Miami, FL to Naples, FL
After an "adventurous" sleep in the Spider-Man bed we enjoyed a quick breakfast and visit with Clint, Sarah and the boys.
I was excited about today's ride, I would ride across Florida on Highway 41 which cuts through the Everglades. In order to get to Highway 41 I had to ride out of Miami to Highway 27 South. Everything was going great and then I encountered road construction. I dealt with it for a bit and then decided it was too dangerous and frustrating. Fortunately I found a section of the old highway that I could pull off on and have Qinggela pick me up there.
Qinggele made his way back to me and we loaded up. The road construction continued on 27 all the way to the turn on to 41. We stopped at a convenience and filled the cooler with ice, bought some cold drinks for the cooler and refilled my Camelbak.
Highway 41 was awesome. All along the way I got to see alligators in the canal. There were some scenic stops along the way so I took lunch break at one of them. I got to ride through the Miccosukee Indian Village, interesting. Without a doubt I could tell I had entered another culture.
As I was leaving the scenery of the Everglades and entering into more of a cityscape I saw that a storm was forming ahead of me. Fortunately I made it to a convenience store before it hit. Qinggele met me there so I. Was able to take refuge from the storm in the car. The storm passed after 20-30 minutes so I resumed my ride. It was a bit steamy out so I was glad to have cold drinks in the cooler and ice in my Camelbak.
As I was approaching Naples and 100 miles I decided I wanted to find a Starbucks on the way to the hotel. Fortunately there was one on the way to the hotel!
I love to get a Venti Iced Coffee and because I have a Starbucks Gold Card I can get FREE refills. After a couple of refreshing iced coffees we set out for the hotel.
It was a short ride to the hotel. When we arrived I checked my ending mileage for the day, it was 112! Ironman distance. Good stuff.
We checked in, got cleaned up and went out for dinner. After such a long day on the bike dinner hit the spot! After dinner it was time to get a good night's rest.
Tomorrow we head to Venice, FL.
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Monday, May 30, 2016
GTD 2016 - Day 4
Vero Beach, FL to Miami, FL
When I woke up I felt much better so I was hopeful that today's ride would be much better. Our hosts treated us to a great breakfast on their screened in porch that overlooked the lake.
My laundry was done so that was a good thing, it's always nice to set out in fresh gear. We loaded up, thanked our hosts and set out for Starbucks on US 1. Since today was to be a long day I figured I should load up on caffeine. I had an awesome Frappucino and let Qinggela know the plan for the day which was to take 1 to West Palm Beach then turn west and begin to work our way to Clint & Sarah's.
After an hour of riding I saw another Starbucks so I decided to reload on caffeine. I was feeling pretty good so we were making good progress. Several hours later as the heat intensified I stopped at a store to refill my Camelbak and buy a couple AZ Teas to carry in my rear drink holders. Before resuming my ride I got a note from our friend Renee, she wanted to meet up with us for lunch in West Palm Beach. I let her know my route and she determined it would be best to meet us at the intersection of Military & Okeechobee.
When we got to the intersection I saw a Buffalo Wild Wings so I told her to meet us there. Renee and the boys arrived and we enjoyed a great lunch and visit. During our visit a storm passed through, it was gone by the time we finished PTL!
The rain cooled it down a bit so it was a good time to get going. From this point on we were on South Florida City roads so there was constant traffic. This created a bit of a challenge for Qinggela as he went ahead of me and then looked for a good waiting place. I was riding well and felt good but the day was moving on. I knew what time Clint would be getting home so I timed out what time I needed to stop and load up.
I was pleased that I was able to log 120 miles by stopping time. We loaded up and made our way to Clint & Sarah's. Google Maps made it interesting but we finally figured out the way to their house. It was so great to see them and spend time with them. After showering Clint & Sarah prepared a fantastic dinner. Their kids were great and we were honored to spend the night in the boys room which featured Spider Man sheets and blanket.
After a great visit it was time for the big kids and little kids to get some sleep. We were so blessed, once again, to have amazing hosts!
When I woke up I felt much better so I was hopeful that today's ride would be much better. Our hosts treated us to a great breakfast on their screened in porch that overlooked the lake.
