Stage 5 Report: Whistlin' Dixie

Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Start: Gadsden, AL
Finish: Russellville, AL
Bike Mileage: 100.1 mi
Cumulative Bike Mileage: 494.5 miles

We got off to a late start this morning from Hampton Inn in Gadsden, AL. Departed at about 10:30an after a hearty breakfast at the hotel. All three bikes on the trip needed a thorough cleaning after yesterday's rain; muck and debris coating the essential components, chains and gears. Patrick needed to take Mike's carbon LiteSpeed bike (brand name) to Chattanooga, TN where the rear derailleur hanger piece was replaced and his rear wheel trued (aligned) to a straight rotation. While Patrick was off in the van with Mike's bike, Mike and I continued onward. He rode Vik's bike this morning until Patrick met up with us in Cullman, AL at about 56mi into today's stage.

Unfortunately, there is no great direct route westward across northern Alabama that would be considered bicycle-friendly, as we quickly discovered.

We exited Gadsden onto Rt 278W/Thompson Bridge Rd, with a major grinding low-gear 2-3mi climb upward through a mountain pass. At the apex was a simple gas service station. It was already pretty toasty outside. The young woman at the counter, after introductions, was quite amazed at our journey's plans and offered free nourishing potato fries that were absolutely delicious and much needed for fuel and salt replacement for yet another sweaty day ahead. I was developing the disciplined habit now of reapplying a mix of Chamois cream and Vaseline to my derrière to heal and maintain comfort, critical for the long haul on my aero bike seat.

A note about filling water bottles at service stations: a nice attendant back in Sparta, GA taught us that if the soda dispenser didn't have a water button then instead of needing to buy bottled water all the time to simply fill your reusable insulated water bottles one could simply put ice cubes from the soft drink dispenser into the bottles and then press the hot water button on the coffee dispenser. Voila! You have ice and water as you wish at no charge! Works great every time!

The next 40mi were a series of PUDS (persistent ups and downs) rollers. It is fascinating to see these rollers unfold from a distance along a straight road. Being able to pace your energy and then time the next climb's peddle-power needed to maintain a steady pace to the apex. Repeat, repeat... About five different locals warned us to be careful on this Rt278W stretch. They were right. Limited shoulder was available (maybe 4-6in) adjacent to a rumble strip to alert drowsy swerving drivers. This road was well traveled by countless tractor trailers (unfortunately, through these parts, it appeared they couldn't give a damn about sharing any road space for us cyclists). It made for a harrowing next 3-4 hours of travel.

One AL local woman screamed at me from her car, "Find another damn road!" We outraced a number of pit bulls or other mixed country mutts darting from homes and pastures into the road unleashed with fury. Oh, Alabama, we're just passin' thru! Can honestly tell y'all that Mike and I are looking forward to crossing into Mississippi by tomorrow. Be nice to us GA bulldogs, please!

Note to experienced (and perhaps a little nuttily brave) cyclists: if you have a slight downhill ahead and a tractor trailer is coming up behind you, as it passes you and you jam peddle as fast as you can, then you will find yourself just behind the trailer's bed, in its vacuumed air wake, which then propels you forward effortlessly, a welcome surge of acceleration. It is quite the thrill! Lasts about five seconds until the trailer reaches escape velocity.

We continued dodging tractor trailers through small towns - Walnut Grove, Snead, Holly Pond, and then a stop in Cullman at mi56 for lunch. We went for a little Italian spot once again (carb cravings setting in?) at Carlton's on 3rd Ave; very tasty baked spaghetti and meat balls as well as four Pepsi refills got me energized and re-hydrated on another steamy day with limited cloud cover. Patrick returned from Chattanooga, TN and dropped off Mike's fixed bike. After riding Vik's for the morning as well as the previous afternoon and evening he was sore from the whole experience. At least I was hoping some of the #@&$€# chatter would quiet down a bit now

