The Ride Is Over; But The Journey Has Just Begun

On Monday evening at 5:00 p.m., I finished the last of 1160 miles logged on this trip when I returned to my van that I had parked at a friend's home in Vero Beach. By the grace of God, and with the assistance of several new friends, I accomplished what I set out to do, not knowing until it was over that I was actually capable of succeeding in my venture. It was a long haul and hard pull nearly every day, beset with strong headwinds for 9 of the 23 1/2 days that I pedaled, towing that heavy trailer.

I have to rush off to Anchorage, Alaska tomorrow to help my family there arrange some home-care services for my ailing mother. I will return to Florida on Nov 7 and start compiling a number of observations and recommendations that arise from this bike trip.

In the meantime, I would simply advise all Florida cyclists to be extra vigilant as they ride through our great state, and pay special attention to the average cyclist they encounter who, in my experience will be discourteous of each other and given to some very unsafe practices devoid of common sense, such as, and especially rapidly overtaking slower cyclists, passing them with a less-than-safe distance between cycles, and without calling out their intentions to pass.

We have much to do to make cycling a safer activity and to raise public awareness of the fitness benefits of cycling. As our fossil fuel crisis continues to worsen and the need for green activities continues to increase, local and state governments need to play a more agressive role in encouraging and facilitating cycling activities.

Take for instance the popularity of cycling and camping in European countries. Is there any reason that we should not follow suit, except for the fact that our park systems tend to discourage cycling activities in preference to accommodating 40' RV's towing trailer loads of energy-consuming motor bikes, 4-wheelers and boats? Is there any justifiable explanation for charging the same $30 - 40+ fee for a bicyclist to deploy a tent in a park, when that cyclist will have no more impact on utilities than taking a shower, and maybe recharge a cell phone, as opposed to the RV driver who will tie into a sewer system, use unrestricted amounts of water and run lights, air conditioners, and TV's long into the night?

Florida needs to get serious about encouraging energy conservation and physical fitness. Dedicating hundreds of acres of land for the enjoyment of those who waste the most energy, and effectively barring those who want to enjoy the outdoors without wasting energy by imposing exhorbitant fees is both counterproductive and ludicrous. Think about it. We've got a lot of work to do!

A final thought for today. If you are planning a cycling trip down the Keys any time soon, as I know two clubs are, don't go unless you have verified the suitability of roads and trails on Key Largo, Islamorada, and Long Key. If you do decide to go in spite of major road construction, with its collateral damage to adjacent cycling trails, I recommend that you go with puncture-resistant off-road tires with heavy duty tubes. Street tires will make your trip treacherous until that construction is complete.

Thank you all for your comments and encouragement along the way! I'll have much to share in the coming days. Unfortunately, most of it will have to wait until I return from Alaska on Nov. 7. I will be able to receive your emails at: arotorhead@earthlink.net and cell calls at: (850) 529-4473.

Al

IT IS FINISHED! 1160 MILES

25 days, 1160 miles, 57.2 miles today.

It couldn't have ended on a better note. I've had a strong tailwind all day, only got angrily honked at by one redneck (Yes, he was driving a GREEN pickup!), and I broke my downhill speed record descending into Port St. Lucie on the bridge - 31.8 MPH. Whew! I think it's time to hang up my helmet and put away the padded Spandex, while I'm still ahead of the game.

I had estimated that this trip would require 30 days to complete and cover 1172 miles. Not counting side trips in some communities, it was only 1160 miles.

More tomorrow.

In Juno Beach - 55 Miles From Journey's End

Well, another windy but productive day. 61 miles down today, 1103 miles total pedaled to date, about 55 miles to go. Got rained on a couple of times and jostled by strong crosswinds. I'll take crosswinds anytime in preference to headwinds.

Tomorrow, I hope to reach Vero Beach and journey's end! I stayed inland on US1 today due to stormy conditions, and made better time because of it.

I had a couple of folks beep at me today and give me a thumbs up. Even a policeman gave me a short burst of siren with a thumbs up. Go figure! Now that the trip's nearly over, more people are noticing the signage on my trailer. All kidding aside, motorists have been generally courteous and accomodating towards me on all of this trip. But, those cyclists! Another passed me today in traffic today - too close, and with no warning. I wish a cycling license and safety certification process was required before any bicyclist could ride on state roads, and that local jurisdictions would enact cyclist licensing laws.

