For the next week, to Miami, I’ll be alternating 50 mile days and 25 mile days. Today was only 25 miles from Flagler Beach to Daytona Beach. I’m staying with friends from Vermont tonight, and I knew they wouldn’t be home till 3:00, so I had plenty of time.
I woke up early, like I usually do, and it was still dark out. I was drawn to the ocean, so I felt my way down to the beach (should have brought a flashlight). It was so incredible, standing there in the dark, looking up at the stars and having waves crash in front of me. I tried a few yoga poses, but they didn’t turn out very well. I went back to my room, and I think I brought half the beach with me when I got back in bed. That sand just sticks to you like glue! At 7:00, I got on my bike and went down the road to a place called The Oceanside for breakfast. Jared, the waiter, was very sweet and chatted with me about my ride. I liked the place, and told him if I’m in the area again, I’ll definitely be back.
I went for a swim when I got back, and watched people I met yesterday packing up their stuff to head home. I was feeling a little lonely, and no one seemed interested in chatting with me. I did my best to clean up all the sand in my room, and packed up my stuff. I headed down the road, and hoped to wave to Jared as I rode by, but I didn’t see him.
My front tire seems to be holding air pretty well, but I desperately need some lube for my chain. I took it slow today, since I was certainly in no rush, and as I mentioned, I’m dealing with a saddle sore. At one point, my route took me off of A1A, onto John Anderson Drive in Ormond Beach, I suppose for the purpose of seeing how the other half lives. The houses were beyond huge, and absolutely gorgeous. Many of them looked like small castles. They had gigantic iron gates and usually a fountain in the middle of a circular driveway.
This road was narrow, with no shoulder, but they seem to have a lot of bike traffic, so people were considerate. Once I reached Holly Hill, I was able to ride on the sidewalks. I stopped at a public park, where a gazebo offered some shade and it was right on the water. Two women were sitting there, chatting, as I rode up. We talked for a while, and I told them about my ride. They were very impressed, and we talked about life and the circumstances which led me to the decision to do this ride. I enjoyed our conversation, and hoped we could keep in touch. When I got to Daytona Beach, I stopped for some lunch and then headed to my friends’ house. They were very sweet, and I enjoyed my time there. It was nice to have people to talk to and hang out with.
I have another short ride tomorrow, to Edgewater, but then some longer rides after that. Can’t wait to see what’s next!
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