We were a little late getting on the road. There was a
long wait for breakfast by Chris Cakes.
Joe headed out ahead of us and Gay and I were on the
road about 7:40 AM.
The morning route was up the shore. Most of the way there
was a mild tail wind and the temperature
only went up to about 80 degrees. For the second straight
year, Gay had a flat tire near
the beginning, but with the assistance of a SAG driver,
we were quickly back on the road.
I saw some dolphins and manatees at a distance, but the
marine mammal highlight of
the day was at the first rest stop at the Haulover Canal
where a dozen or so manatees
were laying in the water next to the viewing area.
Manatees
We continued up the shore about 30 more miles to New Smyrna
Beach, where most riders
were getting lunch. The small downtown looked packed
and it was going to be a long walk
from the bike holding area, so we rode through the tourist
area and stopped for ice cream
by the bridge off the island.
The remaining 30 mile ride inland to Deland was a different
story. The wind became a head
wind and the temperature quickly climbed to 88 degrees.
The afternoon ride wasn't nearly as much fun,
except for the rest stop at Barnyard Friends Animal Farm.
Joe & Gay Haldeman at Barnyard Friends Animal Farm
In Deland I stayed at the Best Inn, across from Stetson
University where most riders camped.
Supper for the group was downtown, where a street was
blocked off and we had BBQ ribs and
chicken and listened to a bluegrass band.
Bluegrass Band in Deland
After diner, I picked up some wine at a 7-11 and returned
to my room for more ibuprofen
and to watch Horatio Hornblower. The wine helped take
my mind of the cramps in my upper legs.
Day 5
Mondays ride was a loop. I rode alone and there were more chances to get to know other riders.
The first rest stop was at Hontoon Island State Park,
where many of us rode a pontoon boat
over to the park on the adjacent island in the St. John's
River. Lunch was BBQ at Lake Worded
National Wildlife Refuge. There was a one man band and
huge springs.
I was still feeling the effects of the long ride the day
before, so I cut the ride short at just over 40
miles. I took advantage of the extra time to catch up
on my email at coffee shop in downtown Deland.
Wendi & Mark drove over to Deland (Mark bicycled)
and I joined them and the Haldemans for supper at a nice
small Cuban restaurant. Afterward, Gay and I returned
to the University for Bike Florida's annual talent night.
The performances were fun, but the show ran long and
I hurried to bed when it ended.
Day 6
Up early and checked out. Joe headed out ahead of us and
Gay and I were on the road by 7:15. The first
rest stop was at the Barberville Pioneer Center where
we admired the older buildings and some more farm animals.
The male peacocks put on a show to rival the ones the
Tom turkeys had at the Animal Farm on Sunday.
Gay Haldeman & Keith Stokes with Florida wild flowers
We had another head wind, but we maintained a steady pace.
Still as the ride progressed, Gay's leg began
bothering her. She was pretty game, but by the last rest
stop it was getting even worse.
I was running tight on making it in time to ship my bicycle
and make my bus. We both decided to cut
the ride short. I SAGed in the last few miles and Joe
went on to pick up their vehicle and return for Gay.
The bus back to Titusville was uneventful, but when we
dropped off the folks that weren't continuing
on to Orlando, everyone got off. Everyone got
off. There were supposed to be about 20 of us going
on to the airport, but it was just me on a private bus
for the last 40 miles. Something got screwed up.
After a leisurely dinner at the Airport Hilton, and a
couple of hours of reading, the through flight to
KC was quiet (only 14 passengers on a 737) and I slept
most of the way home.
2000
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