Back in Ft. Lauderdale

Another rough day with stiff winds. 40 miles added today brings my total traveled to 1042. Winds permitting, my trek should be done in three days, when I reach Vero Beach. I hope winds will permit me to reach Palm Beach tomorrow.

I'm kind of anxious to get this trip over with. Although I've accomplished most of what I set out to do, I am getting tired.

I see the problems faced by today's veterans as being nearly overwhelming. I've met so many who have either fallen, or been pushed into a crack in the system; and we're not acting fast enough to meet their needs. One organization, among many that has always tried to help them is the American Legion, which does much good; but, to be more effective in meeting ever growing needs, it needs to address an image problem that stands in the way. That is the impression apparently held by most folks that the Legion is just a collection of old soldiers who sit around and smoke and drink their time away. The fact is, that that visible image is pretty acurate at first glance; and we don't often get a second chance to make a good first impression. The Post that I am a member of does not permit smoking or drinking; but, all of the others I've visited on this trip do. That's not an appropriate atmosphere for a health-conscious family, much less a good example for young health-consious veterans who could greatly benefit from mentoring opportunies that can be provided by older vets, but who won't get the chance to interact because of the unhealthy atmosphere in many Legion posts. That's a correctable problem that will probably not be corrected; because the members that have built and continue to sustain Legion posts derive too much benefit from unhealthy activities. I know this is a controversial position to take; but, I would not personally invite someone I was trying to help into such an atmosphere; because I can't endure it myself. I'll have to expand on these thoughts later, in another venue; because too many folks will take offense at my suggestion that the Legion self-limits itself by perpetuating a negative image.

The Legion is in a unique position that allows it to closly interact with County Veterans Service Representatives. They just need to capitalize on opportunities to reach out and greatly expand their efforts. I've recommended to many of the vets I've met on this trip that they contact county veterans representatives for assistance. I've only met two vets out of dozens who knew they were entitled to assistance, and knew how to get it. This is a gigantic problem.

This morning, John Hopkins and I met briefly with the leader of a cycling group that plans an imminent trip down the keys to Key West. I recommended that they not do it because of the amount and character of heavy road and trail construction on Key Largo, Marathon Key, and Long Key. I've just completed that portion of my trip; and I would not do it again on any type of bike unless I could verify that some of the more dangerous construction work was completed. Right now, there appears to be no agency accessible that serves as a central clearing house for useful in formation about the condition and safety status of roads and trails that must be used to get through the Keys.

Short and Sweet

Today was another day of battling brutal headwinds and road construction. I only needed to cover 44 miles, but it was an 8 hour struggle. Tonight, I'm staying with gracious hosts John and Liz Hopkins again in South Miami.

Tomorrow, I hope to reach Ft. Lauderdale and add to today's tally of 1001 mile pedaled to date.

Down to the Home Stretch

Tonight, I'm in a campground on the north end of Key Largo, about a day's ride to South Miami, where I will spend the night with new friends and cycling enthusiasts John and Liz Hopkins. Today was a rough day, with unrelenting northerly winds and lots of road construction, much of which has destroyed the adjacent cycling paths and paved road shoulders. I started out at 7:30 this morning and pedaled into the campground at 6:30 this evening, covering 56 grueling miles. If such difficult experiences build character, I will be a totally different person by the time I complete my journey in about 5 days.

If anyone is planning a cycling trip down the Keys anytime soon, I would absolutely not do it until you can verify the the bulk of the construction has been completed on Key Largo. Right now it is a nightmarish mess of random construction projects that makes it unsafe to cycle through. If there is a grand plan behind all of the mess here, Key Largo may soon have some of the newest and nicest trails in the state.

One thing that would be most helpful to cyclists would be for some group or agency to provide weekly updates on trail conditions in the Keys. I recommend that members of the Greenway, the Florida Biking Association, Everglades Cycling Club, or any other cycling interest frequently evaluate and report on trail conditions in their respectives areas of interest.

I met with Monica Woll of Florida's Greenways and Trails of the DEP to share observations and recommendations about trails I've pedaled in the Keys. She is passionate about her responsibilities, and is an avid cycling, paddling, and fitness advocate. Thanks for the rest stop, lunch, teeshirt and bandana, Monica. I wish you and your department all the best as you work to tie all of the Key's trails together and promote cycling. Monica runs Paradise Paddlers & Pedalers, a non-profit club/volunteer group thru her job with the Office of Greenways & Trails. Both Monica and her husband guide cycling and paddling (kayak) tours.

