I think The Beach Boys were wrong; I don’t think there’s two girls for every boy here. Today was an “easy day,” only 30 miles. I had a hard time getting going this morning. Just didn’t want to leave that comfy bed! I walked down the road a bit to find a breakfast place, and then gave up and went to McDonald’s.
I got everything packed up, and headed south down Route 17. I was very excited to see the ocean, so I pumped the pedals hard. I ran into a local biker just outside of Jacksonville who said he had seen me riding yesterday. We chatted about my ride, and he was very sweet. I gave him one of my cards.
I just checked the weather and it looks like I’ll be riding through thunderstorms tomorrow. Rain happens, I guess. Gotta get to Wilmington. It was sunny and beautiful today, and not as hot, but that may have been because I was getting close to the ocean.
I took the turn onto 210, which would take me to Surf City. I stopped at CVS to pick up some supplies (Advil, earplugs). I don’t think I could have planned this much better. Today is Monday, so the traffic to the beach isn’t that bad. 210 doesn’t have much of a shoulder, and going over the Intracoastal Waterway Bridge was just plain scary. I have a little fear of heights, and this bridge was very narrow with railings that weren’t all that high. Plus, there were all kinds of debris in the shoulder. I was worried that if my trailer tire hit the curb, I might be thrown, and go flying off the bridge. I had wanted to take a video of the ocean as I rode down the other side of the bridge, but that would have just been stupid. Unfortunately, like many beach towns I’ve been to, you don’t actually get to see much of the beach, unless you own property there. I did find a public access (I think....it may have been private) and went down to stare at the ocean for a bit.
I checked in to the tiny, but quaint motel and went down the road to find some lunch (on my bike). The owner of the hotel had recommended the Chinese food at a sushi place, and they had a good lunch special. I came back and went over to the bar next door to have a beer. The bartender, Joe, was very nice and we chatted for a while. I thought it was interesting that they had a row of plastic coolers behind the bar, instead of a refrigerator. They change out the ice every day. Joe said they do that so everyone gets a super cold beer. Works for me!
I went back to the motel and sat on the porch, watching the incredible lightning display in the sky. I felt so peaceful and relaxed; it was really nice. A few people walked by and said hello. I do hope I’m able to make it to Wilmington tomorrow, without too much trouble from thunderstorms.
Riding today, I was thinking: I’ve never tried skydiving, partly because of my fear of heights, but mostly because I feel that it requires too much faith in your equipment. That’s exactly what this ride has required. I am relying on my Trek bicycle and Burley Nomad trailer to get me to Key West, and so far, both have performed swimmingly. Maybe skydiving is next...
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