You are currently browsing the daily archive for December 31st, 2007.
My 0600 alarm seems to be beeping in my ear only moments after setting it–I didn’t get much sleep last night. We are up quickly and removing the evidence of our intrusion into this parking lot, and we’re on the road only moments later. Starbucks, which we’ve managed to avoid thus far, is the only place open this early, so we stop in to use the bathroom and have coffees. Stephanie and I agree that the girl who prepares our drinks is really cute ;o)
A quick dip of our front tires in the Atlantic ocean, and then onward to GAINESVILLE! :oD
206 takes us off Anastasia Island and will eventually connect us to 207, but not before busting my front tube going over the bridge. A pea-sized shard of brown glass proves the culprit, and we’re on our way before long. Its early, and traffic is light–before we know it we’ve connected to 207 and we’re making our way into Hastings, a small potato town about 30 miles from St. Augustine. After a quick rest at a service station, we’re back on the road, and leaving town, we’re passing sign [PALATKA 10] as I note the time. Imagine our pleasant surprise when we roll into Palatka a mere 30 minutes later. We have a bit of tailwind today, and the terrain seems slightly downhill, but no doubt we are burning our path! Most of my ventures around Gainesville move at about 15MPH. For us to move at 20MPH (with full touring gear) feels fantastic!
We find a place for a late breakfast called Egans, and posing for pictures, use our fingers to add the missing “V” haha! After breakfast we find the junction for 20 (Hawthorne Road!) and we’re only 42 miles from home. And I’m moving! Stephanie is drafting me as I’ve found some amazing energy! I’m in no rush to get home (although my proximity is likely contributing to my burst of power) but I’m expending a lot of energy just because it feels so good. No mantras today. I am completely in my body in a very trance like state–feet spinning, fingers clicking, eyes scanning, body acting. And then we’re in Hawthorne and seeking the Hawthorne end of the Gainesville-Hawthorne Rail Trail. But we passed up our opportunity to call those friends!
At the trail head we meet Terry, a former racing cyclist. He’s decked out in head-to-toe spandex, and he’s riding a remarkable Specialized that has everything you could want in a road bike. Again we swap stories and enjoy some chocolate together before deciding that the three of us could keep each other company for the ride back. And Terry tells us the most fascinating stories from his youth–of hitchhiking and of squatting in cabin in the mountains of Colorado, making this last fifteen miles of our trek seem to take only 15 minutes. Stephanie and I created a space for company in this last leg of our journey and the universe provides! I’m certain we were supposed to meet Terry, and that he was supposed to meet us, even if just for 15 enjoyable miles of common ground. I’m very pleased to have met him and the interesting cast of characters that crossed paths with Stephanie and myself throughout this journey within.
Back in Gainesville, we make a beeline for Saigon Legend and stuff our faces with Potato Curry w/ Tofu. Its SO good.
This tour/trek/trip/adventure/venture/path/journey took place over twelve days, ten of which were on the road, during a time of year I would normally have spent with family, celebrating the Christmas Holiday (although I no longer identify with Christianity). this year I did something different. I missed my family–I would have enjoyed spending that time with them, but this particular path is the one I needed to walk (or roll) at this time.
The world is full of beautiful people, each of whom are individuals, none of whom are independent. Our paths are individual, but often intertwined. We need each other, and we want to see each other off knowing we have helped. Thought is creative and the universe will provide your creations. I really quite enjoy being on the road. If it weren’t for (…sigh!…) responsibilities and commitments…I’d leave again in a heartbeat.
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” – Anais Nin
About 77 miles today…
About 680 bicycled miles!!!
