The only good thing about that cheap motel last night was that it was right on route and a short ride through some backroads of Tallahassee to the St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail. This newly paved trail is 16 miles long and begins in Tallahassee and heads south to the City of St. Marks. It was such a pleasure riding on this tree lined trail for 13 miles before heading east on Highway 98. I decided yesterday to make up my route using my AAA maps and not to follow the Adventure Cycling maps. Sometimes I just like to venture out and try something different. I have been both pleased and disappointed with my choices in the past. Today I was very pleased. The Adventure Cycling maps only had me on the rail trail for 6 miles before heading east on a small country road. I am sure it a good route but I wanted to maximize the rail trail. I was so happy I did this, as it made today's ride so enjoyable. I had to exit the rail trail just 3 miles from its southern terminus and take Highway 98 east. To my surprise, Highway 98 was a super road. It had very little traffic, a good sized shoulder, and the pavement was brand new. That was a blessing because I was worried about the unknown of this route, as it could have turned out to be horrible.
The only problem with my route change was that it didn't go through many towns for re-supply. So I was prepared from the start with enough food and water for the day. Tomorrow I will be following my own route again so I hope it works out like it did today.
I made it to the town of Perry, by early afternoon but I was done for the day. The main reason being, that the next real town is tomorrow's destination and over 75 miles east. As I pulled Into town, I met a husband and wife who just couldn't believe that I had bicycled from California. They just didn't think it was possible and had a hard time believing me. I wish I could have switched legs with them, then maybe they would believe it. Not to say they thought I was lying, but they had never heard of someone bicycling across the country. I assured them that many people do this, and that I have done it a few times. I think I lost them there. I told them about the reason, and my breast cancer story, and of course they had their own story of a family member with breast cancer. Why I am I not surprised. It's everywhere.
I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. I only have about 200 miles to reach my goal of bicycling across America from coast to coast. It don't think it will sink in until I take my last pedal stroke. It's very exciting to think back at all I have experienced during my time on the road and the people I met and place I've seen. Right now it all seems surreal.
Photos: The northern terminus of the Tallahassee - St. Marks Rail Trail - Working my upper body for a change doing pull-ups - Me riding the rail trail around Wakulla - St. Marks river - Econfina River State Park ( last 2 photos )
I like the change in scenary - much better on the east coast. Of course, I have an east coast bias...
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