Green on the Greenway

Only 51.5 miles today, in spite of leaving Key West early this morning - strong headwinds requiring 9 hours of pedaling to get here.

Other cycling interests have expressed surprise when I've told them that motorists are less threatening than other cyclists; but it's true. That's not to say that all motorists have been charming. There's something about rednecks in green pickups. I don't know what this says about the drivers of green pickups and their youthful passengers; but out of 4 or 5 incidents where rednecks yelled messages at me relevant to their IQ's, they were in green pickups. But, there's another green thing out there that bothers me more. It's the fact that, on nearly every bridge that I've crossed in the 901 miles traveled so far, the paved shoulders have been strewn with green beer bottle glass. Why green? I don't know. Do rednecks in green pickups prefer beer from green bottles? Or, is smashing green bottles on bridges some kind of right of passage, not just for redneck children?

One thing is for sure. Eric's decision, of Bikes Plus in Pensacola to equip my bike with puncture resistant tires and heavy duty tubes was a stroke of genius. Thank you Eric! I've not had a flat yet; although I've hit hundreds of pieces of debris, ranging from building hardware, bolts and other parts that have fallen off vehicles, to redneck green beer bottle glass.

Tomorrow's forecast calls for more northerly winds, which means that I'll have to work extra hard log 50 miles. If I can do that, I'll be back on Key Largo tomorrow night.

Whew, 69.73 miles Today. I'm Tired!

I arrived in Key West around 5 p.m. this evening. It was hot today, but with a decent quartering breeze out of the North.

The lower Keys present a more difficult ride, mostly on paved shoulder of varying quality. The Florida DEP publishes a fairly accurate map of the Keys cycling routes which is a useful tool for ride planning. Many of the Keys' visitor centers have the map available free of charge.

Vehicle traffic is occasionally hectic on US1, but you have to be careful about choosing side trails, as several are too short to be of any benefit; and, once you leave the traffic lanes to access a side trail, the trail my abruptly end, with no transition back to pavement.

I've traveled 850 miles so far on this trip. Experience continues to show that motorists are generally accommodating and non-threatening. Ironically, the same can't be said for other cyclists. I'm starting to wish that a cycling license was required in Fl. Too many cyclists are ignorant of traffic laws, disrespectful of other cyclists, and devoid of common safety sense. There may not be an easy solution to this problem.

Tomorrow night, I should reach somewhere between Marathon and Grassy Key. Winds are forecast to be out of the North and could be problematic.

On Long Key

Today is my best ride yet, 62.63 miles. I'm halfway down the Keys and should reach Key West tomorrow. I might take a day off when I get down there, and then "hot-foot-it" northbound

The keys are generally better for cycling than the mainland, with much of the bike trails separated from auto traffic. There are reportedly few beaches, with much of the terrain being limestone outcroppings and stands of mangrove. The water is beautiful; and this must be a fisherman's paradise. Motels are scarce and expensive; and state park camping fees are insane - charging $44 to drop a tent on the ground!

I look forward to getting back to my computer and writing about some of my experiences, and the prople I've met in greater detail. I'll have much to share about how to improve and popularize the Greenway and other cycling endeavors in the state.

Al

A Flashback To The Olden Days

At the suggestion of John Hopkins, whose family was most gracious hosts last night, tonight, I find myself staying at the Everglades Hostel in Florida City, my gateway to the Keys. This is my first experience staying in a hostel; and at first glance, it appears to be quite a little oasis in the middle of a busy community. The hostel has a volunteer staff of about six folks who serve as jacks of all trades to keep the place operating. One of the more interesting fellows here is "Spirit", an apparent dropout from the" mover and shaker" lifestyle, who now busies himself helping keep the hostel clean.

As I have opportunity to publish some photos of the hostel compound, it will evoke images of part hippy camp, shaded retreat, budding artist enclave, and lush garden. It really is a very relaxing place to be. A tent site costs $18 per night and includes a pancake breakfast, showers, kitchen privileges, laundry facilities, TV room, gazebo, pool with waterfall, and hammocks and lounge chairs scattered throughout.

