In Memory of Warmer Summers

Palatka, FL to Gainesville, FL

Friendly horn honks: 4

Miles: 65

Total so far: 171

We were up early for a forecast of some winds that might give us trouble, but we had a very decent ride and made good time.  I was particularly glad to see some hills appear on this section, as I find riding on the flats extremely tiring. That seems counter-intuitive, but riding hills causes one to shift positions frequently and engage different muscle groups, whereas riding the flats causes a cyclist to remain in the same position and cadence too long.  Prior to the hills today we had an overpass to I-95 and the bridge over the St. Johns River to break the stride.  That’s just not enough hills in two days time!

We had four friendly horn taps today, which was nice — one from an ambulance that was running lights, bumping their siren from about one quarter of a mile back.

Carl and Sallie sketching out the Hawthorne Gainesville State Trail

Between Hawthorne and Gainesville, there is a beautiful rails-to-trails bike path that runs something like 18 or 20 miles into Gainesville.  Near Gainesville, there was a trail crew working and a conversation with George Edwards led to an invitation to stay at the home of friends of his, Chuck and Judy Broward in Gainesville.  We took them up on it and enjoyed some genuine cyclist-to-cyclist hospitality at their home.

Our new best friend, Chuck Broward

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Judy Broward. We sure thank you for allowing two vagabonds to stay in your home!

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Tomorrow’ s ride is dedicated Cheyanne Ashley Russ.  Cheyanne was killed in a drunk driving crash in North Carolina on October 22, 2005.  Cheyanne was five years old.

Cheyanne Ashley Russ