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Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet... November 12, 2008Leave a comment ;)
...that is if the bullet doesn't bite you first. Erin and I were pedaling down Hwy 27 toward Ocala. I was in front and he was directly behind me when I passed by a metal object and heard Erin actually run over it. I knew in an instant it was the clip to a gun. With bullets!! I wheeled back around and snapped the picture. I took a mental note of where we were, picked up the clip and stuffed into my pile sweater I had bundled on my left rear pannier. I thought I would give it to the first police office I came across. Twenty-five miles later I found a sheriff's substation in Silver Springs and gave it to the detective on duty. After giving him all of my contact info, he told me it was a 32 caliber bullet and off the cuff mentioned, "I hope no one was shot up that way." I think they are going to go back and look for the business end. He said to expect a call! Just doing my civic duty! I thought about looking for the gun after having pedaled about two miles down the road. I didn't think it would be in my best interests to be pedaling with someone else's gun on my bike! Now that would make the news! Geezzz.... Erin and I rose early once again and hit the road just after sunrise. We planned on covering 90 miles and we were afraid the winds would be our enemy today. We were pleasantly surprised. Though they were up a bit, the winds were coming from our left side and not giving much of a headwind component. I may have done this problem before, but I'll toss it out there again. If we had a wind of 10 mph coming at us from about 45 degrees to our left, what would be our headwind component and our crosswind component? Any idea what the maximum crosswind component allowed is for the space shuttle when it lands? The highway from Branford to Ocala was great. Nice and wide and an excellent shoulder. The traffic was relatively light with an occasional truck now and then. We passed across numerous spring fed rivers and one had a bridge with a large fence and barbed wire across the top. I guess that is one way to keep kids from jumping from the railing. There was a beautiful stretch of bike path running along side of the road on the way to High Spring. We took it for a distance and had the first opportunity to ride side by side without upsetting anyone on the road. Once in High Spring we stopped to get pictures of a large cycling mural next to the local bike shop (which wasn't open yet). The local bakery wasn't open either (opened at 1000) so we couldn't indulge our craving for pastry. We did stop at My Lil Cafe and slammed down a tasty breakfast. They were also giving away some goodies (cupcakes and pecan brittle) so we took those for dessert. I consider a cupcake before 12:00 pm a form of coffee cake so I have no guilt! The pecan brittle was awesome! As I stepped out the door of the cafe I noticed the Open Sign indicating they would be serving Gatortail on Wednesday for lunch. Darn the bad luck. We were on a tight schedule and couldn't wait for lunch to roll around. Maybe next time! It turns out that most of the scuba diving that is done in the area is cave diving. Hence the sign beside the road. I believe there are numerous limestone caves associated with the springs. If anyone has been diving is this area I would love to hear about it. I was fortunate to learn cave diving techniques during my stint in the NOAA habitat during my NEEMO mission with NASA. I would love to come back here and dive in this area. The water is spectacularly clear! Just as we crossed the Williston city limits, I crossed the magical 4000 mile mark (give or take a few) on my trek. I initially thought the ride would be right at 4000 miles, so I am pretty close. Another 130 to go and I will be finished! We stopped for lunch at Ryan's Deli in Williston and had some fantastic sandwiches courtesy of Debbie, Bud and Ryan. I snapped their picture along with Erin outside of their store. Great food and warm friendly service if you ever get out this way. We rumbled against the first headwind of the day as we headed east toward Ocala. I didn't realize how popular this area is for raising horses! Massive horse farms on both sides of the road. Huge gated entrances and country clubs that include golf and equestrian facilities. My daughter Jessica would go nuts here! When she was 13 she said, "Daddy, horses or boys, your choice!" She has been the proud owner of a wonderful horse named Hobbes for the past four years. She is quite the accomplished rider and has even joined the Polo team at Colorado State