My laundry was done so that was a good thing, it's always nice to set out in fresh gear. We loaded up, thanked our hosts and set out for Starbucks on US 1. Since today was to be a long day I figured I should load up on caffeine. I had an awesome Frappucino and let Qinggela know the plan for the day which was to take 1 to West Palm Beach then turn west and begin to work our way to Clint & Sarah's.
After an hour of riding I saw another Starbucks so I decided to reload on caffeine. I was feeling pretty good so we were making good progress. Several hours later as the heat intensified I stopped at a store to refill my Camelbak and buy a couple AZ Teas to carry in my rear drink holders. Before resuming my ride I got a note from our friend Renee, she wanted to meet up with us for lunch in West Palm Beach. I let her know my route and she determined it would be best to meet us at the intersection of Military & Okeechobee.
When we got to the intersection I saw a Buffalo Wild Wings so I told her to meet us there. Renee and the boys arrived and we enjoyed a great lunch and visit. During our visit a storm passed through, it was gone by the time we finished PTL!
The rain cooled it down a bit so it was a good time to get going. From this point on we were on South Florida City roads so there was constant traffic. This created a bit of a challenge for Qinggela as he went ahead of me and then looked for a good waiting place. I was riding well and felt good but the day was moving on. I knew what time Clint would be getting home so I timed out what time I needed to stop and load up.
I was pleased that I was able to log 120 miles by stopping time. We loaded up and made our way to Clint & Sarah's. Google Maps made it interesting but we finally figured out the way to their house. It was so great to see them and spend time with them. After showering Clint & Sarah prepared a fantastic dinner. Their kids were great and we were honored to spend the night in the boys room which featured Spider Man sheets and blanket.
After a great visit it was time for the big kids and little kids to get some sleep. We were so blessed, once again, to have amazing hosts!
Sunday, May 29, 2016
GTD 2016 - Day 3
Lake Placid, FL to Vero Beach, FL
After a great night of rest and breakfast Qinggela and I loaded up and followed Mike & his wife to Eastside Christian Church.
We got visit with some of the members and meet Ray, the Lead Pastor, before Sunday School. We enjoyed our time and discussion with the Adult SS Class. Next was the worship hour where I was to share a message about UF CCH and how GTD would bless current and future students who desire to serve on a short term mission trip. The service and discussion afterwards was good.
After church Mike, his wife and other members took Qinggela and I to lunch, it was great! After we finished lunch we went back to church and I changed into my cycling gear. I prepped Qinggela re: the route to Vero Beach and set off.
Immediately I could feel the intense heat and that my body was really tired after 2 long days in the heat. I seemed to be moving at a snails pace so I decided to change it up and switch to my Touring Bike. During the switch I got a call from Scott. Due to a family emergency they would not be able to host us. Instead we would be staying with one of the Church Elders and his wife. I made contact with them and they gave me their address. I let them know where we were and what our estimated ETA was.
I was hoping the bike switch would help but the results were no better. About 30 miles I realized that there was no way to ride all the way to their house. In addition to not feeling well, a storm was brewing in Vero Beach. I let Qinggela know that I would stop at 35 miles. He went up ahead and waited for me. I caught up to him, loaded up and contacted our host family to let them know we were on our way.
We arrived at their house and got settled in before cleaning up for dinner. They took us out to a great dinner! After dinner and chatting out on the screened in porch we called it a night. I took some ibuprofen in hopes that it, along with the great dinner and rest to come, would provide better results the next day.
The next day was to be long, Vero Beach to Miami! I was excited that we would be staying with CCH Gon4ths Clint, Sarah and kids.
After a great night of rest and breakfast Qinggela and I loaded up and followed Mike & his wife to Eastside Christian Church.
We got visit with some of the members and meet Ray, the Lead Pastor, before Sunday School. We enjoyed our time and discussion with the Adult SS Class. Next was the worship hour where I was to share a message about UF CCH and how GTD would bless current and future students who desire to serve on a short term mission trip. The service and discussion afterwards was good.
After church Mike, his wife and other members took Qinggela and I to lunch, it was great! After we finished lunch we went back to church and I changed into my cycling gear. I prepped Qinggela re: the route to Vero Beach and set off.
