Ormond By the Sea, FL to Cocoa Beach, FL
The storm had passed and the day was looking good! I thanked Greg & Yolanda for their hospitality and set out to Cocoa Beach.
As I have noted time and time, I love riding along the water so the ride down A1A to Port Orange was fantastic. I like passing through Daytona Beach and South Daytona Beach, so many great family and ministry memories there! I also like that the old Burger King at Daytona Beach was turned into a Starbucks, I stopped to grab morning iced coffee.
Once I got to Port Orange I had to transition to US 1, not my favorite but there is no other option at that point. It was on US 1, this final day, that I had 2 flat tires and 1 irritated motorist. I was so ready to get to Cocoa so I could turn east and get back on A1A.
The ride from US 1 to the Coast is like a roller coaster with bridge and bridge after bridge. Since I was on my road bike it wasn't as big a deal as it would be on my touring bike pulling my BOB Trailer.
During my 2nd flat tire change I let Celeste know where I was and my estimated time of arrival. The youth group was going to arrive later than I was so I had Celeste meet me at Dunkin Donuts. Instead of waiting for hours I put my bike on the rack and we went to the hotel so I could shower and rest before setting out to meet the youth group.
I was a bit stiff and my rest so starting out again was a bit of a struggle. I only had a few miles to go to meet the group, I loosened up by then. As I approached the meeting point I could see the youth director and the group holding signs welcoming me to Cocoa Beach and congratulating me on finishing GTD 2016.
After a great time of visitation and sharing about my ride we said goodbye and returned to the hotel. Since I was a few miles short of my goal of 1,025 miles I decided to ride the long way back to the hotel.
I finished up, showered and began to relax for real. As I finish one GTD I naturally begin to think of where the next GTD will take me. Since GTD 2016 took place south of Gainesville I am thinking GTD 2018 will take me to the edge of the Panhandle into Alabama and back. It's just a thought, we'll see.
After every GTD I am thankful for Celeste who is such a great support, to those who host me along the way, to those who support GTD and enable our students to go on mission trips and to God who makes it all possible and doable.
Until next time! bob
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Monday, June 6, 2016
GTD 2016 - Day 11
When I got home last night there was talk of a tropical storm that would affect the coast the next day. I was praying that that wasn't so. Celeste said that the weather at Cocoa Beach was fine but there was the talk of the tropical storm bringing some rain.
I set out on the all too familiar route. First Orange Heights then Melrose then Putnam Hall.... The route runs through Palatka and over the St. Johns River Bridge. After that there is a trail that runs along 207 through Hastings to 206. There are lots of fields along 207, some of our English Corner students have farmed those fields. 206 is not so exciting until you see I-95, it's then that you know you are closing in on A1A.
As I approached A1A the sky didn't look so good. I was praying that the rain would hold off or miss me altogether. It didn't! It actually came with a fury. Strong rain and strong wind. I pulled over to seek shelter at a small pavilion outside of a subdivision, it shielded me from the rain for the most part. There was a bit of lightening so I wasn't going anywhere until it subsided.
After about 25 minutes the lightening had stopped and the rain let up some so I decided to continue on. It wasn't long before a heavy rain and strong wind started back up, no lightening though!
I pushed on to Flagler Beach where I stopped at a convenience store. The conditions were so bad I decided to call my friend Greg to see if he could come get me. Unfortunately he was not able to at that time. I saw a mom & pop hotel across from the store, I thought about checking in there. Just before heading there a man who stopped at the store saw my Gator jersey and inquired about my situation. I told him my predicament and he said, wait a minute and drove away.
A few minutes later he returned in a different vehicle and said, "we Gators got to stick together, I'll take you to your friends house". Hallelujah! I called Greg and let him know I was on my way.
I had an awesome warm shower, dinner and time of visitation before calling it a night. Before sleep I talked with Celeste regarding tomorrow's final day of riding, she informed me that the Youth Director and youth group at a local Christian Church wanted to welcome me to Cocoa Beach as I finished up GTD 2016, cool heh!
I am looking forward to finishing up and spending some days at Cocoa Beach relaxing and celebrating Celeste's birthday.
I set out on the all too familiar route. First Orange Heights then Melrose then Putnam Hall.... The route runs through Palatka and over the St. Johns River Bridge. After that there is a trail that runs along 207 through Hastings to 206. There are lots of fields along 207, some of our English Corner students have farmed those fields. 206 is not so exciting until you see I-95, it's then that you know you are closing in on A1A.
