Apr 15 - the best route

I've concluded that the most interesting route for my northern rides is the one that I've done the last 2-3 times out. Basically I stick as close to the water's edge as possible, avoiding US 1 as much as possible through Ormond Beach. I then continue north along the same road that turns into Old Dixie Highway through Tomoka park, turn east at 2002 to the ocean and then ride A1A south. I cross back to the mainland at the Ormond Beach causeway and then ride south on US1 all the way to the south causeway in New Smyrna Beach and then home.

This route provides variety to my rides and great views of the Intracoastal Waterway and the ocean. I could possibly work out variations on this route too, but that was my last ride in the area until we're back in June ... or at least that's the plan.

I did not do anything else yesterday of note. Sandy, on the other hand, took Abby to the beach again where she frolicked in the waves. Apparently a couple of waves caught her broadside, but she's used to it now. I remember when she wouldn't go into the cove at the cottage if there were ripples on the water ! Speaking of which, I really should call Bonnie and find out what's happening up there. I sent her an email a few days ago but have not heard back. Sometimes my emails don't get through, not sure why.

Today we plan to go for a boat ride, the last one for this time down here and perhaps the last time for this boat in salt water. We're talking about bringing the Boston Whaler down next time, which is suitable for quick trips to the sandbar and fishing in the lagoon, and seriously looking for a larger boat, rather than just talking about it.

Tomorrow ... after some packing, I'll be off to Gainesville for Saturday's ride.

Ok, I have to mention that my arms and legs are on fire. They're on fire from no-see-um bites that I got working out the back. I only went out once without long pants and long sleeves, but that one time was too many. On fire is probably the wrong description, but they are itching like crazy. I need to put some of the Hawaiian Tropic Aloe on them, which soothes the itch. By tomorrow they'll probably be ok.

Jim Wilson, the organizer of the Gainesville Brevet series, wrote in his email that we shouldn't spend a lot of time programming the 600k route in our GPS's due to the potential for rerouting around flooded areas. I sent him an email yesterday to ask about it and he responded that one road along the route is predicted to be under 4 feet of water, down from 5 feet a few days ago. Hmmmm ... I guess that I'll need very, very fat tires ! He said that there's another road that, if underwater, would require major rerouting. Oh well. I've never tried riding in 4 feet of water, nor do I want to in daylight or in the dark. I guess that we'll get the full scoop tomorrow night at check-in.

Speaking of routes, I used bikeroutetoaster to setup the route for the 200k Permanent that I intend to do while visiting Jeffrey next week. It starts in a town called Birdsboro just a few miles from Reading, where he, Sara and Emma live. Well, not only will there be a change in the weather to deal with -- temperatures predicted to be in the low 40's at start and just barely making it into the 50's, but the terrain will not be Florida-like. 7500 feet of climbing awaits me. The route skirts French Creek Park and circles Lancaster PA before heading back to Birdsboro. I don't know if I've ridden on these specific roads before, but I've certainly ridden in the area, most noteably on the MS150 PA Dutch ride a few years ago. Ah yes, that was a ride with good food. The MS150 city-to-shore rides had lots of food but mostly packaged. The PA Dutch route, on the other hand, had home-made pie, squares etc. at the rest stops. Of course there were many fewer riders.

I have to decide which bike I'll use for this ride. With the colder weather it might be more convenient to use the hummer, since it has the rack for any clothing that I don't need once it warms up a little. It would also be a good test of my climbing ability with the heavier bike. These hills would be similar to what I'll experience in the Shenandoah 1200. My plan is to change over the crankset to the compact version after this weekend's ride. I don't need a compact crankset for Gainesville, which is essentially flat.

I guess that's it ... time for breakfast.