Florida to Maine Bike Trip - Another Soggy Training Day

More riding in the rain.  Felt good, sort of, except it seemed like I was in a perpetual shower on wheels!  Met another little creature who allowed an up close and personal visit.  Aren't these suction-cup paws simply magical?!

Around mile 25 I was enticed into Oakland's Speer Park by the sound of soulful rhythm and blues.  The village was celebrating it's African American Arts Festival.   It was a privilege to meet welcoming  folks who weren't too uncomfortable chatting with this drenched visitor.  As it turns out, one very important fellow had traveled in similar business circles as mine years ago in Albuquerque, New Mexico!!!!  Had there not been miles to go, I'd have taken off the biking shoes and settled in for a nice long chat!

I only got in another  10 miles of riding when the bike's back tire tube blew out in Clermont.  It was still pouring and I didn't have it in me to change it.  Instead, I called my daughter for the rescue.  She obliged. Reminds me I'd better practice changing tires so Marty doesn't have to do it all, though I am getting snazzy new tires and hope this will prevent any and all blow outs.

Every couple of hours I dutifully consumed a new flavor (for me) of Hammer Gel.  Expresso.  Liked and  it kept my energy level solid.  Riding for 16-17 days shouldn't be a problem.

Bobbie and Marty, the driving force twosome behind this trek, had a wine and cheese event last night in Miami to spotlight awareness of the incurable cancer that took their friend, Roy Gross',  life.  

Read Roy's story here. 

The money we raise as a result of this trip will go to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.  Although progress has been made in treating multiple myeloma, the five-year relative survival rate remains one of the lowest of all cancers. The mission of the MMRF is to relentlessly pursue innovative means that accelerate the development of next-generation multiple myeloma treatments to extend the lives of patients and lead to a cure. 


I didn't know Roy, but I know him through Marty.  One weekend, while chatting long distance with Marty about the trip and whether I'd be able to do it or not, I learned lots about their friendship.  Treasures of life, friendships are, and it was especially endearing to hear of this one.  Grateful to be sharing a part of their friendship legacy.