We exited Cullman via Rt31N and then onto 157NW towards Moulton. Evening gradually approached and, with it, the heat burned off as we hit a fast paced groove for the next 30mi into Moulton, sun setting in our faces as I imagined witnessing the last sunset from the Golden Gate in San Francisco only a few weeks away. This one was comforting, teasing, challenging me to race it down the road to Moulton. Who would win? We will, of course, and so Mike and I pushed at racing speed as I jammed listening to music from my rigged speaker system attached to my bike aerobars. Once again in the coolness of the evening breeze I entered an intensely focused mind-zone - no leg pain, no fatigue, just pure happiness and vitality and joy from shouting out "Good Evening" to the cows and seeing them veer and raise their heads and then wag their tails. Works every time. All you need is to just be friendly with our milk-makers and they give you a little love in return.

There was one long climb along this Rt157 which then lead to a screaming straight descent. I'm not one who tends to mind a nice wind in my face and a little adrenaline rush. My tires and breaks seemed to be fine. No rain today. No cars coming behind me. Solid road pavement. Hmmm... let's do this! The descent reached 42.7mph on my bike by the time the road began to level off. Celebrated surviving with a very satisfying little Snickers bar that I kept in my back jersey pocket (shout out and thank you to Julia Couch, close family friend of my daughters and fellow Appalachian Trail hiker, for stocking me with Snickers for the energy to climb any mountain, any obstacle, any weather, any hardship! Isn't that right Julia?!)

Arrived at the outskirts of Moulton by mile 92, turned L on Morgan St, then L on Church St through old town area of Moulton, which continued west as Rt460/Old Hwy 24. Quiet country road. Dusk ahead. Fireflies out. Flat resting farm fields to each side. Yet more dog chasers. With no more light to ride in we decided to finish with another century ride in the books. Stopped at 100.1mi for the day at 8:30pm. Another long adventurous day. Patrick tracked us down along the country road, we boarded the van, and headed a few min drive into Russellville, AL.

Most restaurants close at 9:00pm. We were hungry. The guys said there was a great local place that should be quick with real tasty cuisine I might enjoy and it happened to be right across the street from the Best Western Hotel we'd be staying that night. Well, food was tasty (albeit I was hungrier than an Alabama country pit bull!). I enjoyed the "Power Mediterranean" Chicken Salad followed by a Grilled Chicken Sandwich. Added the "Natural" Lemonade to re-hydrate.  Food in belly. Yes indeed! We waited for awhile and I was expecting the waitress to come around, of course, for niceties and plate clearing. Never happened. The boys told me they don't do those things at...
Wendy's.

Note to reader: I'v never stepped foot inside a Wendy's in my life. I've only ever used the bathrooms at McDonald's or Burger King and the like near highway off-ramps over these past many years. Not a fast food guy. But tonight, got to say thank you to Wendy and her staff. Piece of advice to Wendy - you might want to open more than one local shop than just here in Russellville, AL?!

Another note: Best Western's and Hampton Inn's generally are the nicer of the roadside chains. Cost a few $ more but I think the cleanliness, nicer rooms/bathrooms, and their tastier breakfasts are worth it.

On to Oxford, Mississippi tomorrow. Weather report looks promising.

Stage 5 Bikeoo

"Find another damn road!"

Alabama woman told

Love(do not hate), cyclist glowed

Stage 5 Indexes

Weather: (8)
Hot, somewhat humid, no rain

Terrain: (2)
Mostly along high-speed roads today dodging tractor trailers and debris on side of the road and rumble strips which can punish your bike tires and make you lose your balance. Like riding on top of a jackhammer. The polar opposite of yesterday smooth sailing on the Silver Comet Trail.

Scenic: (3)
Seen nicer countryside but still alright. But we did get to enjoy some friendly cows.

Wildlife and Roadkill:
W-pitbulls and other mutt mixes

R-muskrat, variety of different colorful snakes, lots of opossum and armadillo (poor guys!), rabbits, squirrels, skunk, red-tailed hawk (see photo), and innumerable furred unidentifiable small animals in varied states of decomposition that would require a forensic Veterinarian to ID. sad. Just too many tractor trailers in these parts. These guys didn't stand a chance.