Immediately I could feel the intense heat and that my body was really tired after 2 long days in the heat. I seemed to be moving at a snails pace so I decided to change it up and switch to my Touring Bike. During the switch I got a call from Scott. Due to a family emergency they would not be able to host us. Instead we would be staying with one of the Church Elders and his wife. I made contact with them and they gave me their address. I let them know where we were and what our estimated ETA was.
I was hoping the bike switch would help but the results were no better. About 30 miles I realized that there was no way to ride all the way to their house. In addition to not feeling well, a storm was brewing in Vero Beach. I let Qinggela know that I would stop at 35 miles. He went up ahead and waited for me. I caught up to him, loaded up and contacted our host family to let them know we were on our way.
We arrived at their house and got settled in before cleaning up for dinner. They took us out to a great dinner! After dinner and chatting out on the screened in porch we called it a night. I took some ibuprofen in hopes that it, along with the great dinner and rest to come, would provide better results the next day.
The next day was to be long, Vero Beach to Miami! I was excited that we would be staying with CCH Gon4ths Clint, Sarah and kids.
Saturday, May 28, 2016
GTD 2016 - Day 2
Apopka, FL to Lake Placid, FL
Since this is a Supported Ride some of the days are quite long. Yesterday's 90+ mile day to start was ambitious but today's 100+ mile ride was a bit too optimistic.
It started out well riding on the West Orange Trail to Winter Garden where I transitioned to the road. From Winter Garden to ChampionsGate I rode through subdivisions and Winter Garden Village. It was cool to see ChampionsGate via back road on a bicycle versus I-4 in a car.
After ChampionsGate it wasn't too long before I was directed to Highway 27 south. After a short time on 27 I decided to get away from traffic so I turned east just a bit to Highway 17. 17 is a 2 lane road but not as much traffic. It is also very scenic. After passing through Lake Wales I stopped at First Christian Church in Babson Park. The minister and one of the elders met Qinggela and me at the church. This was a great time of fellowship, cold drink & AC!
After Babson Park I rode through Frostproof and then 17 rejoined 27. By this time of the day I was happy to have the energy of the traffic on 27. What I was not happy to have was the intense heat of the day.
I made it through Avon Park but as I got into Sebring I was feeling a bit sick from the heat. I stopped at a convenience store and immediately layed down on the cool pavement. A few people walking into the store checked on me to see if I was ok. I assured them I would be. After a few minutes I got up, went inside the store, enjoyed the AC and got a cold, cold drink.
I called Qinggela and explained to him where I was and that I was finished for the day. He checked his map and figured out how to get to me. When he arrived we loaded up and headed to our host home in Lake Placid.
We had a great dinner with our hosts then they treated us to a boat ride on the lake, it was awesome. After the boat ride we chatted a bit, got squared away on the morning schedule and then hit the hay.
All in all it was a good day and I was already approaching 200 miles for the Trip. Tomorrow will be church then a 1/2 day ride to Vero Beach. Looking forward to spending time with our good friends Scott & Peggy in Vero.
Since this is a Supported Ride some of the days are quite long. Yesterday's 90+ mile day to start was ambitious but today's 100+ mile ride was a bit too optimistic.
It started out well riding on the West Orange Trail to Winter Garden where I transitioned to the road. From Winter Garden to ChampionsGate I rode through subdivisions and Winter Garden Village. It was cool to see ChampionsGate via back road on a bicycle versus I-4 in a car.
After ChampionsGate it wasn't too long before I was directed to Highway 27 south. After a short time on 27 I decided to get away from traffic so I turned east just a bit to Highway 17. 17 is a 2 lane road but not as much traffic. It is also very scenic. After passing through Lake Wales I stopped at First Christian Church in Babson Park. The minister and one of the elders met Qinggela and me at the church. This was a great time of fellowship, cold drink & AC!
After Babson Park I rode through Frostproof and then 17 rejoined 27. By this time of the day I was happy to have the energy of the traffic on 27. What I was not happy to have was the intense heat of the day.
I made it through Avon Park but as I got into Sebring I was feeling a bit sick from the heat. I stopped at a convenience store and immediately layed down on the cool pavement. A few people walking into the store checked on me to see if I was ok. I assured them I would be. After a few minutes I got up, went inside the store, enjoyed the AC and got a cold, cold drink.
