RROAR

Saturday, December 10, 2016
Marathon to Key Largo - 29 miles (for Ev)

So, today was our last day in The Keys and bicycle we must if we are to return to our starting point.

It was another spectacular day as evidenced by the sunrise and another windy day as evidenced by the flags. Although the sunshine made it 'look' inviting, the wind made it not so. We huddled together watching the flags continue pointing straight from north to south as we loaded our luggage on the luggage transport truck. And, we thought ... how do we get through this last day without being blown all the way back to Key West?! Not only were we fearful of the wind, but the wind actually felt cold. We continued to huddle until we could huddle no more and most** of us decided (without plugging any product) to just do it. Not to fear -- jackets were removed within 3 miles and we were on our way.

• *The 'most' part didn't include Dennis and Eleanor (the smart ones!) who opted for a cab back to Key Largo.

Sunrise by Double Tree IMG_3290

flags at Double Tree IMG_3287

map overseas highway overview IMG_3298

The ride was fairly benign and without incident .

2.25 mile bridge IMG_3296

2.25 mile bridge 2 IMG_3295

rest break after 2.25 mile bridge IMG_3307

rest break 2 IMG_3297

Rick Wells IMG_3292

Bob Burkhardt IMG_3293

Jenny Simons IMG_3294

Sue Chris Cheryl LaDean IMG_3291

Beautiful gate IMG_3309

Amazing tree IMG_3312

Once again, this is a test to see if you were paying attention.... The beginning of today's blog indicated "29 miiles for Ev". What??!!! Did I just stop in the middle of a bridge, and am I still in The Keys? No to both.

You might remember that our first day of cycling from Key Largo to Marathon totaled 49 miles. If my math is correct, then Marathon to Key Largo should again be 49 miles, right? Technically, yes. But, luckily for me and two of my riding companions, we were able to cut our ride short. I had a forward scout by the name of Dan Roob!

It just so happens that Dan and I don't ride at the same speed and, therefore, seldom ride together on group rides such as this one. He tears up the asphalt and gets in way ahead of the time I do. So I always send him ahead to check in for us! In this case, since it was the end of the ride and he got back to the motel where the car was, I was able to call on him to rescue us. After waiting at that nice bicycle shop, Back Country Outfitters, which was strategically placed 20 miles from the end (or from the beginning depending on your riding direction), Christine, LaDean and I had a respite while we decided whether to continue on cycling. Long story, short, we didn't continue cycling; we called for our own personal Uber. We were very happy campers on the remaining 20-mile drive back to our starting point in Key Largo. Once again, kudos go out to Cheryl and Sue for riding the whole route.

We all regrouped at the Hampton Inn and said our goodbyes as we each went our separate ways, some staying for awhile in the sunshine before heading for home.

Hampton Inn Key Largo - Christine Greg Dan Gary IMG_3315

Chris Greg Dan IMG_3314

Cheryl LaDean IMG_3313

Dan and I drove back to Jupiter for the next chapter in our snowbirding journey but only after finding a Mexican restaurant ....

Rosita's Restaurant Florida City IMG_3317

?????????????????????????????????????

at Rosita's do not flush toilet paper IMG_3316

Oh yeh, and what about the caption of this blog? "This Guy Needs a Beer" ...

Adios amigos. Hasta luego.

.... cold wind -- not exactly, but blowing from the north it is. And, of course, what general direction are we traveling? North and east. Oh, well, it is what it is.

Friday, December 9, 2017
Key West to Marathon Holiday Inn Express - 41 miles

If you happen to be paying attention to the mileage numbers from the Marathon to Key West ride just a few days ago, (which I'm certain you are not), you may have noticed that today's return trip is 10+ miles shorter! What?!?? How did that happen?

Well, you might also remember from a few days back my blog had this statement, "Of course, we did pay for SAG service and ... Ken King did graciously offer a ride.... hmmm?...."

My thought process today went something like this:
"OK, so I don't have anything to prove anymore to anyone, least of all to myself."
"I did it once already; I rode my bike over the 7-mile bridge while it was under construction, no less, AND into the wind."
"PLUS "the" bridge was going to be at the end, not the beginning, of another long, windy ride -- NOT for me."

Yes, I wimped out. BUT, I was not alone!