Endurance: (10)
Was able to maintain a Zen Zone the last 30-40mi!

Bike Report:

M-has his bike back in working order.
D-lost a bolt that secured my left peddle to the shaft. My peddle fell off twice while riding. It has two other bolts holding it in place so was still rideable with tight alignment of the bolts and enough pressure applied to keep them from wiggling free. It's a simple fix but may need it looked at in Oxford, MS tomorrow at a bike shop. Hope it holds up for tomorrow's ride.

Injury Report:
M-road abrasions are scabbed and healing well; sore ass and hips from using Vik's bike
D-nice violaceous contusion to my L buttock (from my fall during Stage 3), slightly tender; chaffing is minimal now (thank goodness!!!), some L scapula area muscle tightness

Still Having Fun: (10)
Pit bulls and all. Road goes on...

Photos

Didn't take many photos today. Always something scenic glancing at farm land but we were on more dangerous roads - needed to concentrate on other matters.

In Cullman, AL

Head and sleeve covers helps to keep cool and sun protective

Mike's lunch in Cullman: Chicken Parmigian

David's: Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

Chasing sundown! We won!!!

Roadkill-beautiful red-tailed hawk. So sad.

Just a sign for Moulton

Stage 4 Report: Silver Comet

Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Start: Johns Creek, GA (from home driveway)
Finish: Piedmont, AL
Bike Mileage: 103.2 mi
Cumulative Bike Mileage: 394.4 miles

Awoke at 5:30am refreshed after taking care of errands the night before, Judy's delicious home cooked dinner, and sound sleep at home. Abigail was home to enjoy time together as well as our sweet dog, Violet, who also needed some loving. It was great to route the bike trip through home! Energizing and balancing.

Finished some necessary work items by about 6:00am, did some repacking for the long haul ahead, hugs and kisses, and then we were off again from my driveway for the day's adventure as if on a usual training ride through hometown territory.

Cooler weather with overcast skies and threat of rain were a welcome reprieve from the last three days of scorching heat by afternoon.

We followed our usual hometown route down Scott Rd past Centennial HS, then Eves Rd, along Riverside Dr enjoying the coolness of the morning Chattahoochee River. Continued past Riverside Park, Chattahoochee Nature Center, climbed Timber Ridge and Little Willeo Paper Mill. A right at Paper Mill began our diversion to Terrell Mill Rd and on through Cobb County and over west to the 0.0 start point of the Silver Comet Trail (SCT) (see photo). The SCT is a converted rails-to-trails cement greenway trail that runs just over 60mi to the GA-AL border then continues in AL as the Chief Ladiga Trail.

Meeting Blaze athletes and officials on the SCT

About 3 mi west along the SCT we met up with Blaze Sports officials, employees, volunteers, and adaptive athletes - our inspiration for this ride. A nice photo session was followed immediately by a deluge of thunderstorms and lightning. We were a little chilled standing in the rain. My wife Judy arrived as well, a pleasant surprise since I thought we had said our goodbyes earlier at home - last chance to see her for the next month ahead.

Video of Blaze Team and Michael giving speech

We pushed off into the rains, heading for some cover along the Silver Comet Trail in the woods. Colin, a Blaze athlete riding a recumbent bike due to leg paralysis as well as a few military vets in their own hand-cranked adaptive cycles (can't imagine the work involved using your upper body only!-just amazing!) joined us in the rain.

I chatted with Colin (12yo if I recall) on his adaptive hand-cranked bike, leg paralysis from a car accident many years earlier. He's been cycling for over 6yrs and I urged him to be proud and strong and continue...

