I left Shallotte this morning at 5:00 a.m. I knew I had another 55-mile day, and I knew it would be hot. The nice young lady at the front desk helped me downstairs with my trailer. It was too early for the free breakfast, so I would have to stop at Waffle House, darn it. It was still pitch black out and there was a full moon, so I really needed to light myself up. I switched on my rear light, and I have these things that wrap around your ankles and have a bright green flashing light on them. Something I got from Publisher’s Clearing House. Haven’t had to use them yet, but they were great. A little tight, but not bad. I don’t have a mount for my headlamp, so I held it in my hand as I rode. Pulled off at the first exit and had a lovely waffle at Waffle House.
I rode to Sunset Beach and got to see the ocean again, briefly. I crossed into South Carolina and things went downhill from there. This state doesn’t seem to like bikers much. There was no shoulder on any of the roads on my route, and there was a big, mean, nasty rumble strip right down the side of the road. I don’t know if you’ve ever ridden on a rumble strip on a bike, but I think it’s the equivalent of getting a very bad electric shock. Not fun.
So I had to dodge rumble strips and big trucks on my way to Conway. Don’t get me wrong - I have nothing but respect for truck drivers. They were totally cool and did their best to avoid hitting me. Many of them beeped and waved. I think I pissed off quite a few drivers though. I stopped a few times to buy cold bottles of water, since it was so hot. Doing my best to stay hydrated and not overdo it. At one point, I stopped at a church playground. I swang (swung?) on the swings, walked the balance beam and climbed up on the little jungle gym. I was tempted to slide down the slide, but it would have been embarrassing if I got stuck halfway down. It was a nice break.
Later on, after another hour or so, I picked up a little bag of Combos and a banana, and stopped in the shade of some church steps to eat my snack. I wanted to wait until Conway to have lunch. I rode into Conway on 905 around 1:00 and saw an Applebee’s. Today I was craving pasta like crazy. I haven’t really had any on the trip yet, surprisingly. The food was pretty good and it was a huge portion, so I took half with me to have for dinner. The bartender was very cool, and I had a nice chat with him and a young lady sitting near me. So many people I meet seem to think I’m very brave for doing this. I don’t feel brave, but I’m flattered. I just feel like I’m doing something I needed to do. I had faith that things would work out OK, and so far, they have. I’ve met so many wonderful people. People who were sweet and welcoming to a total stranger on a bike trip. I’m not afraid. I can’t wait to see what’s up the road.
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