Wednesday February 4, 2014
A long, cold, very wet ride today. We had a free breakfast at the motel and headed up Highway 19 to Perry. We knew it was going to be a long haul and we knew the weather forecast was not good, there were no other Towns that we could stay at in between Chiefland and Perry. It wasn’t raining when we started but within an hour of us leaving Chiefland it started to sprinkle with rain and then turned to rain for the rest of the ride. The temperature never got above 10 degrees.
This is a big shock to our system for the last 14 months we have been cycling in weather above 20 degrees and often above 25. Now we are below 10 degrees brrr.
The road was very good and for the most part had a good paved shoulder. We had a few drivers honk at us and gave us a friendly, encouraging wave. We had one pick-up driver who shouted at us to get of the road! There is always one!!
We made good time and did the 104 kms in 5.5 hours. Usually I start to flag around the 75k mark but today I kept my speed and cadence up and shoulders down and kept right on pedaling. It helped that we weren’t battling a head wind. We were both cold and wet by the time we arrived at the motel – the Royal Inn in Perry. The owner checked us in quickly and gave us a couple of older towels to clean the bikes.
The shower was hot and thawed our frozen toes and warmed our cold bodies, it was wonderful. We dried our bikes with the old towels and relaxed for the rest of the day. It continued to rain for the rest of the afternoon and evening. We decided not to leave the room after we had our hot shower and settled in. We had a peanut butter and jam sandwich for lunch and pizza for dinner!
Ralf was able to Skype his Dad and had a nice chat with him. No photos it rained all day.
Glad your enjoying Florida, even with the rain. This time of the year you will get cooler weather with more chances of rain in the Florida Panhandle. By mid March it should be getting warmer. Now you watch, I say all this and it will warm up sooner,(hopefully).
I’ve gone on several Bike Florida rides during March and three years it was in the 60’s to 70’sF. Then two years ago we were in Central Florida and it was in the 30’s and 40’sF. Sorry about the idiot that yelled at you. As you said there is always one. With the increase of cyclists in the USA those people are becoming less, we hope. Be safe and enjoy and I hope it warms up for you.
It’s getting warmer by the day:) On the road for a week and only one idiot, that’s pretty good. Everyone else has given us lots of room, even the logging trucks.
I thought Florida was always sunny. Oh well it will remind you of home, I bet it’s colder in Barrie at the moment. Love you both xx
It is definitely colder in Barrie at the moment -15! Today has been lovely and warm and sunny. It is getting warmer by every day.