We parted with the Blaze cyclists after some miles together. Two Cambridge HS teachers (Adam Stone-Special Ed and Blaze volunteer track coach) and Brad (History teacher) joined Mike and me for the next 35-40 mi on the SCT. Pouring rain, light rain, occasional dry patches but the forest on each side was beautiful. Peaceful, energizing riding or walking in the rain! Always have loved a rain walk in the woods. All your senses are engaged! And my body, especially my behind loving my new better padded bike shorts, cooled perfectly, steadily cadenced through mile after mile of mesmerizing woods, across elevated wooded bridges, through tunnels, road underpasses, and periodic road crossings and train tracks. Mike and I, with Adam and Brad, stopped at Rockmart, GA (mile 37 of SCT, 64 mi from home start) for lunch at Hometown Pizza, enjoyed a relaxing lunch of two grande Supreme Pizzas, dried off, changed into a new bike outfit, and then Mike and I headed off westward on the SCT while Patrick (driver) kindly drove Adam and Brad back to their cars.

We were blissfully riding through mist and periodic heavier rain again, until an unexpected sudden downhill series of quick right and left switchbacks on the slick cement trail pavement. Mike happened to be in front of me at that moment. As I braked I sensed the danger with a slight skid but then unfortunately Mike's brakes locked on the second turn; his bike skid and then he took a hard smashing fall onto the cement onto his right side going about 20 mph. I was fortunate to not wipe out as well. Dr's inspection  report revealed some nasty road rash abrasions to R forearm and flank area, and R lower leg as well as whiplash soreness. Thank goodness no shoulder/clavicle/hand/leg fracture-he must be well padded?! His bike was another matter. The rear tire was no longer "true" (not in alignment) and rear derailleur (controlling the cassette gear shifting) was bent and unable to shift gears properly. Called Noland and Vik for advice but not much could be done in the field. We limped slowly as Mike was able to ride at low speed to get to the next town-Cedartown (mi75). Met up with Patrick, switched out Mike's bike for Vik's (we had loaded up Vik's bike from home the night before to bring out to Colorado for him and have with us just in case as a back-up...). Little did we know we'd need to rely on it the very first stage from home. Higher-end cycling bikes are usually expertly fitted to the body dimensions of a rider; Vik weighs about 140 lb maybe (after eating a huge buffet) and can be folded into a suitcase since he's as skinny as my fold-away toothbrush). Mike isn't quite that svelte; he's more of a Neanderthalish mesomorph like me but with less hair, thicker fingers, and rougher speech. Italian-Irish mutt; no one wants to mess with that combination!

Hence, not a good bike fit match. We rode on regardless and Mike, aches and pains and all, still could enjoy finishing the last 14 mi of the SCT as we raced across the gateway arch entrance into Alabama at mi89 for the day (see photo). Continued onto adjoining Chief Ladiga Trail in AL another 14mi to end the day in Piedmont, Al. Finished our first state! 13 to go! Another century ride done (3 out of the past 4 stages). Met Patrick and drove a few miles to the town of Gadsden, AL; nice Hampton Inn and great (and I mean great comparing it to NYC Little Italy) Italian restaurant for dinner at Tre Ragazzi's in downtown Gadsden.

Nice town on the Coosa River, scenic bridge lighted beautifully at night (see Patrick's bridge photo).

Once in a while, and usually from extended exertion, I have a blissful Zen-like meditative moment. It has happened to me a few times on the Appalachian Trail where all my senses - visual, auditory, olfactory, tactile, and taste  - are fully engaged. It is a real moment of being within an energy flow I would liken to riding on a magic carpet effortlessly. After more than eighty miles of riding today I entered this state of flow and it was pure joy. Wish I could bottle such moments or elicit them at will but will look forward to the next one whenever it occurs, hopefully, ahead on the journey.

Stage 4: Bikeoo

Special Ode to my dear Squirrel who was simply trying to cross the road:

Dear Squirrel, please forgive me

Return a Cyclist, with boundless

Love, Dreams, Adventure

Additional Bikeoo for Stage 4:

Endure the traveled path

Choose your way, find Happiness

Senses and Soul in rapture

Stage 4 Indexes:

Weather: (9.5)
Cool weather and steady rain was amazing after 3 hot days behind us!

