ES11 - Last Day to Daytona

Miles 53

Well you would have thought that on the last day of riding the riders would have slowed down and smelled the roses a bit more. It was a sunny day, roads with bike paths, and favorable winds. So off everyone went with the Big Dogs recording split times and making sure Stuart didn't chase them down. I rode with Hank and his friend Ron who joined us for the day. I do have to admit we didn't let much grass grow under our wheels.

This was the day of the Bikers. And I am not talking about quiet cyclists. The October Bike week was just ending and there were over a 1000 bikers participating. We had no problem with them on the road. They gave is plenty of space as they went by. It was a little tricky getting through downtown because the streets were packed. At one point we gave up and got on the sidewalk.
And at the hotel it was really questionable who was rowdier - cyclists celebrating the end of a great journey or bikers just celebrating. I do have to admit the bikers lasted a lot longer into the night.

It was a great trip. My husband, Norm who joined us in Daytona, said we talked more about the challenges (rain, rumble strips, logging trucks) than the good days. And that is true. Meeting those challenges without any serious injuries made us all stronger as riders and brought us closer together as friends.

I am grateful for the opportunity to become even closer to my fellow XC10 riders: Chris, Stuart, Michele, Sam, Dougie, and Bill. And I made lots of new friends along the way. Of course Hank is very special as we spent many a mile on the road together starting in Charleston. His companionship made for very enjoyable riding. He is a high class man.

Thank you Tracy, Tom, Mac, Robin, and Carol for your superb support. Crossroads is definitely the company to ride with. Everyone was always upbeat and so helpful. And they even listened to us complain about 17S and eating at Denny's.

I have officially been titled a Runaway cyclist by Doc Olson. So there will definitely be another adventure down the road.

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