I probably could have ridden my bike back over the bridge if I really needed to do so, but I have friends in convenient places. One phone call and it was arranged. Ken King has a pick-up truck that can haul FOUR bikes! and he is willing to haul four of us across the 7-mile bridge. Needless to say, that news was met with cheers by some of my traveling companions.

Pictures of us traveling/resting along the way:

Eleanor Bob Sue IMG_3265

Christine taking pic IMG_3264

Christine Rick Dennis IMG_3266

Christine & Rick at side road rest IMG_3267

Those weary companions included Christine, Sue, LaDean, Eleanor, Bob, Rick and Dennis. With me that makes eight of us. Cheryl had already received some earlier assistance and was not with us at this point --more about Cheryl in a minute. So, eight people and only room on the "transport" for four. But, I ride with some pretty incredibly stalwart Silver Wheelers -- the 'boys' decided to continue on and bicycle over the bridge. Thanks for sacrificing yourselves, guys.

Now, if you're counting, we are down to 5 gals and 4 slots. Again, as I said, I ride with wonderful people who are innovative and who are not going to let a small obstacle stand in their way. Since I felt that I had been riding strongly, I did give brief consideration to giving up my slot in Ken's pick-up, forging ahead with the guys, and allowing my 4 gal pals to be transported over the bridge without me. That brief consideration was short-lived, however, when all of a sudden Eleanor was placing her bike in ANOTHER pick-up truck at the Chevron station where we stopped outside the gate of the mobile home park where Ken and Sandy make their winter home. Her winning smile had secured a ride for her with two other cyclists and a new friend driving a pick-up truck. Problem solved. I didn't NEED to cycle back over the bridge by myself (because by now the guys were already on their way) and all of us gals were taken care of. YAY!!!

OK, so how do we do this???

Ken's rescue truck IMG_3273

Kensurveying rack IMG_3269

Ken Sue Christine LaDean surveying IMG_3268

my bike in foreground IMG_3275

LaDean Sue Chris putting bikes on truck IMG_3272

Ken LaDean Sue IMG_3271

Ken LaDean Sue2 IMG_3270

Capturing the boys on THE bridge:

7-mile bridge driving on IMG_3284

Bob Burkhardt on 7-mile bridge IMG_3279

Rick Wells on 7-mile bridge IMG_3278

A BIG SHOUT OUT THANK YOU to Ken King (and the kind stranger) for our rescue!!! Ken dropped four of us at the Winn-Dixie and we then rode our bikes to the motel. Was in contact with Eleanor and she, too, was dropped off and cycling in.

We ALL arrived safely and, for those being driven over THE bridge, that meant 10 less grueling, hot, windy miles of cycling today. For those hammering on and cycling the full distance: KUDOS.

That brings me to a statement I made, "more about Cheryl in a minute", a few paragraphs ago. Cheryl had a 'minimal respite' rescue prior to THE bridge crossing, and we lost track of her; but CHERYL ended up CROSSING THE BRIDGE ON HER OWN ! ! ! What a woman!!--applause, applause. I am in awe of her steadfastness and stamina.

Tonight is our last group gathering dinner at the Island Fish House Restaurant, then it's time to get some shut-eye and see what's in store for our last day of cycling for this trip.

Miss me????

Yes, I've been on a self-imposed (and internet-laptop-technical-imposed) hiatus since my last rambling words; but I'm baaaack ! ! ! ... at least for a while. I couldn't forget to tell you about our two days in Key West. So here goes.

Wednesday, December 7, 2016
High of 84; low 75

Picture tour:

Saw this guy on a bicycle while enjoying the shuttle ride from the Hotel, after which we took an Old Time Trolley Tour of Key West.
We'll see more about him tomorrow.

palm-carrying cyclist IMG_3498

Reminded me of old-time theaters:

EVERYTHING is Key Lime in Key West -- not my first taste of key lime, and certainly not my last!
At Willie T's with Greg & Christine.

key lime mojito at Willie T's IMG_3506

One of the highlights - Hemingway's house and the ubiquitous 6-toed cats

Hemingway house entrance IMG_3507

Hemingway pool IMG_3514

Hemingway study IMG_3515

Hemingway bedroom IMG_3508

fountain at Hemingway house IMG_3423

Dan & tour guide Hemingway study IMG_3513

6-toed cat IMG_3519

6-toed cat paws IMG_3519

cat graveyard at Hemingway house IMG_3520

Can't be a tourist without pictures of the Southernmost point of the U.S.