Terrain: (9.5)
Basically flat or minimal grades up or down; could pedal forever today

Scenic: (9.9)
If you like to bike or take a walk then go and enjoy the SCT in comfortable weather (or even better, in the rain!). You won't regret it!

Wildlife and Roadkill:
W-deer, beaver, profundity of wild hairs, squirrels, turtles, hawks, more Turkey Vultures (still following us).
R-squirrel, opossum

Endurance: (10.0)
Oh yeah! Cruise control today, full throttle whenever I asked the thighs for some turbo drive.

Bike report:
Patrick will take Mike's bike to a bike shop either in Gadsden or to Birmingham, AL for repairs. Hopefully will be quick and have back this afternoon. In the mean time he'll ride on with Vik's.

Injury Report:
D-butts nearly all better, minimal soreness otherwise; hope it stays that way
M-abrasions are scabbing well, head/neck/back good: we ride on even with a little blood spilled for the cause

Still Having Fun: (10.0)
Turkey Vultures be damned.
Beautiful ride yesterday!

Close to home-never know what you may encounter...

Start of SCT, mi 0.0 of Trail

Tunnel on SCT

Crime scene at wipeout slick switchback!

Trying to fix rear wheel

Field wound triage. I carry a small medical kit at all times.

A lot of lowland swampy woods! Pretty. Beautiful old oak tree-probably <100yo

GA-AL State Line; SCT Trail End, start of Chief Ladiga Trail in AL

Farm house pooches. Country breeds. A little rough greeting-thought they'd be friendlier

More road obstruction.

Swamps, rivers, farms, country... Blissful!

Video at start of SCT

Stage 4: Photos from Blaze Reunion Ride

Stage 3 Report: Homeward Bound

Monday, May 29, 2017
Start: Madison, GA
Finish: Johns Creek, GA
Bike Mileage: 70.1
Cumulative Bike Mileage: 291.2 miles

With the excitement of returning home that evening for a brief respite, we received word that three of our friends would be joining us to "pull" us home today: Vik (who will also be flying out to Colorado a few weeks later in the journey for a jaunt through the Rockies and Utah desert), Noland, and Joe - all strong cyclists and good friends. A "pull" in cycling terms means to lead another cyclist who is installed just behind the leader's rear wheel thus enabling a draft, the air pocket seam that translates into less wind resistance, less drag, and thus less energy expenditure. A big thank you to Chandler, Noland's wife, who rouses the troops at 5am back home and drives them over two hours to Madison to meet us here at the hotel by our early morning departure. The weather report was predicting another hot sultry day.

Stage 3 Memorial Day ride - the extended family of "Blaze Brothers":
L to R: David, Vik, Mike, Noland, and Joe.
Thanks guys! Really enjoyed the ride back home with y'all! Be safe.

Great to be greeted and supported by these guys. We've share a lot of home town joy rides, and training rides, over the years since I moved to Atlanta. I really appreciate that they occupied their Memorial Day by joining us for the Stage 3 road home!

The 7:45am start from the Days Inn hotel had us depart very scenic Madison, GA with its Civil War antebellum homes and beautiful countryside along Dixie Highway and through the small towns of Rutledge, Social Circle, and Jersey (note to self to return to this area with Judy for a B&B weekend in the fall, would be spectacular and well, romantic!). Fortunately, our cycling buddies understood the need to slightly tone down the usual aggressive speed we take on our weekend rides to compensate for our long distance haul and importance of conserving energy.

Encountered a flock of Turkey Vultures observing us intently. I am convinced they are calling ahead to their country cousins to check on our latest condition just in case the opportunity strikes if we are too weary?! "Not today my friends," Mike shouts at them, "Not today!"

