Ridin’ the Storm Out (Day Forty-seven)

I am happy to say I did not bike 55 miles today. More like 37, and most of it through a thunderstorm. I really couldn’t wait to get out of Andrews, so I got an early start. No coffee or breakfast was provided, so perhaps this should be called Running on Empty. I pushed on and pulled up to a teeny convenience store. I asked the nice gentleman if he had coffee, and he did! It wasn’t bad, either. No food though. He had a sign on the door that said he’d be closed from July 2-8, so we chatted about his vacation plans.  My map told me there was a restaurant up the road, in Jamestown. I asked him about it, and he said it was a Subway. Beggars can’t be choosers, I guess. 

I rode on, (no rain yet) and pulled up to the gas station, which had a Subway in it. I ordered a spinach wrap with ham, egg and cheese and an orange juice. Plugged my phone in to charge, and sat down to eat. Eventually, I found myself surrounded by a group of friendly people, and we talked about my ride. The woman sitting at my table said she was on her way to Moncks Corner too. I hoped I would run into her there. I headed out to the parking lot after saying my goodbyes, and almost forgot my phone! That would have been disastrous. 

I headed towards Moncks Corner, on a route that was not the most direct way to go, but it was what my map suggested. It started to rain and I heard thunder to my left. It seemed to be clear up ahead and I didn’t see any lightning, so I kept on. I was a little grateful for the rain, actually, since it cooled me off. Eventually, I was soaked though. I stopped at a gas station to use the bathroom and dry my face, and the cashier looked at me with pity. I must have been quite a sight.

Luckily, my hotel was not too far away. I checked in and was given a coupon for a restaurant my friend, Gary, had recommended. I headed right over there on my bike, since I was pretty hungry. It was still raining, but not hard, and I didn’t care. The bartender was so sweet and she made some food recommendations, which I appreciated.  Everything was so good, and I took half of it back to have for dinner. I enjoyed my time in Moncks Corner (much more than Andrews). I had a hard time finding anything good to watch on TV, and I was really tired from riding in the rain, so I went to bed at 7:30. I have a tough day tomorrow, but then two easy days.