As I approached A1A the sky didn't look so good. I was praying that the rain would hold off or miss me altogether. It didn't! It actually came with a fury. Strong rain and strong wind. I pulled over to seek shelter at a small pavilion outside of a subdivision, it shielded me from the rain for the most part. There was a bit of lightening so I wasn't going anywhere until it subsided.
After about 25 minutes the lightening had stopped and the rain let up some so I decided to continue on. It wasn't long before a heavy rain and strong wind started back up, no lightening though!
I pushed on to Flagler Beach where I stopped at a convenience store. The conditions were so bad I decided to call my friend Greg to see if he could come get me. Unfortunately he was not able to at that time. I saw a mom & pop hotel across from the store, I thought about checking in there. Just before heading there a man who stopped at the store saw my Gator jersey and inquired about my situation. I told him my predicament and he said, wait a minute and drove away.
A few minutes later he returned in a different vehicle and said, "we Gators got to stick together, I'll take you to your friends house". Hallelujah! I called Greg and let him know I was on my way.
I had an awesome warm shower, dinner and time of visitation before calling it a night. Before sleep I talked with Celeste regarding tomorrow's final day of riding, she informed me that the Youth Director and youth group at a local Christian Church wanted to welcome me to Cocoa Beach as I finished up GTD 2016, cool heh!
I am looking forward to finishing up and spending some days at Cocoa Beach relaxing and celebrating Celeste's birthday.
Sunday, June 5, 2016
GTD 2016 - Day 10
Host Home to FCC Clearwater & Ocala to UFCCH
We got up, enjoyed a great breakfast and prepped again for the morning ahead at church. Our host family had to go to the church early so after they left we loaded up our luggage and bikes and rested a bit. Everything was timed out for when I would arrive at the church on my bike so there was no rush to get going but I was ready.
Qinggela followed me over to the Starbucks and we relaxed a bit before it was time for me to head to the church. I was still a few minutes early so I stopped at the church next door until Go Time. That time came so I headed out to Drew St. and rode the short distance to the church. As I arrived everyone was out front cheering my arrival. The lead pastor said a few words as did I. They then invited me to bring my bike into the church, the morning service would be starting soon.
I displayed my bike in the vestibule, many stopped by to ask questions about my trip up to this point and how it would finish up. They were excited about the funds being raised for UFCCH students who desired to go on short term mission trips.
After an awesome time of worship I got up to say thanks for their support and share just a bit about my journey. The majority of sharing was to take place at a lunch after worship. Mike did a great job sharing a word of encouragement from the Bible and then invited everyone to lunch to find out more about my ride and the purpose of it.
Lunch was awesome as usual and everyone was so gracious. After we ate I shared about my journey and its purpose. There was a time of Q&A, I always enjoy this because addresses specific interests or curiosities.
After all the food was eaten and the questions were asked we said our goodbyes and headed to Ocala. Today was to be a short ride UFCCH. We stopped at the Plaza on the corner of 326 & 441 where one of my favorite restaurants is, Sam's St. John's Seafood. I would have loved to eaten there but we weren't that far removed from lunch and I was ready to get back home for 1 night.
Once again my Sunday afternoon ride was a bit sluggish. I encountered a brief rain around Micanopy then enjoyed the beauty of Paynes Prairie before getting into the Gainesville traffic as I approached UF. I was only riding to UFCCH, Qinggela had driven my car there because his car was parked there.
Since it was Sunday and Summer A it was a bit quiet as I rode by UF to UFCCH. I loaded up my bike and headed home to do laundry, I would set out again in the morning for Ormond Beach. I would no longer be supported so I was going to pack a few things in a small backpack. I would meet up with Celeste in 2 days so she had taken my packed bag with her. I was looking forward to finishing my ride and celebrating her birthday with her at the beach!
We got up, enjoyed a great breakfast and prepped again for the morning ahead at church. Our host family had to go to the church early so after they left we loaded up our luggage and bikes and rested a bit. Everything was timed out for when I would arrive at the church on my bike so there was no rush to get going but I was ready.
Qinggela followed me over to the Starbucks and we relaxed a bit before it was time for me to head to the church. I was still a few minutes early so I stopped at the church next door until Go Time. That time came so I headed out to Drew St. and rode the short distance to the church. As I arrived everyone was out front cheering my arrival. The lead pastor said a few words as did I. They then invited me to bring my bike into the church, the morning service would be starting soon.
I displayed my bike in the vestibule, many stopped by to ask questions about my trip up to this point and how it would finish up. They were excited about the funds being raised for UFCCH students who desired to go on short term mission trips.
After an awesome time of worship I got up to say thanks for their support and share just a bit about my journey. The majority of sharing was to take place at a lunch after worship. Mike did a great job sharing a word of encouragement from the Bible and then invited everyone to lunch to find out more about my ride and the purpose of it.
