Out Runnin the Rain

We are back on the road for our final week – Week 7. We began the day in DeFuniak Springs, north of Panama City and east of Pensacola with about 425 miles to go to the Atlantic. Our new team of Warren, Jeff and Bill were eager to get on the road, having been briefed on the weather conditions building behind us. The first real threat of rain we have seen in a couple weeks is upon us. Today’s forecast was for showers in DeFuniak by 4PM. In fact, it was there by 2. With that incentive and fresh legs on our 3 new riders, we skipped town early and made it to our destination a couple of hours before the rain hit. Now we are just hoping the storms keep up their speed through the night and gets ahead of us for tomorrow’s ride. Our new driver and support Captain, Gina, figured out the routine pretty quickly and even received a free lesson in backing up a van with a trailer.

Last week was completely flat-free. A collective 1850 miles by our 5 riders with no mechanical problems or flat tires. We hoped that we would go another week without a problem, but of course, once you begin to think that way, it happens. Jeff began the ride with a strong pace and excitement to get the week underway. By our first break however, he had experienced minor problems with his gear shift, which made his 27 speed bike a 3 speed bike. The good news is that the ride, though there were some minor hills, was relatively flat and the conditions perfect. But minor problems became major problems by lunch where the shifter was not working at all and Jeff had to ride on with essentially the 3 speeds. It was like a throw back to your first bike with the pedal brakes. We are also in northern Florida, which Gina has described as very similar to Central Panama and not just the terrain. There are very few bike shops around and fewer mechanics. Jeff may have to ride it another day until we reach Tallahassee where some parts and mechanics can be found. But to Jeff’s credit, he claimed it a great day anyway and is just glad to be out riding with this group. He said it made it a tougher ride than it should have been but he liked the workout.

So where are we? We are in Marianna, Fl. Population of about 6,000 but it has 3 Dollar General stores. I am beginning to understand why that stock has performed so well- they are everywhere down here. Marianna was first settled in about 1825, built on the Mercantile business. The town center was quaint and had an old time feel to it despite Route 90 blazing through the center. Rt 90 is a major cross-state and cross-country road and on either side of the town are lined chain stores, auto repair, restaurants and various proprietorships selling just about anything. The natural attraction is the Chipola River, a tributary off the Apalachicola River. Supposedly one of the clearest in the State, it attracts lots of fishing for its abundant largemouth bass and redear sunfish.

So we are down to our last set of maps and today we are only 370 miles away from the beach. It has been a great ride which has been made even better with the weekly infusions of new riders and drivers who have delivered fun and enthusiasm. What a ride.

Map to Date:

http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/ca/san%20diego/125128986051999135

Thanks for following - Carl