New Smyrna

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We said goodbye to our hosts Richard and Linda this morning. Rich pointed us towards a bike path that ran parallel to our route but was far nicer to ride on than the US 1. We followed the trail out of Titusville. Unfortunately, today we broke our record for the highest number of flats. We had two within about a mile of riding (one for Mike, one for me), followed by a third a few miles later (Mike again). Luckily, we've had plenty of practice fixing flats so we got them patched up pretty quickly. Several people offered help as they passed us working on the bikes, including a guy in a truck who offered us a ride to the nearest bike shop. We didn't need the help but it was nice to have it offered. We swung by a bike shop to resupply then continued on our way.

It was windy right out the gate this morning. Unfortunately, Mike was feeling pretty exhausted today so we took it easy. A gas station provided a bevvy of snacks, including a giant banana muffin and a chocolate milk that gave me 1000 calories in about 5 minutes. Later, we had a good break at a dollar store in the afternoon and Mike had a quick nap in the shade of a large tree.

At about 4pm we arrived at our campground in New Smyrna Beach for the next two nights. Their motto is "we pamper the camper" so we're looking forward to whatever that involves. I'm personally hoping for breakfast delivered to the tent in the morning, and cocktails delivered in the afternoon. We'll see...

We cooked up our first dinner ("beginner dinner") of rice and bean burritos early in the evening and then set out to find a second dinner from a nearby mall. Mission accomplished, we returned home and hid in the tent to avoid the ever-present bugs. This is where you join us now. We've decided to take a rest day tomorrow. Tentative plans for that include visiting some local ruins from the 1800s, swimming in the pool, and perhaps going to the beach. Stay tuned!

With our gracious hosts

Rim strip resupply

Jungle thicket

Comments

  1. the Old GuyApril 30, 2018 at 8:03 PM

    Rach, you should have picked a younger husband. This one just can't seem to keep up with you. I always figured the Brits were tougher than the pampered Yanks and now there's proof.

    What caused all those flats? I thought your touring tires were supposed to be "bullet-proof". Time for "Mr. Tuffy" tire liners"? Shouldn't your rim strips have lasted the entire ride? Is it jungle thorns? Or Voodoo? Well, enjoy the cocktails and ask for mints on the pillows. It's the least they can do.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. mikeroddyMay 1, 2018 at 4:00 AM

      Rach had a tiny metal wire that gave her a slow flat. My rim strips weren't the right width and seemed to be sliding off to the side when the tube was inflated. That caused both flats. I replaced them with Zefal strips that have a sticky backing and should stay put.

      Delete
  2. Debbi StevensonApril 30, 2018 at 11:38 PM

    It's that Stevenson training - it doesn't matter whether you enjoyed it or whether it was fun - was it memorable? Enjoy your rest day,we hope that the campsite have done your laundry, cleaned your bikes and killed the bugs. xx

    ReplyDelete
  3. Debbi StevensonMay 1, 2018 at 12:01 AM

    Loving these blogs, keep it up. Pete

    ReplyDelete
  4. Grandma CorinneMay 1, 2018 at 2:33 PM

    Grandma Ruddy says hello and she is following your journey. Be careful.

    ReplyDelete

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