Dolly's Bike Blog

After 2 days of riding, the beach communities, condos, and stately mansions already seem to be blending together – or maybe it is just fatigue from the miles and the heat.  I rode off and on today with Nancy I., Nancy H., and Judi.

Within 2 miles of our hotel this morning, we crossed the first of many bridges; most times, we walk the grating on the drawbridges, just in case it is wet and slippery.  We were cycling on Jupiter Island, with the Atlantic on one side and the Hobe Sound to the west. Along this route were many oversized mansions with numerous lawn service trucks.

Then it was back on the “mainland” and 8 miles on the Dixie Hwy before heading across the St Lucie River and the Indian River to Hutchinson Island. The route on Hutchinson Island was over 20 miles of reduced traffic (and some rain) before crossing back over the Indian River, back on the Dixie Hwy and re-crossing the Indian River to North Hutchinson Island.  At the recommendation of friends Ray and Linda, Nancy I. and I stopped at the National Navy Seal Museum and learned about the history of the frogmen and the creation of the SEALs team, beginning in 1962.  A1A, which we have ridden most of the day, has now brought us to Vero Beach, and a comfortable Holiday Inn right on the beach.

64.96 miles today, 128.08 miles from Fort Lauderdale, 356.57  from Key West.

The weather forecast was not good and the clouds were a bit ominous, but, of course, that doesn’t stop a group of determined women cyclists.  Emily prepared breakfast in the hotel parking lot, we didn’t get wet eating, and at 8 am we gathered for send-off photos.

It is indeed a feat to get 34 women lined up for a group photo – thank heaven we weren’t trying to line up the bicycles also.

Can you find me??

Of course, you have to zero out your computer.

My vest is reflecting in the screen.

I joined a group that included Nancy I., Nancy H., and Judi from CCST13 as well as Lesley from Australia.  As the lead in the group, no stops for Dolly-gagging photos.  We followed A1A through Lauderdale by the Sea, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Highland Beach, Delray Beach, GulfStream, Manalapan, Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, then Juno Beach, into Jupiter.  We didn’t see Burt Reynolds, but did find Burt Reynolds Park, not far from our hotel.  Believe it or not, it never rained, despite the forecast; a few drizzles but nothing more.  When the sun came out, it got quite warm – and I was naughty and did not apply sunscreen so I am nursing quite a sunburn tonight, especially on my arms.

Later, when I was just riding with Nancy I., I did take a few photos.

My roommate tonight is Kathy Kirby from Chicago, IL.

63.13 miles today, 291.61 since Key West.

Don and I rode the tandem from Key Largo to Florida City on Saturday, to retrieve our car.  With help from the staff at the Travelodge in Florida City/Homestead, I was able to get started on my route into Miami, using the Adventure Cycling map.  After 30 miles or so, I had a flat on Old Cutler Road – Don was nearby and picked me up and we headed to our Fort Lauderdale hotel.

Sunday morning Don drove me back to Old Cutler Road, to the point where he had picked me up the afternoon before.  The scenery became more urban as I approached downtown, then more marine as I crossed over to close to the ocean.

After 57 miles on Sunday, I arrived at the start hotel, a total of 228.48 miles from Key West!

The Womantour riders are gathering, friends from CCST13, and new faces.  Today I rested, no bike time, tomorrow we meet and get acquainted, then pedal off early Wednesday morning.