Lunch was awesome as usual and everyone was so gracious. After we ate I shared about my journey and its purpose. There was a time of Q&A, I always enjoy this because addresses specific interests or curiosities.
After all the food was eaten and the questions were asked we said our goodbyes and headed to Ocala. Today was to be a short ride UFCCH. We stopped at the Plaza on the corner of 326 & 441 where one of my favorite restaurants is, Sam's St. John's Seafood. I would have loved to eaten there but we weren't that far removed from lunch and I was ready to get back home for 1 night.
Once again my Sunday afternoon ride was a bit sluggish. I encountered a brief rain around Micanopy then enjoyed the beauty of Paynes Prairie before getting into the Gainesville traffic as I approached UF. I was only riding to UFCCH, Qinggela had driven my car there because his car was parked there.
Since it was Sunday and Summer A it was a bit quiet as I rode by UF to UFCCH. I loaded up my bike and headed home to do laundry, I would set out again in the morning for Ormond Beach. I would no longer be supported so I was going to pack a few things in a small backpack. I would meet up with Celeste in 2 days so she had taken my packed bag with her. I was looking forward to finishing my ride and celebrating her birthday with her at the beach!
Saturday, June 4, 2016
GTD 2016 - Day 9
Lake Wales, FL to Clearwater, FL
After a great night's sleep we were ready to head back to Clearwater via a mostly different route. We arrived at the hotel from the north and today we departed the hotel and went south to Highway 60. Other than the short time on Highway 27 the rest of the day would be on Highway 60.
Outside of Bartow and Brandon the ride was in the countryside. I always enjoy seeing the horses and cows and goats...in the countryside. As nice as it is it is always nice to get to a city and take advantage of the vast amount of services.
Qinggela went way ahead of me today so after lunch it took quite awhile to catch back up to him. I finally did outside of Brandon and was able to get a refreshing cold drink out of the cooler, the sun was direct and very hot as it rose in the east behind me.
When I got to a traffic light in Brandon it felt as though the back of my legs were on fire, that seemed strange. I took a look and I noticed that a heat rash had taken over the back of both legs, thus the burning sensation.
I immediately called Qinngela and told him to meet me at the Ford Dealership. When he arrived I located my sunscreen and coated the back of my legs.
Not long after Brandon I was in downtown Tampa. Since it was Saturday it was a bit quiet and quite a nice ride through the Business District. I passed by the University of Tampa and then stopped for a Starbucks break. You can generally count on finding a Starbucks when you are close to a College.
I was excited about what was to come after Starbucks, a ride across the Bay on the Bike Trail. As I have noted before, I love to ride along the water!
After soaking the environment of the Trail Ride across the Bay we reached Clearwater, not far from our stopping point for the day which would be at the Starbucks not too far from First Christian Church (Clearwater). There we would wait until we could connect with our host family.
We had arrived early afternoon so it was an hour or so before our host family was available. That gave us time to enjoy a Starbucks drink and snack and connect to their wifi.
Our host family finished up their Saturday business and met us at the Starbucks. I loaded up my bike and we followed them to the house. Upon arrival they suggested that we put the bikes in their garage for safe keeping.
We moved in, cleaned up and enjoyed dinner with them and some other friends from FCC. We talked about the plan for tomorrow which included me riding, in full cycling gear, from the host home to the church where they would welcome me and have me share. They really wanted to do this up right which is exciting.
We visited with the host family a bit after everyone left and then called it a night. This was a very encouraging visit!
After a great night's sleep we were ready to head back to Clearwater via a mostly different route. We arrived at the hotel from the north and today we departed the hotel and went south to Highway 60. Other than the short time on Highway 27 the rest of the day would be on Highway 60.
Outside of Bartow and Brandon the ride was in the countryside. I always enjoy seeing the horses and cows and goats...in the countryside. As nice as it is it is always nice to get to a city and take advantage of the vast amount of services.
Qinggela went way ahead of me today so after lunch it took quite awhile to catch back up to him. I finally did outside of Brandon and was able to get a refreshing cold drink out of the cooler, the sun was direct and very hot as it rose in the east behind me.
When I got to a traffic light in Brandon it felt as though the back of my legs were on fire, that seemed strange. I took a look and I noticed that a heat rash had taken over the back of both legs, thus the burning sensation.
I immediately called Qinngela and told him to meet me at the Ford Dealership. When he arrived I located my sunscreen and coated the back of my legs.
Not long after Brandon I was in downtown Tampa. Since it was Saturday it was a bit quiet and quite a nice ride through the Business District. I passed by the University of Tampa and then stopped for a Starbucks break. You can generally count on finding a Starbucks when you are close to a College.
