guess. The day was insanely hot again, and I spent the afternoon napping, washing my clothes in the tub, and catching the end of Le Tour. (Evans deserved the victory, but I've been rooting for Andy Schleck for two years.)
I know I'm not an "outdoorsman". I can't do two nights of camping in a row. I'm prepared, just in case. But give me air-conditioning and cable and I'll keep on biking.
Once I'm asleep, I'm dead until morning. I've always been like this. On these bike trips it's a little harder to fall asleep because of all the physical activity of the day.
On this particular night I didn't get to sleep for hours. It wasn't the ground, or insects, or noise. It was the heat. I'm sure it never fell below 80 all night, and the wind that had been bothering me all day had completely subsided.
I opened the tent flap completely. No help. I stared up at the few stars I could see through the haze. No help. I went down to the air-conditioned bathroom at least twice. The temporary relief made the outside air worse in contrast. I left the tent completely and sat at the picnic table with my head down on my travel pillow. Nope. I tried to figure out a way to possibly sleep back in the bathroom.
I'm not sure when I fell asleep, but I remember having multiple dreams about the camp. I dreamt that I woke in the morning and all my stuff had been moved, and my superintendent and her girls were now camping next to me.
As soon as I woke I had to get out, even though I had gotten only a few hours of sleep. The sun was just high enough to be heating the tent. Somehow I got everything packed and visited the beach before heading out.
I'm trying hard to smile.
I wanted a short day. I felt a twinge of guilt, but it turns out if I hadn't taken a short day I might not have ended up here, lying comfortably in a friends' house after a great evening with them. (More about that later.)
I remember these shops so distinctly from our trip to Disney with the Ciccarellis back in the 80s. As Joe and I perused the long-sleeved OP shirts, Kristen and Joanne were trying on Panama Jack hats.
Rear flat tire. No mystery this time.
Georgetown was the closest town that would offer some accommodations. I booked a room through Travelocity. I wish I had a good joke here; I just love this review:
Georgetown put me 30 miles further south, which is nothing to scoff at, I guess. The day was insanely hot again, and I spent the afternoon napping, washing my clothes in the tub, and catching the end of Le Tour. (Evans deserved the victory, but I've been rooting for Andy Schleck for two years.)
I know I'm not an "outdoorsman". I can't do two nights of camping in a row. I'm prepared, just in case. But give me air-conditioning and cable and I'll keep on biking.
Location:Church St,Georgetown,United States
Trip 2.20
My goal for today was to be open to some new adventure. The ride has become quite monotonous, so the excitement would have to be found off-road.
Starting to feel really south-- Spanish moss and plantation-looking building.
Not much here. These bridges can be tricky if they have metal grating in the middle. Like riding over marbles.
Same old road.
Later in the afternoon I got into an area with good pavement, but definitely not designed with cyclists in mind. That's not a rumble strip, it's a rumble shoulder.
I had to take a little detour to find it, but this is Brad's Restaurant. Also known as Brad's Porch. It was cooler inside, and the meal was simple and cheap. The girl at the counter was friendly and curious about the trip.
Well, North Carolina is behind me. I can honestly say I missed the nicest parts. I must have.
These were some of the worst winds of the trip. The forecast called for 10-15 mph breezes out of the SSW, and the weather people were right.
I pressed on all afternoon. Didn't stop for long to eat or rest, and as the miles accumulated I felt more and more comfortable. The weather was cooling a little, the wind died a little, and the traffic through North Myrtle Beach, though heavy, was very accommodating.
Tons of these miniature golf places, each one more extravagant than the next. I wasn't planning to stop for this picture, but my left contact lens popped out, again. To rewet, I always use saliva. It landed on my sunglasses, so I sucked it into my mouth. A little too hard. It went to the back of my throat, so I had to swallow it.
I stopped at a state park to see about camping, but was turned away. That surprised me. The girl could see I was on a bike. I asked her if I couldn't find a little corner somewhere. She was sorry, and told me to check just down the road at Pirateland.
And that's where I ended up, right in among a ton of densely packed RVs.
Both of my neighbors came right over and offered me any help I needed. The family in the pop-up next to me were from Charlotte, NC. They couldn't have been more interested and interesting. We talked a lot about biking and my trip and I learned about an upcoming hike the father and son are doing in Colorado. After our lengthy bull session, the son, his girlfriend, and a cousin took me for a tour of the park on their golf cart. The primary purpose was to get to "Idiot Circle", as they called it. This is a section of the campground near the beach where all the golf carts cruise back and forth, playing music, checking each other out. I went to bed hoping to say goodbye to them in the morning, but they were gone before I woke.
Long day, hot day, windy day. But meeting such friendly southerners made it a great day in the end.
Starting to feel really south-- Spanish moss and plantation-looking building.
Not much here. These bridges can be tricky if they have metal grating in the middle. Like riding over marbles.
Same old road.
Later in the afternoon I got into an area with good pavement, but definitely not designed with cyclists in mind. That's not a rumble strip, it's a rumble shoulder.
I had to take a little detour to find it, but this is Brad's Restaurant. Also known as Brad's Porch. It was cooler inside, and the meal was simple and cheap. The girl at the counter was friendly and curious about the trip.
Well, North Carolina is behind me. I can honestly say I missed the nicest parts. I must have.
These were some of the worst winds of the trip. The forecast called for 10-15 mph breezes out of the SSW, and the weather people were right.
I pressed on all afternoon. Didn't stop for long to eat or rest, and as the miles accumulated I felt more and more comfortable. The weather was cooling a little, the wind died a little, and the traffic through North Myrtle Beach, though heavy, was very accommodating.
Tons of these miniature golf places, each one more extravagant than the next. I wasn't planning to stop for this picture, but my left contact lens popped out, again. To rewet, I always use saliva. It landed on my sunglasses, so I sucked it into my mouth. A little too hard. It went to the back of my throat, so I had to swallow it.
I stopped at a state park to see about camping, but was turned away. That surprised me. The girl could see I was on a bike. I asked her if I couldn't find a little corner somewhere. She was sorry, and told me to check just down the road at Pirateland.
And that's where I ended up, right in among a ton of densely packed RVs.
Both of my neighbors came right over and offered me any help I needed. The family in the pop-up next to me were from Charlotte, NC. They couldn't have been more interested and interesting. We talked a lot about biking and my trip and I learned about an upcoming hike the father and son are doing in Colorado. After our lengthy bull session, the son, his girlfriend, and a cousin took me for a tour of the park on their golf cart. The primary purpose was to get to "Idiot Circle", as they called it. This is a section of the campground near the beach where all the golf carts cruise back and forth, playing music, checking each other out. I went to bed hoping to say goodbye to them in the morning, but they were gone before I woke.
Long day, hot day, windy day. But meeting such friendly southerners made it a great day in the end.
Location:Myrtle Beach, SC
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