Dolly's Bike Blog

April 26: Marianna to Quincy, FL

My legs were quite pleased that the cue sheet indicated only 54 miles, after my century yesterday. Jo, Donna and I agreed to a leisurely pace for the day.

After taking this photo, I managed to miss a turn and ride an extra 1.4 miles too far north.

That is 2.8 miles to get back on course…. As I rode past these cattle, the 23rd Psalm popped into my head “He makes me to lie down in green pastures, he restores my soul…” An interesting meditation at that moment.

I was intrigued by the trees with hanging moss – and the young pines reminded me of the yuccas in the desert, with arms reaching in different directions.

When I caught up with Donna and Jo we found these two homes, less than a mile apart, quite interesting.

I am also curious about the red soil; this field was being prepared for planting. Can anyone tell me why the soil is so red, and if this is unique to this part of Florida?

Our big bridge for the day was the Victory Bridge over the Apalachicola River. We had been warned of the climb into Chattahoochee after the bridge. There is a dam just north of the bridge, creating Lake Seminole.

And at the river we entered Eastern time zone, though no sign gave us warning.

We had lunch in Chattahoochee, cheeseburgers at a seafood restaurant, then continued a bit sluggishly for the next 22 miles into Quincy. We rode toward the town center, asking a fireman where to get ice cream. He recommended Hardee’s or Winn Dixie as there was no local ice cream shop. The Hardee’s indicated hand dipped mile shakes with vanilla, chocolate or strawberry flavoring. We convinced them to give us just the hand dipped ice cream, and enjoyed every bite.

We did see the Gadsden County Courthouse in the town square.

61 miles today; average 10.7 mph.

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.

April 24: Pensacola to Crestview, FL

It was not too difficult to bike out of Pensacola this morning – most of the traffic was headed into town. And we enjoyed the tree-lined residential streets.

At mile 9.5, we turned onto US 90, the Scenic Highway, and continued until mile 27.5. It had a nice shoulder, so we were not bothered by the traffic. We did stop at mile 10, when our route intercepted I-10, to photograph the bridge over Escambia Bay.

US 90 also crossed the Escambia River, but a much shorter, less dramatic bridge.

Also along US 90, we passed this mansion and related buildings and were told it was a private residence.

Carol rode to the first sag, and seemed to enjoy stretching her legs.

After a pleasant stop at Truly Spokin’, the bike shop in Milton, we turned onto the Blackwater Heritage State Trail. It has been many miles since we rode a dedicated bike trail. There was little other traffic, cyclists or walkers.

When we turned off the trail, we were in a more remote area, with few houses. Two of our riders each ended up alone in these 20 miles and said they felt a bit vulnerable.

Donna, Jo and I were more than ready for lunch at mile 52, but the recommended Uncle Billy’s was closed. Luckily a family pizza restaurant had opened in Holt, and we were able to enjoy lunch, and get revitalized.

Our full stomachs made the hills in the final 17 miles a bit more difficult, but we managed. The great excitement was finding a Starbuck’s quite close to the hotel here in Crestview. It started to sprinkle just as we arrived at the hotel; some rain at dinner time, but two rainbows just as we started map meeting.

Our last 90+ mile day is tomorrow, so it is off to bed.

69 miles today; average 11.7 mph.