Tomorrow, I should reach well beyond Key Largo, and anticipate spending only 5 days in the Keys. I certainly can't complain about the weather so far - only one day out of sixteen with just the slightest sprinkles, moderate temperatures, and cool breezes.

South Miami seems to have a very extensive,relatively traffic-free paved bike trail system. I only had to cover a little more than 20 miles today to position myself to get through the Keys as quickly as possible. On my way to the hostel, I stopped by the Homestead Speedway, where Bike to Recovery, a veterans rehabilitation charity was hosting a big cycling event. While there, the owner of a Miami cylcing shop, which helped sponsor this event and provided maintenance support for the riders did a quick complimentary checkup, lube, and adjustment on my bike for me.

This whole trip experience has been sprinkled with a number of encounters with folks that remind you of the goodness of America - from families who generously share their homes to business owners who reach out and give to share in the experience of helping support honorable causes.

I've been struck by the prevalence of homeless and needy people I've observed en route. Most of us are more blessed than we can possibly imagine. This economy has turned many sections of some of our larger cities into third world cultures, with a very visible population of folks who who are too despondent to even beg. I'm aware that none of us are far from being tipped over the edge by some event not of our choosing. What an eye opener!

In South Miami Beach Tonight

I think today has been one of most tiring, 55 miles in fairly heavy traffic from Ft. Lauderdale to Miami. Tonight I'm being hosted by John and Liz Hopkins, biking enthusiasts, with John being very instrumental in organizing cycling activities in Miami.

Tomorrow, I hope to reach into the Keys; except, given the scarcity of land down there, I need to time my entry onto the keys carefully. Otherwise I'll end up sleeping under a bridge somewhere. It'll be just me and the iguanas. Not!

I met veteran "Nelson" today who suffered a severe foot wound back in '06, which forced him to leave the military. He is not receiving adequate treatment, and has yet to receive any disability income from the VA. I advised him to contact his Senator to get assistance expediting proper treatment and processing his disability application.

Uh Oh! That Wasn't Supposed to Happen!

Well, I guess I've entered a new phase of my adventure. After a restful night in Deerfield Beach last night, I hit the road at 9:00 a.m. and found conditions perfect for making good time, as I headed for Miami. Customarily, I stop every ten miles in a shady spot for a nip of Gatorade and to give motorists a break. 9.8 miles into today's journey, I pulled under the canopy of a La Quinta Inn and called a special friend that I worked with as a firefighter with the Fl. Div. Of Forestry. I couldn't pass through the Fort Lauderdale area without saying hello. He was busy; so I left a message and prepared to get underway. As I was checking the tires on my "rig", I noticed that the left wheel on my trailer was canted in at the top like the axle was bent. I pulled on the top of the wheel to see if the retaining nut was loose or if the axle was bent. The wheel fell off into my hand. It was then that I saw that the axle had sheared off and was not repairable. Remembering that I had spare axles,but with smaller wheels in my van back in Vero Beach, I rented a car and made the four hour roundtrip to retrieve the replacement parts.

In retrospect, what a miracle it was that that axle broke after I had stopped my bike, and not in the middle of busy US1 traffic! The trailer is fixed and ready to go. Tomorrow morning, I'll launch again for Miami.

In a way, I'm glad things happened the way they did; because after I repaired the trailer, I was able to spend a couple of hours with Thomas and his wife, Nicole. Thomas is the kind of guy that you meet and take an instant liking to. As a young firefighter and family man, he's one of those rare types that is both respectful and respectable, the kind of honorable young man every parent would be proud to claim. When I complete my trip through the Keys, I hope to be able to visit Thomas and his family again.

While waiting for the car rental company to come pick me up, I struck up a conversation with a fellow who was wounded in Vietnam, but had no idea that he was eligible for VA treatment for painful complications from that wound. I've met many such vets on this trip; and only was was aware of the VA treatment programs available to him. These vets are truly a lost generation that will likely not get the care they earned in combat; because our government can't afford rhe costs associated with reaching out to them. If our government can't afford to treat the wounds of our veterans, we should not be creating wounded veterans. What a travesty!

The attack of the killer ants

How's that for a blog title?

