April 25: Crestview to Marianna, FL

When the cue sheet said 93.6 miles for the day, I decided it was time to ride another century. Two other days, we have had 90 mile rides, but I had evening commitments and couldn’t keep on riding. Today, I had all day, so I decided to forge ahead. And we were riding on US 90 with at least a 3 foot shoulder most of the way.

Needless to say, when riding 100 miles, you don’t plan to take lots of photos. My first and primary photos were at mile 32 when we had an optional scenic detour to Lake DeFuniak. Of course, I opted for the detour to add extra miles, but it was a perfect dawdle detour.

The town of DeFuniak Springs was established as a railroad stop.. The Springs refers to a freshwater, spring-fed lake located in the center of town. From 1885 to 1922, the town was chosen as the winter home for the New York Chautauqua, combining cultural, educational, and religious activities. Many of the old homes around the lake remain.

The Walton-DeFuniak Library built around 1886 is the oldest structure in Florida built as a library and still serving that purpose.

As I headed back to US 90 to continue on the route, I found this plaque commemorating Florida’s first monument to the Confederacy.

After riding 30 miles alone to catch up with the group, I met Donna, Jo and several others for lunch in Chipley at Gloria’s Cafe.

Then it was close to 30 miles to our end destination in Marianna. We passed this field full of the red flowers we have seen since before St. Francisville.

I had to wander around the Wal-Mart and Lowe’s parking lots to get the extra miles I needed to complete my century.

101 miles today; average 12.0 mph.