Let a Tailwind Be Your Guide

After a night of gusty winds, I’m pleased to report that my tent and its contents (primarily me) did not blow away during the night. As an added bonus, the steady flow of air around and through the tent left it completely dry in the morning. No dew. No condensation. The day was off to a good start.

The wind was still strong this morning but a quick check of both the weather forecast and the flag near my tent revealed the 20 km/h winds were coming from the northeast. Since I would be heading south and west today, I found the wind conditions well within my liking.

Things kind of took a turn at that point. And, as has been the case of late, it was bicycle related. My pre-ride inspection revealed my front tire was a bit low. Upon re-inflating the wheel it was clear that the reason it was low was because there was a hole somewhere. Here we go again. At least it was the front tire for a change. I’ll spare you the details of fixing the tire. Suffice it to say, sometimes getting the tire back on the wheel can be extremely challenging. Things may have been said – but said quietly, as it was only 7:30 and there were other tents nearby.

The pre-ride inspection also revealed a bit of a problem with the real wheel. It seemed to be rubbing somewhere – but not on the frame, and not the brake pads. It seems to have something to do with the alignment of the wheel (I think it’s called “dishing”) in the frame. I’ve been able to adjust it to get the wheel spinning freely but it doesn’t seem to be a permanent fix. I’ll have to keep monitoring the situation. As always, I’m open to suggestions.

Anyway, with my bike somewhat functional again I prepared to leave. It was at that point that I met Mary and her grand-daughter Lilly. They were staying in one of the rooms at the campground and came out to chat after my repairs were finished. We discussed my ride. Where I’ve been. Where I’m going. How I’m getting there. I gave one of my Mark’s Midlife Crisis business cards to them so they could follow along. Actually, I gave the card to Lilly as she informed me that her grandmother isn’t particularly tech-savvy. Lilly, who is probably around 10 – give or take a year or so (sorry Lilly, I’m horrible at guessing ages!), can show Mary the blog.

Before leaving, Mary offered me a couple of fresh apples which were both huge and delicious. The latter I discovered later on down the road. She also gave me some veggie sticks – not real veggies, kind of like potato chips, but not potatoes … and they’re in stick form. I’m sure you get the idea. Anyway, I’m snacking on them as we speak.

With the time approaching 9:00 it was time to hit the road. Had I been thinking, I would’ve taken a picture with Mary and Lilly. Sadly, I did not. After al this time, you’d think I’d be better at that. But no. No picture with Gage and Jack in Philly. No picture with George and Michelle in Lutherville-Timonium. No picture with Nicole in Washington. And so on.

Anyway, I got back on the road again and enjoyed what was in fact a very favourable wind. Not quite as favourable as that glorious day in Newfoundland when I went to St. Anthony, but still pretty great. And where was I headed today? Well, today was the start of another two-day-trek to a destination. By the end of day tomorrow I’m hoping to be in Greenville, where a friend of a friend has been kind enough to offer me accommodation. Today’s goal? Somewhere between Kitty Hawk and Greenville. The biggest problem with that plan was that it really only left two options. Columbia, about 85 km away. Or Plymouth, about 140 km away. One too short. One too far. I figured I’d let the day dictate how far I would go.

Despite my slightly later than planned start, I was able to make really good time over the first three hours. The tailwind and flat terrain made for a pleasant combination. Plus, Google’s scenic route off the highway was surprisingly good. Not all that scenic, but it was nice farmland. And the roads were in very good shape. The lack of shoulder wasn’t really a factor as there was very little traffic.

By 1:30, I was just outside of Columbia, and 55 km from Plymouth. Based on my average speed to that point, I wasn’t about to stop. I didn’t know which way the wind would be blowing tomorrow.

The smooth ride continued into the afternoon and I arrived in Plymouth shortly before 4:00. Pretty much ideal. Despite two successful nights in my tent, I’m back in a motel tonight. And, as luck would have it, there is a grocery store within walking distance. It’s the Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend so if I was back home right now, I would be enjoying an incredible Thanksgiving dinner at Aunt Susan’s. However, I’m not at home so I’ve opted for a rotisserie chicken and some rice from the aforementioned grocery store. Not nearly the same as turkey and all that goes with it. But it will have to do. Not sure if I was supposed to fire up my Trangia stove in the motel room, but I did. And the rice was excellent. As were the Klondike Bars for dessert – all four of them.

Today’s Totals:
Distance travelled: 140.23 km
Time on bike: 5:12:32
Maximum speed: 46.08 km/h
Average speed: 26.90 km/h