We started riding on Wednesday once again around 8am. It was 61 degrees with 3-8 mph winds out of the south. Fred, Keith, Nancy, Glen, Alan and I began the day together. We finished riding around 11:20 with a temperature of 80 degrees and the same wind conditions as in the morning. The week turned out to be kind as far as wind was concerned because the prior week there had been winds over 20mph for several days in a row. Near the end of the ride, we passed a farm had a small herd of dromedaries. Many of them were laying in the sand and those that were moving about were out of my camera range/angle. The farm also had a herd of Brahman cattle, however, as our bikes approached, they bolted quickly out of our view. We bicycled 37 miles. Ray did less miles and headed out of camp early for commitments at home. In mid afternoon, corn on the cob and liquid hydration was provided at the pavilion.
With Wednesday being the last dinner provided, the sponsors went all out for a BBQ meal that included: baked beans, macaroni and cheese (mostly cheese), corn on the cob, vegan rice, beef ribs, pulled pork and corn bread. The dessert this day was homemade peach cobbler and ice cream with a whole array of toppings.
Thursday was the last day, and we needed to be completely out of the fairgrounds by 2pm, so we started a little earlier around 7:30am. The temperature was 58 degrees with mild southerly winds of 2-5mph. We finished riding about 10:30 am with a temperature of 75. The winds had changed direction and were now out of WNW, but still mild. Barb, Glen and Keith all departed camp in the morning and did not ride. So now our group was down to four riders. Fred, Nancy, Alan and I started riding in the morning together. Alan decided to get a few extra miles, so he did the mid-length ride of 38 miles, whereas Fred, Nancy and I did 33 miles. During Alan’s extra five miles he had a scary encounter when three dogs chased after him - two on one side of the bike and one on the other side. Luckily he was in a flat section and he was able to really sprint at about 21mph and '“outrun” the dogs. Once back at the fairgrounds we were served pizza and the packed up our camp.
For me, the week was a successful return to a multi day ride. I cycled between 33 and 42 miles per day during the course of the six day event. Prior to this ride, my longest ride was 23 miles at the MS ride this year. The hiking accident last July and two subsequent surgeries in September had kept me off my bike for over six months. Physical therapy helped me get onto my bike and start with very low mileage. Ten weeks of physical therapy after the initial six months meant it had been a very long recovery. So happy to be on the bike again.
Sporting our Hawaii jerseys that we picked up last year on our ride around the Big Island.
Start of Day 5 was a beautiful morning.
A dromedary farm along the route.
Today’s SAG stop for the 37 milers.
What the Florida Freewheelers biking club provided, called “hydration,” at the end of the day.
The club also provided fresh corn on the cob with all the fixings. Alan agreed to demonstrate.
Glen had mentioned he liked Amber Bock but hadn’t seen any in a while; when Alan went for a refreshment he found Glen’s favorite.
BBQ meal served for Thursday’s meal. Also included was peach cobbler and ice cream.
The morning of Day 6
Fred taking the lead on Thursday.
Alan arriving at the end of Day 6.
Pizza and soda was served at the end of the Day 6 ride.