Southernmost point & statue IMG_3427

Ev Southernmost point IMG_3243

the conch republic IMG_3425

Our dinner stop.

Dan's dinner at El Meson de Pepe IMG_3433

my dinner at El Meson de Pepe IMG_3434

dominoes mural El Meson de Pepe IMG_3327

And now for the entertainment. Several "street performers"
"Reidiculous" contorted his body and passed it all the way through an unstrung tennis racket from head to toe:

Reidiculous tennis racket IMG_3435

Reidiculous balancing IMG_3439

Reidiculous balance juggling IMG_3443

handstand IMG_3444

hoop IMG_3446

jumped thru hoop IMG_3448

Navy band at Mallory SquareI MG_3399

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh the sunset in all its glory. SPECTACULAR end to a very busy, beautiful day!

Thursday, December 8, 2016
Milder weather today -- comfortable. That's what I had written in one part of my notebook. Interesting that in another part of that same notebook for this day I had written, "temps for Thurs 12/8 in Key West: 75-80; sunny in a.m. then clouding; humidity 91%, dew point 73". Doesn't sound too "comfortable". Sounds downright tropical! But that's OK, that's what we're here for.

ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE

Keys map IMG_3401

Key West map IMG_3402

At the DoubleTree Resort

Four miles to the east of Key West is the Naval Air Station and military airport where we rode our bicycles past on Boca Chica Key. We were treated to them flying overhead while at the DoubleTree.

THE Group:

Christine, Greg, Dan and me ready to take on the town again

Back in downtown Key West again:

Sloppy Joe's IMG_3408

Sloppy Joe's inside IMG_3409

Stopped in for a Cuba Libre -- no Hemingway ghost though!

Capt. Tony's IMG_3410

Dan Chris Greg inside Captain Tony's IMG_3412

barrel & bills inside Captain Tony's IMG_3414

bras inside Captain Tony's IMG_3415

smallest bar IMG_3417

Remember our palm-frond carrying cyclist from yesterday? Saw him on the street today and stopped for a chat. He's quite an accomplished basketweaver!

Back to Mallory Square for some more evening entertainment.

Royal Caribbean Enchantment of the Seas IMG_3421

66-year-old sword swallower. An interesting job in retirement!

70-year-old juggler/tight-rope walker

Met up with The Group at Two Friends Restaurant and had a Key Lime (what else?!) Pina Colada

Key Lime Pie to share for our last night in Key West

Unfortunately, what I didn't get a picture of was the Key Lime Pie covered in dark chocolate on a stick from the Key Lime Pie Factory -- that went down too fast

Good night! Time for getting back on the bike again tomorrow to reverse our trek.
Hmmmmm, wonder what direction the wind will be coming from?!!!

Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Marathon to Key West: 52.3 miles.

Hola!
Today's the day that will ultimately cure me or kill me! Of course I'm talking about the behemoth 7-mile bridge.

I had been fearing riding my bike across this section of the route ever since we signed up for the ride. So I had lots of time to think and fret about what I would do once the dreaded bridge approached. Normally just 'driving' over something like this would get my legs feeling like jelly; now I was going to ride over it! on my bicycle! Of course, we did pay for SAG service and ... Ken King did graciously offer a ride.... hmmm?....

Fortunately yesterday I had a good warm up with crossing about a dozen or more bridges -- all without problem or incident, surprisingly enough. I realize now that my gephyrophobia has as much to do with acrophobia, fear of heights, as it does with the fear of crossing over bridges. It is mostly the visual that unnerves me, and that is definitely the height thing. These bridges aren't that high off the water, and the barriers separating me from a certain death in going over the edge are certainly tall enough.

I got this! Or so I thought.

