Florida
Flatsonville Florida- what a place to see the sea
Flatsonville Florida- what a place to see the sea.
Today I am in Tennessee. It is time for ride 19. It’s also 5:00 in the morning and just like almost every other day on this trip- we are waking up at a hotel and getting ready to ride before the Southern heat swelters in…. Today is supposed to be another day in the hundreds. I am hoping for no new pavement. It gets pretty steamy on that.
We were lucky to stay with Jerry and Robin in Jacksonville. They are the ride directors for the Jacksonville ride. I can not say how great it was to stay there after the rainy ride in Savannah. The first question that Jerry asked was “do I need a bike stand?” I had just said that I needed to clean my bike after the rain. It couldn’t have been better timing… Then to top that- Robin asked if we like Gumbo…. Because that’s what was for dinner. It just got better and better all night and the next morning. It was awesome to stay with these “newly founded” surrogate parents in a home instead of a hotel…. THANK YOU. This was one of the best nights sleep on the trip so far.
So refreshed and ready to ride we headed out to meet Paul Calewarts and Donna Jackson (Paul’s better half- as she put it). Paul and I rode the Jacksonville ride together and it was so awesome to hear that he quit a 31 year smoking habit to start riding. He now said his bike is magical and takes him places he never thought he could go. It was truly great to met you guys and to have a good hearty lunch afterwards. (Thanks Donna) I was also motivated to ride since cancer had affected Paul and Donna Personally, with Donna losing 3 family members and Paul losing 1 to the disease. They both proudly wore Livestrong bands as well.
The ride was a good one- nice and flat a couple rollers and one flat tire… the flat tire had to happen after 1700 miles of travel.. I was okay with that and we only lost a couple minutes. We got back on our bikes and headed for the hills to finish the ride. The hills are the bridges in Florida… see it is as flat as a pancake. Mmmm pancakes. .. It was a good change of pace to be flat again though..
Also in Florida- Scot took care of business and I need to say thanks to him and the others who helped “get ‘er done” while I was riding the 17th ride. We got several things donated. Without this support- we would be broke, hungry, and tired and never be able to give anything back to cancer survivors. So a big heartfelt thanks to:
Crystal at Fleetwash in Jacksonville the Van looks awesome after the car wash.
Tom and Nick at Gemini Automotive care- The oil has gotten us to Tennessee.
Jeff at Panera- Scot was able to use your Panera Bread shop as an office to get things done online.
Bill and Sam- Thanks for sharing your stories- the team’s thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I sign off wishing everyone in Florida, happy riding and great weather. It seems like the perfect place for a family to rent beach cruisers (or road bikes) and get out and ride….
~~Gary G
One Response to “Flatsonville Florida- what a place to see the sea”
It was a pleasure Gary. Good luck and Gods speed on your journey.
Livestong
Paul