I called Qinggela and explained to him where I was and that I was finished for the day. He checked his map and figured out how to get to me. When he arrived we loaded up and headed to our host home in Lake Placid.
We had a great dinner with our hosts then they treated us to a boat ride on the lake, it was awesome. After the boat ride we chatted a bit, got squared away on the morning schedule and then hit the hay.
All in all it was a good day and I was already approaching 200 miles for the Trip. Tomorrow will be church then a 1/2 day ride to Vero Beach. Looking forward to spending time with our good friends Scott & Peggy in Vero.
Friday, May 27, 2016
GTD 2016 - Day 1
Gainesville, FL to Apopka, FL
Starting GTD 2016 in Florida in late May presents its challenges. The number 1 challenge is the heat. The number 2 challenge is the daily distance I will cover in the heat.
To offset these challenges I, for the first time ever for GTD, will have a support vehicle and I will be riding my Trek Road Bike. My Support Vehicle is being driven by Qinggela, one of our English Corner students from China. I was fortunate that he was able to take the time off to support my ride.
Today was a typical ride down 441 to mom's house. It's downhill out of Gainesville to Paynes Prairie, majestic across Paynes Prairie then lots of countryside in between the towns along the way.
Because of the heat I find myself stopping more often for a cold drink, an AC break or to refill my Camelbak with ice and drink. I am blessed that Supporters blessed me with Starbucks Gift Cards so I can enjoy an ice cold drink or Frappucino along the way.
441 is a straight shot to mom's house but in places there is a lot of road debris due to the high volume of vehicles that travel up and down it every day. This creates a concern for flats. Because of my Support Vehicle I have all the necessary supplies needed to address this situation if it arises.
Because of my recent travels I was not able to train as much as I would have liked but my base as pretty good. This was evident today as I began to get fatigued around 70 miles. Qinggele had driven ahead so I contacted him and let him know that as soon as I entered Apopka I would stop and we would drive the final miles to mom's.
Qinggele wasn't exactly sure how to get back to me so I talked him through the map and directions. Though he is driving I am having him use the Bike Mode for Google Maps, I can see this might cause some issues down the road.
He made his way back to me via a Toll Road so we loaded up and headed to mom's. After a refreshing shower we enjoyed dinner and visitation before hitting the sack. I was tired from the 90+ mile day in the heat. I was a bit sore so I took 800 milligrams of ibuprofen before going to bed. I was hoping this would eliminate some soreness tomorrow's long ride to Lake Placid.
Starting GTD 2016 in Florida in late May presents its challenges. The number 1 challenge is the heat. The number 2 challenge is the daily distance I will cover in the heat.
To offset these challenges I, for the first time ever for GTD, will have a support vehicle and I will be riding my Trek Road Bike. My Support Vehicle is being driven by Qinggela, one of our English Corner students from China. I was fortunate that he was able to take the time off to support my ride.
Today was a typical ride down 441 to mom's house. It's downhill out of Gainesville to Paynes Prairie, majestic across Paynes Prairie then lots of countryside in between the towns along the way.
Because of the heat I find myself stopping more often for a cold drink, an AC break or to refill my Camelbak with ice and drink. I am blessed that Supporters blessed me with Starbucks Gift Cards so I can enjoy an ice cold drink or Frappucino along the way.
441 is a straight shot to mom's house but in places there is a lot of road debris due to the high volume of vehicles that travel up and down it every day. This creates a concern for flats. Because of my Support Vehicle I have all the necessary supplies needed to address this situation if it arises.
Because of my recent travels I was not able to train as much as I would have liked but my base as pretty good. This was evident today as I began to get fatigued around 70 miles. Qinggele had driven ahead so I contacted him and let him know that as soon as I entered Apopka I would stop and we would drive the final miles to mom's.
Qinggele wasn't exactly sure how to get back to me so I talked him through the map and directions. Though he is driving I am having him use the Bike Mode for Google Maps, I can see this might cause some issues down the road.
He made his way back to me via a Toll Road so we loaded up and headed to mom's. After a refreshing shower we enjoyed dinner and visitation before hitting the sack. I was tired from the 90+ mile day in the heat. I was a bit sore so I took 800 milligrams of ibuprofen before going to bed. I was hoping this would eliminate some soreness tomorrow's long ride to Lake Placid.
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