|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A bridge not too far... November 10, 2008Leave a comment ;)
Talk about an uneventful day! Nothing much happened, except for maybe having someone point their car at me and swerve away at the last moment. But other than that, what a snoozer! Some people's kids and their cars. The only problems I have had on this trip were usually from teenage kids with too much testosterone and not enough common sense. About all I could expect was for them to hang out of the truck window and bark like a dog or hoot and holler like a fool. But having someone actually move their vehicle directly at you while staring right at you, now that is a different story. While it wasn't really close, it was aggravating and it did make me a bit testy! Let's see how the rest of my Florida ride goes before passing judgement. I left Marianna this morning after seeing my Dad head toward Texas. I really appreciated his support for the past week from McGehee, AR to Marianna, FL. Thanks so much for keeping an eye on your younger son! I headed down Hwy 90, appreciating with overflowing glee the width of the shoulder and lack of a rumble strip. After downing a fine, really cold chocolate milk, I got back on the road and headed toward Tallahassee. After about 10 miles of pedaling I noticed someone coming up behind me on another touring bike. I thought for a second it was Chris from cycleforheart.org but quickly realized I was in the presence of another crazed cross-country cyclist. Erin Coye, who hails from the Seattle area, left Washington State back in July and was headed to Maimi Beach. He was taking a more southerly track which brought him down the west coast to San Francisco and then points eastward through Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama and finally to Florida. I will pedal with him for pretty much the remainder of my journey, following most of the Adventure Cycle's Florida route. We will get to the Cape in time for the launch of STS-126. Nice way to end the last leg of my journey. The route we followed took us south of Hwy 90, crossing I-10 a couple of times and along some beautiful stretches of country road. Spanish moss hanging from the branches of huge stately trees with plantation like mansions on either side of the road. We took a circuitous route through downtown Tallahassee and avoided most of the nasty traffic on Hwy 90. Our total distance of nearly 80 miles brought us to a small hotel on the east side of the city. Forty dollars for one room, double occupancy and a large bag of remote controls to go through to make the TV work (Jim is not just the owner, but also the handyman!). Tomorrow we will we point our trusty steeds toward Gainesville and shorten the remaining distance to KSC by another 90 miles or so. I am looking forward to seeing the Vehicle Assembly Building rising in the distance as we near the coast. For today's problem, how tall is the VAB and how many Statues of Liberty could you fit inside, height only? PS: Jill Reddington made my Dad and I a fantastic Pecan (that's pronounced Peekhan) Pie. Not only it is a fine desert in the evening, but it makes an awesome breakfast coffee cake as well! Great job Jill! Thanks! More Images: ;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
4 Comments
Nov 11, 2008 12:17 pm - Joe Oswald wrote : Well John...all good things must come to an end but you have added many things to your remembrie closet. My son came up with that word when he was a little fellow. It is a combination of remember and memories. Riding with you motivated me to get back on my bike, lose weight, and start eating healthy. Well, my plan was to ride 50 miles today but my seat fell off at the 30 mile mark. I took this as an omen to start light and work my way up to 50 miles! No, the seat problem wasn't associated with our collision. At least I don't think it was! I know you are ready for this journey to end so you can begin another. Ride safe my friend. Joe
Nov 11, 2008 1:00 am - Dad wrote : Hi John B., I made it safely home from Marianna after a little more than 14 hours of uneventful driving with the exception of navigating Houston rush hour traffic, after dark, in a rainstorm. Your Mom and I are much relieved to know your journey is almost over. You will look back with many pleasant memories and look ahead with many more to come. Where are you going to get 12 horses?? Much love, Dad
Nov 10, 2008 7:13 pm - Patty W. wrote : John- it is nice to read that you are almost there! Too bad that your dad had to leave. Hope he has a safe trip home! Safe travels to you too! Add a comment: |
 RSS
Follow John on his trek via
Google Earth! 
PLEASE SUPPORT
THESE SPONSORS 
View Clip Now! >> |
Linn Productions.
Hi John - It has been great to read your stories and see the pictures from your trip. I hope you get a clear night sky to watch STS126 ascent. I grew up in DeLand, and I have family there if you want lodging. Ride safe! CM