Another One Bites the Dust (Day Thirty-Seven)

I made it to North Carolina today! This is where I finally come back to the coast. I’m very excited, but it’s very hot, and it’s been tough riding. 

I had some trouble getting motivated this morning, but I went next door for an Egg McMuffin, and then managed to get everything packed and ready to go. I’m off my route for the next couple of days, relying on Google directions. This is because getting back to my route would add extra miles that I just can’t do in this heat. It’s supposed to be close to 90 again today, and even hotter again on the weekend. Scattered thunderstorms are predicted. I took the most direct route from Suffolk, Virginia to Ahoskie, North Carolina. 40 miles. 

It made me a little sad to be riding out of Suffolk. I had an excellent day off yesterday, and was shown some real Southern hospitality. Got to go for another swim in the morning, which always makes me happy. I had to switch to a cheaper hotel, but it was right across the street, so no big deal. I had lunch downtown, and met two nice men, who were leaving when I got there, but stayed to chat for a while when I told them about my bike ride. Riding my bike back through Suffolk yesterday made me smile, because everyone seemed so interested in me (it was even hotter yesterday) and they smiled and waved.

I met up with my two new friends from last night again, and we had dinner together, and then went back to hang out at the hotel bar. It was so surreal sitting out there on the huge porch by the river (with a really nice group of people), and a storm blowing through. I really felt like I was in the South. Everyone on this trip has been so sweet and welcoming.

The riding today was tough, because of the heat, but at least it was very flat. Google took me down Route 13, with one 6-mile detour. I was grateful for that, because it took me away from the truck traffic for a little while. I stopped for lunch at a little place called Doris & Roger’s Kitchen, and the food was very good. They drink so much iced tea down here, and I had forgotten how much I enjoy it and how good it makes me feel. I was so impressed with how cold my panniers kept my water bottles. Even when I got to Ahoskie, I still had a big chunk of ice in each bottle! I had to stop quite a few times as it got into the afternoon hours, and the heat got worse. I just plugged along and finally spotted my destination. It was a good thing I was inside tonight, because some severe thunderstorms came through. I’m hoping I can avoid them for the next few days. And dealing with the ongoing heat will be a challenge. But I can’t wait to see the ocean again. Feeling good.