I was excited about what was to come after Starbucks, a ride across the Bay on the Bike Trail. As I have noted before, I love to ride along the water!
After soaking the environment of the Trail Ride across the Bay we reached Clearwater, not far from our stopping point for the day which would be at the Starbucks not too far from First Christian Church (Clearwater). There we would wait until we could connect with our host family.
We had arrived early afternoon so it was an hour or so before our host family was available. That gave us time to enjoy a Starbucks drink and snack and connect to their wifi.
Our host family finished up their Saturday business and met us at the Starbucks. I loaded up my bike and we followed them to the house. Upon arrival they suggested that we put the bikes in their garage for safe keeping.
We moved in, cleaned up and enjoyed dinner with them and some other friends from FCC. We talked about the plan for tomorrow which included me riding, in full cycling gear, from the host home to the church where they would welcome me and have me share. They really wanted to do this up right which is exciting.
We visited with the host family a bit after everyone left and then called it a night. This was a very encouraging visit!
Friday, June 3, 2016
GTD 2016 - Day 8
Clearwater Beach, FL to Lake Wales, FL
After breakfast and saying goodbye to my sister and her family we set out for Clearwater Beach. As I mentioned yesterday, today was an add in ride. I needed an extra and extra miles. To get the miles needed for today it was best to start at Clearwater Beach. Plus, I look for any excuse to get to or near the beach. This excuse was legit.
The ride on the Bike Trail into Clearwater and then across the Bay to Tampa is one of my favorites! Other than the city section in Clearwater the ride is awesome. Once I got into Tampa I had to work my way to Columbus Drive, that would take me to the south side of I-4 and connect me with Broadway Ave. which would drop me off on 574.
Once on 574 it was small town riding. I went through Mango, Seffner and Dover before arriving in Plant City, the home of the Strawberry Festival. In Plant City I picked up 92 which took me to A.
Lakeland is such a big, spread out, busy city. I decided to get on 540 and ride the south side of Lakeland so that I could go through Winter Haven before passing by Cypress Gardens and arriving at the Holiday Inn Express in Lake Wales.
I have driven and ridden this route several times so nothing was new. The traffic from Winter Haven to Cypress Gardens to 27 is always crazy. Fortunately I did not have any traffic issues. Qinggela got to the hotel before me so he was ready to load up and lock up my bike when I arrived. He has been such a great help!
We got cleaned up and went to dinner at Chili's, it was great! At dinner we talked about tomorrow's ride back to Clearwater, we would take a different route into Tampa before connecting with the Bike Trail to Clearwater.
Looking forward to getting back to the water!
After breakfast and saying goodbye to my sister and her family we set out for Clearwater Beach. As I mentioned yesterday, today was an add in ride. I needed an extra and extra miles. To get the miles needed for today it was best to start at Clearwater Beach. Plus, I look for any excuse to get to or near the beach. This excuse was legit.
The ride on the Bike Trail into Clearwater and then across the Bay to Tampa is one of my favorites! Other than the city section in Clearwater the ride is awesome. Once I got into Tampa I had to work my way to Columbus Drive, that would take me to the south side of I-4 and connect me with Broadway Ave. which would drop me off on 574.
Once on 574 it was small town riding. I went through Mango, Seffner and Dover before arriving in Plant City, the home of the Strawberry Festival. In Plant City I picked up 92 which took me to A.
Lakeland is such a big, spread out, busy city. I decided to get on 540 and ride the south side of Lakeland so that I could go through Winter Haven before passing by Cypress Gardens and arriving at the Holiday Inn Express in Lake Wales.
I have driven and ridden this route several times so nothing was new. The traffic from Winter Haven to Cypress Gardens to 27 is always crazy. Fortunately I did not have any traffic issues. Qinggela got to the hotel before me so he was ready to load up and lock up my bike when I arrived. He has been such a great help!
We got cleaned up and went to dinner at Chili's, it was great! At dinner we talked about tomorrow's ride back to Clearwater, we would take a different route into Tampa before connecting with the Bike Trail to Clearwater.
Looking forward to getting back to the water!
Thursday, June 2, 2016
GTD 2016 - Day 7
South Venice, FL to Riverview, FL
Today was another day on Highway 41, for awhile. When we got to Sarasota it was time for a Starbucks break. As I chatted with another cyclist he asked if I planned to ride along the beaches, I hadn't made a plan to but I would love to.
He told me where to take a left off of 41 and that would take me all the way to Bradenton Beach. I was excited! Anytime I can ride along the ocean it is a good ride.