I Stayed in a state park last night, and was awakened from a deep sleep at 1 a.m. by the sting of a fire ant. As I looked towards the tent opening, I saw that hundreds of the little beggars were streaming in and setting up a relay line so they could effectively transport my body parts to their nest. I was busy for the next hour crushing and killing these intruders. The war ended at 2 a.m. The rest of the night was uneventful.

Tonight, I'm at Deerfield Beach, just south of Boca Raton. I wanted to make sure I reached a "low-rent" district before I stopped for the night.

I've met a couple neat people today, starting with Dude 1 and Dude 2 who were having breakfast at the same McDonalds I stopped at. They have been biking from Colorado to Key West with no sense of urgency and no visible means of supports. They'd been traveling for five months, with no idea when they would reach their destination. They thought they might have to find work when they reached Key West.

Later that day, I stopped at a Shell station to load up on Gatorade, I met the owner, Parmanand Patel. When I answered his question about what I was up to, he would not accept payment for the Gatorade. I was taken aback by his kind words about my mission and his generosity.

Tomorrow, I should reach North Miami Beach, at which point I'll have to carefully assess the longterm weather forecast. To determine if I can make it to Key West and back before the next tropical storm forms and moves north.

Today was overcast with light sprinkles most of the day; but this caused no problems for me. In fact, it was a pleasant change from the heat of days past.

Pedaling Gatorade

So, this is the way day number thirteen was supposed to end? After a very restful night with friends in Vero Beach, and 55.7 miles of hard pedaling, I've landed in Jonathan Dickson State Park for the night, located about 12 miles north of North Palm Beach. I can't say it's getting any easier as 50 miles seems to activate my tiredness circuitry. I thought I would have achieved 60 miles today; and might have, had southerly headwinds not started around two this afternoon. Any way, 55 miles required nine and a half hours of effort. Looks like we might get some rain tonight, which will be my first for this trip. 590 miles down - A little less than that to go! But, who's counting?

At least once a day now someone stops me to enquire about my mission. I always give them my card and dieect them to this blog. Today was the first time I met someone who seemed generally opposed to what I am doing. If I understood his concerns correctly, he thought the effect of my message would be to just encourage some more folks to rip off the taxpayer. He said most soldiers earn big bucks after a couple of years, and he knew of many firefighters, policemen with no more than a fourth grade education, and teachers who are multi-millionaires. I didn't ask him how much money he has; but, I'm fairly sure he was in a bad mood. When I get home, I'm going to force my teacher/wife Sally to tell me where she's hiding all of her millions. Of course, she'll demand to know where I'm hiding mine, as I was a state firefighter for six years, and a soldier for nine.

Tomorrow, I should reach somewhere between Pompano Beach and Ft. Lauderdale, depending on weather. Once this low pressure moves off to the East, I hope to get a couple dyas of tailwinds from it.

This morning, I dumped a bunch of weight out of my trailer, primarily publications and unneeded clothing. I felt a discernable positive effect on pedaling effort. So, what's this got to do with Gatorade! After breakfast every morning, Gatorade is all I need to sustain me for the rest of the day and evening. I keep trying to get the waitresses to feel sorry for me when I order in the morning and tell them that I won't be able to eat again until the following morning; but so far, none have offered to cut me a deal on the bill. What selfishness!

Al

In Vero Beach With Friends

Tonight I'm staying with friends, Marilyn Rooney and her mom, Stella in Vero Beach. This morning, I left Long Point RV Park at Sebastian Inlet and pedaled to Ft Pierce to pick up my van at the American Legion and moved it to Vero Beach where it will stay while I complete the southern half of my trip. So, today, I only had to cover about 35 miles. Riding weather was warm, but excellent otherwise.

I'm looking forward to getting the second half of this trip done. I hope to cover about 6p miles.

I continue to meet other riders who are interested in my mission. Most are veterans and appreciate my efforts. Very few have undertaken a journey of this lenght.

Al

Biggest Day Yet

Tonight, I'm staying at Long Point Campground at Sebastian Inlet, within 20 miles of the starting point of this journey. As Mike Pikula observed, "When you turn South, it's downhill." So far, he seems to be correct. Today, I did 59 miles; and I'm worn slap out!

Today was good traveling weather, upper 80's, but sunny with pleasant breezes. ! I spent a lot of time on US1, which is one busy racetrack. Near Bellwood, I sidetracked onto SR515 which runs for many miles along the river via oak-shaded, little-used residential streets, with near-constant cool breezes. This route runs all the way through Cocoa, and is a pleasure.

