The Penultimate Ride

At the risk of repeating myself, I’m going to repeat myself. Yesterday was certainly one of the true highlights of my entire ride. Between the people, the conversation, the food, and the spontaneity of it all, it was truly a great day. I really hope I get to see Gabriela, Tracy, and Betsy (and, of course, Leo) again someday. That said, this morning began with me being very well rested and ready to take on my second last day of riding. It’s amazing (although, I guess it shouldn’t be) how well rested I feel when I don’t go to bed at 1:00 am. Yes, that should be common knowledge but I’m not always all that bright.

Because my ride to Bell yesterday was shorter than my originally planned ride, I knew I would be in for a somewhat longer ride today. Specifically, about 140 km with the destination being Inverness. Remarkably, 140 km would be the longest distance I’ve done in a day since October 25th.

Before hitting the road, I remembered to get a photo with Gabriela and Tracy and Leo. I should’ve taken a photo last night at dinner too but I forgot. Sigh. Next time! After the brief photo session, Tracy and I consulted the map to determine my best route for the day. There were a few options but eventually we figured out what looked to be the best route.

Despite the pre-departure map review, it didn’t take long for me to end up on an alternate route. Not intentionally.

It was about 8:00 when I rode away from Gabriela and Tracy’s place. It was a beautiful morning for a ride and I was very much enjoying said ride. So much so that I missed a turn – which is a bit embarrassing because it was a pretty straightforward route. By the time I realized my error, it meant I would’ve had to take a bit of a longer ride to return to the original route. As such, I altered my route. I didn’t feel the need to make the ride any longer than it was already going to be.

Beyond the minor navigational mishap, the rest of the ride was wonderful. Sure, there was the minor issue of the slow leak in my front tire but that was very much a minor issue. Instead I appreciated the mild temperatures, the minimal traffic, and the winds which weren’t a factor – at least, not a hindering factor. I just enjoyed the ride. Enjoying the ride seemed to have a higher priority today considering that this would be the second day I would get to do so. A fact that was slowly starting to sink in.

While the slow leak in my front tire was a minor issue, it was still something that couldn’t be completely ignored (my preferred method of dealing with such things). Fortunately, I was able to pedal about 100 km before inflation was needed. And since I travel with a small air pump, it was only a matter of minutes before I was ready to roll again.

In addition to the tire inflation stop, there were two Subway stops along the way today. I guess it’s safe to say that Subway will not be sponsoring my ride in any way. I’d say I’m surprised but, well … I’m not. I’m just not that lucky. While there’s still another day of riding to go, I figured today’s Subway stops would be the final two of my trip. The second Subway of the day was in Inverness, not because I was hungry but more as a pre-emptive strike. I didn’t want to have to backtrack into town tomorrow morning so I decided I’d get a sub tonight to save for tomorrow.

It was shortly after 4:00 when I arrived at Sue and George’s place, my final Warm Showers hosts. As I approached their house, I figured I was in the right place when I saw two recumbent trikes in the driveway. I actually saw quite a few such trikes as I made my through Inverness. Florida’s flat terrain makes recumbents a popular choice. As has come to be the norm, Sue and George were very friendly and welcoming. They’re from Wisconsin and spend the winter in Florida. Seems like an excellent plan to me.

I had a great visit with both of them and George even let me take his custom painted trike out for a ride. Last year, I tried my first recumbent bicycle. This was my first recumbent trike. It really is remarkable how comfortable and relaxing they are. The trike especially so since the issue of balance is taken away.

Sue and George had prior dinner plans so I was left on my own for the evening – although Sue left some homemade soup for me. Oh, and there was ice cream too. Mint Moose Tracks ice cream. I’d never heard of such a flavour but it was delicious. How could it not be? The soup was delicious too.

The rest of the evening was spent on the computer. As per usual. I managed to get almost caught up with my updates, and slightly less caught up with my freelance work.

It was just before 1:00 AM when I finally called it a night and brought to an end the penultimate day of my journey. It’s a bit hard to believe that, after being on the road for so long, there is just one day of riding left to go. It seems like only yesterday that I started my ride. In actually fact, it was over six months ago. As an occasionally wise man once said, “Time goes REALLY fast.” Looking back on the past six months, that statement seems incredibly true.

Today’s totals:
Distance travelled: 139.77
Ride time: 5:46:59
Average speed: 24.16 km/h
Maximum speed: 38.21 km/h