(Sat) Cross City to Chiefland (25 miles)
(Sun) Perry to Tennille (25 miles)
(M) Quitman to Perry (54 miles)
COLD!! For those who know me, know that I think anything below 80 degrees is freezing. We awoke to a blustery cold front of mid 60s and gusty winds. So after donning several layers and a loaned windbreaker from Betty, I was ready to hit the road. On the way out of town, an elderly, black gentleman hailed us and enthusiastically shouted to us to “Have a great day!” And so we did. The beautiful rolling hills were just enough of a challenge so that we were thankful to get to the top and really enjoyed the thrillingly effortless ride down the other side.
Having already driven north from Perry to Quitman to deposit Betty and the RV, we knew that the only food stop anywhere near halfway was a DQ at the I-10 interchange. So a guiltless chocolate malt and chicken strips it was after 26 miles. While ordering, we met a 20-something young man who had the interesting job of building roller coasters. Just think of all the serious “testing” you’d have to do when you were done – wheeee! Then on for the other 28 miles into Perry. We had several dogs (including one very scary pit bull) come chasing along with us enjoying the fact that they had someone new to play with. But the most interesting challenge came from a big pig standing in the middle of the road. She was crossing the road “to get to the other side” so we tried to skirt in behind her and as we approached, she turned and high-tailed it back up her driveway to rejoin her other friends. Now that would make for an original epitaph – Killed by a run-a way sow while riding a bike down aGeorgiacountry lane.
Perry was a welcome sight after 54 miles. Amazingly, besides my complaining seat, I felt sensational! Finished, we popped the bikes on my car and headed back to Quitman. There we found Betty already finished with her long to-do list and happily typing away on her laptop. After a blessed hot shower, my signature Smirnoff Ice, Chuck a beer and Betty some wine, we headed for a pleasant Mexican dinner. Now as I ready for bed, my thoughts wonder: will I be able to put my aching seat back on the bike tomorrow?!
(T) Moultrie to Quitman (41 miles)
What a gorgeous day it is: 35 degrees and sunny! Before we left, I went over to the fire station to secure a safe parking spot for my car. Tom Fields, the Assistant Chief, gave me permission to park right in front of the fire station. He even moved his truck so I could have his spot. I almost sent my car on the bike ride and stayed to let all those handsome firefighters watch over me! But the road was calling.
After setting up the RV inTrenton, Betty dropped Chuck & I off just outside ofMoultriefor our 41 mile journey back to Quitman. As I gingerly sat atop my iron steed, I was very happy to note that “my seat” had survived yesterday’s ride just fine. With the chilly temps, this Florida girl started out with 4 layers but soon found that the extra effort on these ever increasing rolling hills made two just right. The serene scenery along with the hypnotic hills made for a very pleasant ride. The most challenging thing was that we didn’t pass nary a restaurant or even a convenience store to get a bite for lunch. So at about the 23 mile mark, there sat Chuck and I on the side of the road sharing his lone snickers bar. And may I say I savored all three bites!
Once we arrived at Quitman, we high-tailed it back as today is Betty’s birthday. A good time was had by all!!
(W) Sylvestor to Moultrie (21 miles)
Last night we stayed at an RV campground, even though it was quite a ways off our bike route, as Betty needed to prepare for tonight’s feast over at Clay & Marybeth Kelley’s home. So this morning, we had to shuttle both cars since we wouldn’t be biking back to the RV. 96 miles later, we found a perfect parking place smack dab in front of City Hall. After a few carious stares, we were off back towardsMoultrie. Since we were getting such a late start and had exciting dinner plans, we settled on a short 21 mile day. The ride showcased more cotton fields, picturesque towns, and my quads would say those darn rolling hills.
One of the two highlights of the day was watching a new Quarterhorse foal and its mother. They seemed to be just as curious about us. The other was watching a lady using one of those hand-extension grabbers to pick up all the cotton clumps that had blown on to the edge of her yard. Now you know that lady must have a perfectly clean house! Once we made it to the car, Chuck only allowed me to quick grab a bag of peanuts for lunch as we hightailed it on to Cordele for tonight’s festivities.
How great it was!! Clay and Marybeth share a contagious sense of humor and a lovely home. Marybeth gave us the “official tour guide’s” walk through of the house (Chuck had to be prodded to keep up). Then Clay showed Chuck and I his new wood-working shop out back. The things he creates in there are amazing. We all reconvened in one of the most festively, welcoming kitchens I’ve ever seen. We spent the rest of the night in this converted car port of a kitchen and enjoyed Betty’s sumptuous meal of pumpkin stew, cheese grits, broccoli salad, garlic bread, and much wine along with hours and hours of stories and laughter. I haven’t laughed that much in a long time. What a great night!
(R) Moultrie to Cordele (40 miles)
Up and ready to go. The weather is even cooler this morning but armed with three layers and a rain jacket for the potential afternoon rains, I’m good to go. I’m not sure if the hills have smoothed out or I’m finally getting used to traversing mini mountains, but today’s ride seemed almost effortless. I guess like any other long distance trip, like hiking or kayaking, it takes about one week to get into the groove. But sadly, instead of finally ramping up for an exhilaratingly long journey, today will be my farewell ride. For tomorrow I must head back toNaples.
But today’s ride was glorious. Clay had showed us an alternate back-roads way to get to his house. The traffic was much less so Chuck & I were able to bike side-by-side and chat most of the way. We had lunch at a local dinner, the Pecan Grove Restaurant, and ummm-ummmm-ummmed through the whole meal.
Since Clay was going to drop us off in Moultrie, today was the first time that we were peddling northward. Clay drove the exact route we would be traveling back so he could show us the intersections so we wouldn’t get lost. So of course we did. While Chuck was in the lead while on the busiest road we were to travel, we whizzed right by our turn. After a time, we started questioning and soon we came to a turn off that was about 5 miles past our exit. So out the map came and we settled on an alternate route back. So at the end of the day, our 33 mile route turned into 41 miles. Oh well, with the beautiful rolling hills of Georgia and this being my last day, I didn’t mind the extra miles at all. After all, now I get to tease Chuck forever about this one!
Then, about 4pm, we were interviewed and photographed by the editor of the local paper, the Cordele Dispatch. Once done, we started with rum runners and appetizers in the RV. Then about 6pm, Clay’s feast of wild hog was ready for us hungry campers. I’ve never had wild hog before but boy was it good! Then we waddled into the living room and watched the movie “O Brother Where Art Thou?” with George Clooney. Marybeth, having seen it many times, provided comedic commentary throughout. I didn’t know this movie was based on Homer’s Odyssey. Now, that’s what I call literary license!!
Well, off to bed and the close of my last day on the bike trail. I thank Chuck & Betty for allowing me to join them on their adventure and wish them God speed and a safe journey…