It was a challenging day on the bicycle. But first,
let me tell you about last evening and dinner. We found an Indian restaurant
just 500 feet, walking distance, from the hotel. Since we arrived at 4:00pm, we
were the first customers. The menu was impressive, but the buffet looked too
good to pass up. As it turned out, we had what I would rate as the best meal of
the tour. The food was excellent, and plentiful. We left there quite satisfied.
This morning at breakfast I felt as though I had
already ridden the 86 expected miles of the day. I was tired and with the 1200
feet of climbing and the heavy traffic expected as we left Florida’s
capital, I was not looking forward to the ride. After a short stint on city
streets, we arrived at US 90, our route for the rest of the day. Ten miles out
of town, the road became idyllic, with lots of scenery and no traffic to speak
of. Our first stop was at the 23-mile mark in the delightful town of
Monticello. After a short rest we were out on the road looking for our second
stop some 20 miles further down the road. Greenville, FL has a famous resident
who is honored with a statue. One of ten such artists, Ray Charles, The Genius,
is a charter member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His contributions to
half dozen genres of music are well known.
Leaving Greenville brought us a brisk headwind that we
fought for the rest of the ride. Our weary legs were taxed to the limit as we
kept up a pretty good pace against the 10+ mph wind. Susan was waiting for us
at the 63-mile marker, the town of Lee with 23 to go. With a short rest and
some food, we were off to finish our 40th day.
Tomorrow we have a 75-mile ride to Gainesville, home
of the University of Florida Gators. They have a home football game tomorrow,
so we will be looking at lots of traffic. Stay tuned.
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| Pedaling through Monticello, FL |
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