Tomorrow, I keep headed "downhill" towards Key West.

Al

In Titusville Tonight

Today was a reasonably good ride, hotter than previous days, but with light breezes. Most of today's route folowed US1, which is very busy with high-speed traffic. The paved shoulder is rough and in poor condition much of the way. Motorists have been generally accommodating. Ironically, it's other cyclists who pose the greatest hazard. Faster cyclists routinely pass with minimum space between bikes and without calling out their intentions. This is especially hazardous when the cyclist being overtaken may have to suddendly veer around a hazard. Autos always make enough noise when approaching. Not so with bicycles. Most cyclists are sorely in need of traffic law training and guidance in courteousy towards other cyclists.

Tomorrow night I will be in Melbourne, Vero Beach after that. Then Fort Pierce, where I started mt trip on the 1st. I need to move my van to another parking area; and then, I'll be off to Key West for the second half of my trip.

With the weekend ending, I hope to be able to do some camping in state parks along the way. So far, I've found plenty of inexpensive motels, old, but clean and inexpensive.

My bike and trailer are holding up well. It's so nice to be able to hold higher speeds for a change - 10-13 mph. Instead of pedaling for 10 hours into headwinds, I can cover my 50 miles planned in six to seven hours, including breaks.

Another Good Travel Day

It's the end of day 9; and I'm in South Daytona Beach, about 10 miles from new Smyrna Beach. Tomorrow evening, I'll be at Titusville.

Today brought more good traveling weather and not many complications with traffic, which allowed me to cover 55 miles.

I saw a young man today on a hybrib bike designed for folks who are paralysed from the waist down. Someone who might have been his dad was riding alongside him on a bike keeping him clear of traffic and helping him get started again every time he had to stop. He brought to mind all of our young soldiers who are coming home with broken bodies and difficult futures ahead. It angers me when I think about the senselessness and thanklessness of the conflicts our soldiers are being thrust into. It angers me that so many politicians, who have never done anything to serve or defend their country are so comfortable with notion that our soldiers' status as volunteers somehow legitimizes throwing them back into combat with supposed allies who despise everthing about America, except for what they can extort from us. I am blessed to have come home fomr war physically intact and then supported by nurturing relations for decades afterwards. I wish today's soldiers were not exposed to such unreasonable risk. And, I hope they find all the support they deserve to rebuild their lives.

Tomorrow's weather is forecast to be the same as today's; so, I expect productive smooth sailing

On the Road Again

After a restful one and a half days with Mike and Mary Pikula of Fernandina Beach, I put the pedals in motion and arrived at St Augustine Beach at 4:30 p.m. Travel southbound has certainly been easier without the severe headwinds that served to humble me northbound. A1A is also in better condition for southbound travel withouth the sand and vegetation encroachment on the east side of the highway. Today, I traveled 55 miles.

Tomorrow, I should reach the Daytona Beach area. It looks like my plan to stay in state parks will not work on weekends, since everyone seems to flee civilization for the wilds on weekends. One thing I would love to see the Greenway address is the availability of reasonably-priced lodging to encourage more cyclists to bike and camp long-distance in Fl. There are plenty of parks along the Greenway, encompassing a tremendous number of acres, but with very few opportunities for primitive camping. There is much the state can do to enhance cyclist participation through more efficient use of existing camping facilities. After all, if the state is concerned about encouraging its citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles and improve personal fitness, why not encourage more cycling, since it is a "green" activity? And, cyclists who use primitive camping facilities don't burn lights and run TV's and AC's all night. A look at Florida's GO GUIDE boasts of "more than 700,000 acres"; but most of those parks, and especially on the East Coast are designed to encourage only energy-wasting RV camping.

I believe that, as the days progress, I will likely be able to cover more miles on a daily basis, thanks in part to more favorable winds, but also due to better physical conditioning. Due to easier pedaling conditions today, I was actually able to focus on some of the scenery around me.

Al

All Rested Up and Ready to Ride

Tomorrow morning at sunup, I will start the southbound portion of my trip. I rested up under the warm hospitality offered by Mike and Mary Pikula of Amelia Island. I've met a number of interesting and friendly folks on the first quarter of my trip; and I believe Mike and Mary have raised the bar for hospitality standards. I'm convinced that I need to bring back a group of riders to experience Amelia Island's beautiful community.

