Trip 2.19

I biked over 20 miles this morning before stopping at all. With the heat index, it was over a hundred. Luckily, I had the wind in my face to keep me cool. That's what I tell myself about the wind these days.

I've been trying to avoid writing about the wind. I don't believe in jinxes; I'm simply trying hard to keep it out of my thoughts. As with the trip in 2007, it is the one thing that messes with my mind to the point of making me want to quit. It is the primary reason that I have yet to complete a century this trip. (I say "primary" because there certainly are other factors-- sleeping in, for one.) I've been averaging around 65 miles a day. With a good tailwind that is about 3 1/2 hours of riding. Some days that 65 takes me six hours of riding.

I'm hoping that someday soon the wind becomes a help, or at least takes a day off. I would love to have a couple of big days back to back. I'm certainly not worried about missing good scenery at high speeds.



When I finally did stop for lunch today, it was at a great little place-- the Hollyridge Smokehouse Restaurant. The owner immediately offered me water as soon as I walked in and told me to have a seat and cool down before I ordered. My waitress asked about my trip and told me about her sons who are into triathlons. It was nice to find a place like this; among all the fast food, it's been hard to find many independent eateries.

Back out into the heat. I started to hear rumbles of thunder to the east. The waitress had told me they haven't had but a couple of days of rain since May. I wouldn't mind rain, but I don't want to be a target for lightning. Before the storm could get over the top of me, I ducked into a little plaza. I sat there for about half an hour, and though the thunder grew louder, it never did anything more than shout from a distance.

Earlier I had downloaded a Travelocity app and booked a room in Wilmington. Due to some miscalculation, I thought it was about 15 to 20 miles further down Route 17 than it was. I feel guilty about the short day, and to make up for it I've been blogging while I eat in this restaurant far too nice for today's efforts.



I honestly do want the long days and the desperate situations. (I realize I say this while I'm sitting comfortably.) I'm sure I'm acting in such a way as to avoid them, but traveling in this monotonous area does not really offer any surprises.

Dinner's over. So is this post. Tonight I hit the maps looking for adventure. Tomorrow I hope to find it.

Location:Market St,Wilmington,United States