You'll have to trust me on this since I definitely did NOT stop to take any pictures (they prohibit you from stopping on the bridge), but I did forge ahead of my riding group when I saw that there was an incline to be overcome -- and on a bridge, no less! and one that was 7 miles in length!!! Now, here's where the wrench gets thrown into the works. Not only were we fighting a headwind all the way (remember, this is on a bridge ... over the water), but just to up the ante, bridge construction was going on!!!! I saw the bright orange sign up ahead blocking our side of the roadway and, all of a sudden, two cyclists who had just passed me, were crossing over the two-lane road to the opposite side. Here I am, all by myself. I check traffic behind me and it's clear so I, too, cross to the opposite side. Was that the right choice?!? It certainly was a very scary choice in so many ways. Now, I'm riding on the wrong side of the road with traffic coming at me instead of behind me. What was I thinking?! Too late now; it's where I am. All I had to do was keep pedaling and looking straight ahead to a point about 10 feet in front of me on the ground; watching traffic coming at you is very unnerving. That was all well and good until a barrier shows up on the same side on which I'm riding, too!! And, I'm all alone. Now what?!?! Well, it's pretty much all a blur as I realize I was being directed BACK across to the correct side of the road by construction workers as they stopped all traffic in both directions!!! Wish I knew how far I had ridden on the wrong side. All I know is that there is no more construction and I'm almost over the bridge. BIG YAY!!! It took quite a while to calm and cool down at the turn off as my riding companions finally all joined me. We did it. Now only 37 more miles to Key West.

But first a quick respite. Sandy and Ken were waiting for me just beyond the bridge. Remember, Ken told me he could drive me over if need be. I kept that offer in reserve since we still had to get back the same way we came!

Our food stop today was at Big Pine Key Park about 22 miles into the route. This area is home to the endangered Florida Key Deer and as we entered into the area -- not that the headwinds, heat and bridges weren't enough obstacles -- we were warned about the recent screwworm infestation!! Here are a couple of quotes that will make you feel good: "Though the fly larvae can lay waste to any warm-blooded animal, including humans, the parasites are particularly damaging to cattle and other livestock." "The New World screwworm fly, which infests open wounds and feasts on living tissue, was last seen in the US during the 1970s..." We were warned to keep any open wounds covered. Just a wee bit scary, But, alas, I didn't even see any Key Deer and, thankfully, none of their parasites! Gotta keep movin'.

Finally the last oasis of the day appeared -- Baby's Coffee -- a most welcome site. Air conditioning and coffee if you wanted it, but they also had many other welcome food goodies for purchase. At this point we only had about 12 more miles of riding for the day and mostly on a trail.

It was at this point that Rick Wells, Gary Schmitt and I decided to continue riding while a few others had finally had enough of the heat and hitched a ride with the SAG. The trail part of the ride wasn't too bad. Of course there were many more bridges to cross, but it was the last 3 or so miles, from the Boca Chica bridge, that just about did us in once we got into the trafficked area before the Double Tree.

Panoramic view by Boca Chica:

Rick and Gary taking a break:

At long last the Double Tree Resort and our home for the next three nights.

We had another wonderful poolside group dinner:

The next two full days are on our own to relax and explore Key West.

Monday, December 5, 2016

Buenos dias!
Ready or not ..... here we go!

leaving Hampton Inn 1st morning IMG_3536

The first day of cycling is from Key Largo to the Holiday Inn Express in Marathon, a total of 49 miles.

Photo Ops:

For each day of the ride we were provided with mileage cue sheets by the PAW organizers. Included on the cue sheets was a description of sites and attractions along the way. Two-and-a-half miles into today's ride we passed by THE African Queen, the actual 100-year-old steamboat from the 1951 Humphrey Bogart-Katherine Hepburn film which is moored next to the Holiday Inn Oceanside. I had actually seen the African Queen a few years ago when Colin drove us there, so I chose not to take the route diversion. This wasn't the only attraction along the route that I chose to forego. My main concern was just getting from point A (the beginning) to point B (the end) and crossing over the numerous bridges in between. All that into daily headwinds and close to 90-degree high temperatures. So, before the half-way point food stop today I passed by the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center (higway MM 93.6, 8.4 miles into the ride); Rain Barrel Artisan's Village (MM 86.7)--however, I did stop long enough for the above "lobster" photo op; Windley Key State Fossil Reef Geological Site (MM 85.3); Theater of the Sea (MM 84.2); Whale Harbor Bridge (MM 84).

We did stop for a respite at the Backcountry Cowboy Outfitters Bicycle Shop (MM 82.5) which was right around the corner from the food stop at the Monroe County Public Library and Park (MM 81.5, 20.5 miles into the ride).

A few stops along the way:

Finally at our destination for the night, the Holiday Inn Express in Marathon, we had a wonderful poolside dinner and celebrated Cheryl Burkhardt's birthday!

After dinner we met up with friends, Ken and Sandy King, who are 'livin' the life' in the Keys -- just on the other side of the 7-mile Bridge -- more about that later!

Day 1 in the books!
Hasta mañana