I was privileged to meet with a small group of Greenway enthusiasts for breakfast this morning, and enjoyed talking with Mike, Phillip Scanlan, David Rogers, and Carmen Martinez all supporters and key players in Amelia Island's, and the Greenway's plans for developing and improving biking opportunities in this area. Amelia Island will likely be the flagship community of biking trails and routes under the charter of the Greenway, and appears poised to set the standard for other communities to create bicycle-friendly infrastructure. Ryan Smith of the Fernandina Beach News Leader was in attendance and is preparing an article that describes the nature of my mission(s)on the Greeway, and to report on the Greenway's progress.

I'm hoping that the headwinds that I battled for several days will now become trustworthy tailwinds for me and allow me to relax enough to enjoy some of the scenery en route. Although, I'm also trusting that these winds will not boost my speed beyond the 29.2 MPH I logged descending the causeway into Vero Beach the other day. The tag-along trailer I'm using, which has generated so much strain for me on upwind and uphill legs definitely provides a scarey boost downhill. I'm not sure how many miles I can expect to get out of a set a brakes on my bike; but I'm sure that, if I'd had the courage to look down the other day, they would have been smoking! I thought I had outgrown that kind of foolishness; but I have to admit, this old Cobra jokey got a little thrill out of that experience.

As was my purpose from the outset, I've met a number of veterans on this trip, and have not been particularly surprised to learn that most of them have no idea about the kinds of VA programs that are available to assist them. I've encouraged all of them to contact their County Veterans Services representatives to explore assistance options that are available to them. Santa Rosa County, where I'm from reportedly has a significant population of homeless vets. I assume other communities throughout Florida hide similar problems; and that just shouldn't be.

I've not met any of today's younger breed of veterans, who I have a great deal of concern for. Like me, when I left the Army, many of these vets have likely moved onto career paths that have provided immediate distraction from the kinds of scarring stresses endured in combat. If they settle into the transportation industry in particular, they will have to conceal any stress-related problems they suffer, if they hope to maintain federal licensure. This is a real catch 22 situation; because many of these young folks would greatly benefit from mentoring, nurturing fellowship that could help them re-assimilate into society and mitigate future negative impacts of Post Traumatic Stress. But, many of them can't seek professional treatment without jeopardizing their new careers. Like me, they will have to "suck it up", act whole, and trust that time will cover and heal the effects of their past traumatic experiences. Unlike them, for decades, I've been blessed with the support of strong nurturing relationships within the church communities I've joined.

Tomorrow evening, I hope to report from somewhere near St. Augustine.

Al

End Of Day Six

Wow! Another day of stiff winds, with some gusts topping 25 MPH. But, on a positive note, it was a short day, only needing to coever 40 miles. I'm staying in Fernandina Beach the the home of new friends, Mike and Mary Pikula. Mike is retired Air Force, and very much involved with the Greenway trails system here on the island. Amelia island is a beautiful quaint community loaded with historic structures, beautiful scenery, a busy waterfront, and lots of live oaks. Mike and Mary contacted me early on in the planning of this trip and offered their home to me. They are a most gracious couple; and I look forward to repaying their hospitality as they have occasion to visit family in the Panhandle.

Amelia island is well into constructing an excellent bike trail system, with new roads under construction to incorporate bike lanes. There are already about 35 miles of bike routes in the community.

Tomorrow, I will do a bit of a bike tour of the island tomorrow, after a meeting with local biking enthusiasts. Afterwards, I'll rest up for an early launch on the morning of the 8th - headed to Key West.

Early this morning while I was at the shower house in the camp ground, a critter of some sort made off with my lefthand riding glove. Somewhere in Hannah Park is a raccoon or squirrel sporting a new bright red glove.

Al

End of Day 5 @Hannah Park in Jacksonville

I rode 46 miles today in the roughest steady-state winds I've encountered yet, 15 MPH steady, with gusts of 25! Pretty tough for an old boy!

Tonight, I'm staying in a great park, Hannah Park, operated by the city of Jacksonville. It has everything a camper needs - big tent sites, electricity at every site, showers, a camp store, and a restaurant. Only costs $22 per night.

