February 14th -- windy windy

As predicted, we had a windy day -- 20 mph from the west and gusts higher than that. So ... I decided to try a new route. I rode across the causeway on SR44 and just kept on going west. That way I was heading into the wind to make for an easier return.

Well -- this was wind like I had never experienced. At one point it limited my forward speed to 9 mph. It was especially bad along about 4 miles of SR44 where they had routed all the traffic onto the east-bound lanes. That left a very narrow shoulder for me and big trucks going by create a lot of suction. That part was not fun (or safe).

After the construction and after the intersection with I4, the route goes through Deland. It's quite a pretty spot, with lakes, a college -- and lots of traffic lights so I crawled through town. About 5 miles after Deland and 1.5 miles short of my 35 mile turnaround point, the road crosses a river with a drawbridge and lots of boats moored. That river is the dividing line between Volusia County and Lake County -- and my turnaround point was exactly where the tornado went through a couple of weeks ago. I did not plan it that way.

Whew. The destruction is amazing. A tornado also hit just north of New Smyrna Beach airport, taking some roofs off houses and destroying others -- but that was nothing compared to what happened west of Deland. In describing it to Sandy I likened the NSB tornado to a marble going through vs a bowling ball going through Lake County. They have already done a lot of cleanup, but sections of steel roof were along the road along with, you guessed it, a lady who had parked her car there and was scavenging. I guess "recycling" would be a kinder term.

Here in NSB the house is back together, ready for company coming on the 16th.

It was a warm day, in the low 70's and pleasant other than the wind.

Nutrition: I had lunch before leaving, both a sandwich and a bowl of ramen noodles, so I was well gassed up. I had a cliff bar -- 1/2 at 25 miles, the second half at 35 miles, then a gell at 45 and 55 miles. I also drank 2 bottles of water and 1 large power ade. I was down another pound by the end of the ride so I'm probably not getting enough liquid.

ride stats: 70 miles @ 15.7 mph. The stop and go for the traffic lights really impacts the average speed.