University. I didn't realize there was something else I could spend my money on at her college. It never ends, sigh... We made our way across Ocala and trundled into Silver Springs, FL. I love coming across establishments that cater to a wide and varied clientele. Next time I am in the mood for breakfast and a tattoo, I know where to go! And if I don't feel like leaving the house, that's ok, because they will come to me. Have ink and drink, will travel... We pulled into the Days Inn with a coupon in hand that Erin found in a local travelers guide. Double room for $45! Not bad! The young lady behind the desk, Kristine, was very helpful. As it turns out, she biked across the country from Providence, RI to Seattle, WA as a member of Bike to Build, a Habitat for Humanity effort. She gave us the website: www.bikeandbuild.org/cms/content/view/39/55/ If you are a student and have an interest, check it out. What a interesting and satisfying way to travel across the country. Tomorrow Erin and I have an ambitious plan to pedal from Silver Springs to Titusville. One hundred and eight heart pounding miles. My Mom pointed out that tomorrow will be my three month anniversary from when I started back in August. My goodness how time flies. If I wanted to be sneaky, I could pedal directly over to Ormond Beach and stick my toes in the water, just to say I completed the ride on the 13th. But, being the biking purest that I am, I will keep going to complete at Cape Canaveral this Saturday. I plan on being next to the countdown clock at the KSC Press Site for launch and then return the next morning (assuming the launch goes as planned) to ride past Pad 39A, down the beach road and ending up near the Skid Strip on Cape Canaveral AFS. Once there, I will walk my bike onto the beach (I'd probably fall over in the sand if I rode) and dipping the front wheel in the water! What fun and how sad it will be to see this end... More Images: ;)
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11 Comments
Nov 14, 2008 8:54 am - Debbie, Ryan, Bud wrote : God Speed John! I hope you make it to the launch site on time. May all your dreams come true and may you have a chance to come back to the deli for a Parkers Sandwich.
Nov 13, 2008 5:24 pm - Lisa wrote : John Thanks so much for taking the time each day to keep us all updated. I've greatly enjoyed seeing the country through you eyes. Lisa - native Floridian, now residing in Everett, WA
Nov 13, 2008 5:12 pm - Caroline H. Dunaway wrote : Hi, If you get to Gulf Breeze, Fred and I would love to have you spend the night with us. Carol Keel is here now but is leaving tomorrow. I set up the 401 k program and worked with the Chickasaws for 25 years. Our phone is 228-326-9938, or 850-686-1300. Caroline H. Dunaway
Nov 13, 2008 3:50 pm - Martha Pessaro wrote : Are you here yet? Listen to the Garmin!!!! We will have a beautiful full moon for tomorrow evening's launch!!!!
Nov 13, 2008 11:19 am - Neal Eberly wrote : Hi John, Looks like you are on the home stretch; enjoy it! HOpe to see you at KSC tomorrow! Salut! Neal
Nov 13, 2008 11:01 am - Nathan wrote : Hi my name is Nathan.I have been watching your progress. Speed up the rocket leaves tomorrow. Miss Murphy says Halito! sincerely, Nathan
Nov 13, 2008 10:52 am - maria l wrote : Hi my name is maria l i wont to know were are heading to will that i have to say. one more thing do you get tried
Nov 13, 2008 10:52 am - celeste wrote : hi john speed up the rocket takes off tommorow.. omg when are you comeing soon to our school.. from C.O.E
Nov 13, 2008 5:44 am - Jim Gilliland wrote : John, great work. Maybe you should think about hiking the Appalachian Trail next. Glad you are almost to the home plate and have had a safe trip. Jim Glliland
Nov 12, 2008 6:41 pm - Ken Orr wrote : I will send congratulations today as I feel the next couple of days will be very busy. Your example of leadership and commitment are wonderful. You family has been one of my "nearly families" for several years ans When excell it reflects on the family that raised you. When you get home and are all rested I hope you put a book together, not only about you bike ride but including your Navy and NASA experiences. You are living the life so many young people are looking for. Enjoy and appreciate, it will not last forever as age will slow you down someday. However, If you are like your dad you may live to be 100 or more KO Add a comment: |
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You Made IT!!! Congrats. Wish I could have rode some with you here in Florida but have been working the launch. Give me a shout when you are on KSC property would be glad to see you. 321-867-7462