GTD '22 EXTRA TIME DAYS 2-4
After a good nights rest and a good breakfast at the Hampton Inn it was off to ride the Seven Mile Bridge and then tour Key West and the Southern Most Point of the US.
Once again the weather was great. After leaving Marathon I was surrounded by water and then I crossed the Seven Mile Bridge. Online cyclists and mixed reviews re: their crossing of the Bridge due to traffic, wind and a trashy shoulder. I had none of those issues, my crossing of the Bridge was spectacular and excited me for the return trip across.
After the Bridge riding on the trail or road proved to be just fine. The different Keys along the way provided plenty of opportunities for Services. I grabbed lunch at a convenience store and replenished my liquids and riding snacks.
As I approached Key West the traffic picked up and then I made the right hand turn the would take me to my hotel. I spotted the hotel but decided to continue on into the heart of the city and the Southern Most Point. At this point I was riding along the water that was filled with many awesome boats of all kinds.
I experienced the old portion/original portion of Key West, it had a much different feel than the newer developed areas. The line for a photo at the Southern Most Point was long so I just got close and took a selfie.
I worked my way through the city back to my hotel. I checked in, got cleaned up and enjoyed some dinner before settling in for the night. It was a good day 2. Tomorrow and the day after I will retrace my tracks back to Marathon and Florida City.
As I set out for Marathon on day 3 I saw that the Key West Triathlon was taking place that morning. I stopped and watched the swim portion and the start of the bike. After the first 30 or so cyclists sped by I decided to begin my trek to Marathon. All the Keys along this stretch provide good services so there was no problem resupplying or finding a good lunch. Once again the Seven Mile Bridge was spectacular! I got to Marathon, went to dinner across the street, took care of after dinner communications and drifted off to sleep. Tomorrow I will return to Florida City and set out for Orlando to visit mom.
The final day of this journey, day 4, was a day of continuous reminders of day 1. The road and trails were good, riding along the water was soothing, the lunch stop Rolando and I made was great, the tiny Cafe we met Kelly at was busy.... These were all great memories. Unfortunately after Key Largo the road back to Florida City is not as exciting. I was ready to finish and that stretch of road was a grind until just outside of Florida City. I spotted my car at the hotel, that was a good thing. I loaded up and headed over to Rolando's for a short visit before setting out for Orlando. We visited a bit then headed over to his daughter's house which was just around the corner. It was great to see her, her husband and their house.
The drive to Orlando was ok, no problems on the Turnpike PTL! It was great to see mom and have an evening of visitation. The GTD '22 Extended Time Journey is almost over, tomorrow I return home and start to take care of all the little End of the Semester Campus House Projects before heading out for Christmas with the family.