As I was heading toward Long Boat Key I got to see the famous statue of the Sailor Kissing His Girl. The ride through Long Boat Key is nice, many cyclists enjoy riding this stretch of road. When I got to Bradenton Beach I got a call from a Pastor friend. He and his wife wanted to drop something off at the Campus House. I got to share with him that I was on my Fundraising Bike Ride for UF CCH, they were glad for that and glad that Mama C would be able to meet them at the House to receive their donations.
After getting off the phone with him I tried to locate Qinggela, he was no where near where I was. I was hoping to meet up with him and get one of the ice cold drinks in the cooler. After several miscommunications re: my whereabouts I decided to have him meet me on Highway 41 in Bradenton. We finally found each other and I got my cold drink.
After Bradenton it was 41 all the way to Gibsonton. At Gibsonton we made the right turn to Riverview. It was a semi busy 2 lane road that led me to my sister's neighborhood. It was great to get there! We had a great time with my sister and her family then called it a night.
Tomorrow's ride is a ride I added in so that we wouldn't get to Clearwater a day early. The Christian Church in Clearwater wants to host us on Sunday and have me share a few minutes during church and then after church at a luncheon.
Today was another day on Highway 41, for awhile. When we got to Sarasota it was time for a Starbucks break. As I chatted with another cyclist he asked if I planned to ride along the beaches, I hadn't made a plan to but I would love to.
He told me where to take a left off of 41 and that would take me all the way to Bradenton Beach. I was excited! Anytime I can ride along the ocean it is a good ride.
As I was heading toward Long Boat Key I got to see the famous statue of the Sailor Kissing His Girl. The ride through Long Boat Key is nice, many cyclists enjoy riding this stretch of road. When I got to Bradenton Beach I got a call from a Pastor friend. He and his wife wanted to drop something off at the Campus House. I got to share with him that I was on my Fundraising Bike Ride for UF CCH, they were glad for that and glad that Mama C would be able to meet them at the House to receive their donations.
After getting off the phone with him I tried to locate Qinggela, he was no where near where I was. I was hoping to meet up with him and get one of the ice cold drinks in the cooler. After several miscommunications re: my whereabouts I decided to have him meet me on Highway 41 in Bradenton. We finally found each other and I got my cold drink.
After Bradenton it was 41 all the way to Gibsonton. At Gibsonton we made the right turn to Riverview. It was a semi busy 2 lane road that led me to my sister's neighborhood. It was great to get there! We had a great time with my sister and her family then called it a night.
Tomorrow's ride is a ride I added in so that we wouldn't get to Clearwater a day early. The Christian Church in Clearwater wants to host us on Sunday and have me share a few minutes during church and then after church at a luncheon.
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
GTD 2016 - Day 6
Naples, FL to Venice, FL
Hotels can be nice for several reasons. A good nights sleep, AC, laundry facilities and free breakfast!
After breakfast I prepped Qinggela re: the ride. Easy ride, straight up 41 to South Venice. Other than the traffic of Fort Myers the ride was fairly uneventful.
It was nice to ride by New Mission Systems Intl. and New Day Christian Church as we passed through Fort Myers. Fort Myers also provided opportunities for a Starbucks break.
Once I crossed the bridge from Punta Gorda to Port Charlotte I knew we were on the home stretch. Our friends at South Venice Christian Church had rented us a couple of rooms at a hotel so we wanted to get there at a good time so that we could clean up and then meet up with them for their Wednesday night meeting.
We found the hotel, cleaned up, grabbed some dinner then headed over to church. We had a great time visiting with Earl and the SVCC family. Earl always does a great job sharing the Word.
We are looking forward to tomorrow's ride to Riverview, FL, we will be staying with my sister Deb and her family.
Hotels can be nice for several reasons. A good nights sleep, AC, laundry facilities and free breakfast!
After breakfast I prepped Qinggela re: the ride. Easy ride, straight up 41 to South Venice. Other than the traffic of Fort Myers the ride was fairly uneventful.
It was nice to ride by New Mission Systems Intl. and New Day Christian Church as we passed through Fort Myers. Fort Myers also provided opportunities for a Starbucks break.
Once I crossed the bridge from Punta Gorda to Port Charlotte I knew we were on the home stretch. Our friends at South Venice Christian Church had rented us a couple of rooms at a hotel so we wanted to get there at a good time so that we could clean up and then meet up with them for their Wednesday night meeting.
We found the hotel, cleaned up, grabbed some dinner then headed over to church. We had a great time visiting with Earl and the SVCC family. Earl always does a great job sharing the Word.
We are looking forward to tomorrow's ride to Riverview, FL, we will be staying with my sister Deb and her family.
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