Tomorrow afternoon early, I should reach Fernandina Beach, my turn-around point, marking the completion of one fourth of my journey. Then, it's back to Ft. Pierce, which will be the halfway point of my 1200 mile trip. Time sure flies when you're trying to kill yourself with a pair of pedals.

I'm enjoying the comments (and squirrel picture) you folks are posting. I'm sorry I can't respond to each one individually.

Al

End of Day Four

Today has been my most productive travel day - 58.96 mile, one hour of which was riding in the dark trying to find a place to stay.  Tonight, it's Super 8 on the north end of St. Augustine Beach - very clean.

Weather has been good today, with light winds.  Tomorrow night should see me in Jacksonville Beach.  And then Fernandina Beach, where I will likely take a day off before turning south to Key West.

If this keyboard wasn't so small, I could share much more.  The whole story will have to wait until I finish up near the end of the month.  Life's a beach

Beginning of Day Four

Wow!  About those typos.  A politician might say, "I misspoke."  I would simply observe that, with maturity comes the inability to type with enlarged thumbs.

I'll get on the road around 0700 and head to St. Augustine.  I assume the winds are going to kick up again today; so, I need to prepare myself for another tough day.  Perhaps I need to follow the example of my good friend and find the nearest McDonalds,and load up on one of their highly nutricious offerings.

As I contemplate the difficulty caused by opposing winds the last cuople of days, I am mindful of the alternative - blistering heat and blowing sand, like our soldiers endure daily in the many thankless military endeavors they have been committed to.  I'm sure they would gladly trade places with me, fleabag motel and all.  I am blessed - by their service and dedication, and by the freedom I enjoy to engage in this pursuit.

The end of day 3 finds me in another motel of the sort you would bother making reservations at.  But, after completing 48.1 miles battling incessant headwins, I am exhauster.  Instead of averaging nine to ten MPH, wins cut me down to seven, with some gusts knocking me back to five.  If heaswinds persist, which shouldn't be the case when I turn southbound, I would need another two weeks on top of my planned one month to complete this trip.  Ain't gonna happen!

The weather has been nice otherwise.

Tomorrow night, Ishould be in St. Augustine.

Al

In Titusville

Well, I did it!  Today, I rode 51.4 miles!  Yes, my tail is sore; and my thighs feel like they're going to explode.  The last 15 miles were horrible, with exceptionally brutal headwinds from an approaching storm front.  I'm staying in a fleabag motel tonite.

Today, in Cocoa, I met a very friendly young man named Hugo Rivero.  He had seen me pull aside near a restaurant, and having read the sign on the back of my trailer, indicated that he had always wd to accomplish a long-dist ance ride with a cause attached to it.  He gave me his contact information and offered to put me up for the evening on either leg of my trip.  It was t,oo early to stop for the evening; so, I pressed on.  Within minutes of our parting, the winds hit.  Had I known that was going to happen, I would have opted to accept his generous offer.  Perhaps it might work out when I start heading south.

I also met Terry Graham, who lives on River Rd. in Cocoa.  We chatted for a few minutes;  and he offered to allow me to pitch my tent on the waterfont of his property.  He works for the FAA in Flight Standards, wit responsibilityy for Airtran.  What a generous and gracious man.  Were it not so early in the evening, I would accepted his offer and saved 50 bucks spent on the motel room.  Oh well, at least I won't get wet tonite - just soaked for the room.

By the way, sorry about the typos.  this keyboard is fairly small; and it's easy to make mistakes, but difficult to correct them.

Al

Rough First Day

I started out this morning at 7;00 a.m. with a broken shifter.  The closest bike repair shop was in Vero Beach, a twenty mile ride with only low and midrange gears available.  I had to juryrig the shifter to obtain high range.  Twenty miles would have been nearly impossible in low and mid range, and tough enough in high.  I still ended up shucking the chain once.  Repairs took me 12 miles out of my way and cost me a three hour delay; which required me to try to make up time during the hottest part of the day.  So, instead of reaching Melbourne, I had to pull up short in Sebastian Inlet State Park.  Ideployed my high-tech tent for its first field test and rested a bit, but could not sleep because of all of the surrounding noise.  After darkness set in, I had my 31 dollar shower; and here I am.

I'll start at daybreak again ant try fo 60 miles.  I know one thing - if I ever attempt such a trip again, I don't think I'll be pulling a trailer.  It's only fun downhill.

Al