Sadly, on a refreshing fast downhill country road section I ran over a rapidly darting squirrel. I've always loved squirrels (truly) so was quite displeased with this. There are too many roadkills of our furry friends as it is. Will make a wildlife donation as pittance for my squirrel-slaughter crime.

Ride continued to a town called Youth and then to a less scenic connecting section of busier roadways through Loganville and Grayson. Passed by pick-your-own strawberry fields with their delicious sweet scent. Wish we could have stopped to enjoy for some fresh ones.

I took a foolish fall off my bike while tracking too close behind Joe's rear wheel. We were starting up from a traffic light intersection and I clipped Joe's rear tire with my front tire causing me to lose steering control. I hit the pavement hard as I flipped onto my left side. First fall ever for me on a road bike that I recall. Nothing serious though, fortunately, for me or my bike; L hand was scraped up and a large outer left thigh bruise on top of my already chaffed buttocks. It will likely hurt more tomorrow upon awakening. It also added unnecessary drama to the day and a note to self to be ever careful along a 3000+ mi journey. One major slip and the journey can be over.

After Grayson we stopped for lunch at a Firehouse Subs shop as the temperature and humidity kept climbing; we followed the main road with lots of PUDS (persistent ups and downs) through the Lawrenceville area, across Hwy316 and I-85 and onward to the town of Duluth (undergoing quite a nice downtown renovation upgrade), to Pleasant Hill Rd, across the Chattahoochee River and into Fulton County; on to Medlock Bridge Rd, and then a right onto Old Alabama Rd for the final 6mi stretch home through our home town Newtown Park area of Johns Creek, GA. My energy surged the last 5-10 miles in thoughts of returning home, seeing Judy, and taking a brief respite. My wife and friends secretively sent the word out of our return, with Noland's help (Mike and I were clueless) as we ride triumphantly into our neighborhood's swimming pool parking lot and are greeted by many neighborhood friends and other guests to celebrate our return and completion of Stage 3. A decorated "Welcome Home Blaze Brothers" sign greeted us. It was difficult to hold back joyful tears after a more challenging day of squirrel slaughter, my bike fall, and rude drivers. Already miss riding in the countryside!

But, after all considered, our friends made the day for us! Thank you again to Noland, Vik and Joe for being able to take the time to join us for Stage 3! Be safe, ride on...

Home with Judy and our middle child, Abigail. Our oldest and youngest, Eliza and Jonah, both away with friends for the holiday weekend. Judy prepared a delicious home cooked meal of salmon, pasta and veggies! She's an amazing cook. I needed to run errands quickly - I searched the internet for new bike bibs and located two pair of high quality Pearl Izumi Elite bibs at the nearby REI store along with the Camelback Podium insulated water bottles, the same bottles Mike was using!

Glad we could stop through home on this westward journey. Family and local community are truly the source of most of our daily joy from life. Sharing good or difficult times, caring about each other, providing for the good of the local community. This ride puts all of these in proper perspective as we journey just above the wind's pace from town to town across our nation.

Stage 3 Bikeoo

Of all Life's pleasures

'tis Friendship that nourishes

man's reason to love

Stage 3 Indexes

Weather: (5)
Pleasant morning despite some humidity but another energy-soaking day by early afternoon.

Terrain: (5)
Nice morning of country rollers but the major roads in the last 30-40mi were not that bike friendly or scenic. Already miss chatting with the cows and horses.

Scenic: (6)
Very scenic countryside in the first 25mi but the rest of it was mostly less than friendly road arteries heading home through busy Memorial Day traffic.

Wildlife and Roadkill:
W-more Turkey Vultures, snake, darting squirrels 🙁
R-squirrels (everywhere), opossum, snakes, raccoon

Endurance: (7.5)
Legs OK although didn't feel as energetic today, my tush unhappy from chaffing, a push to get 'er done today with the help of our friends taking the lead and allowing Mike and me to draft behind them to conserve energy

Bike: all good

Still Having Fun: (9)
Squirrel slaughter is a mandatory one point deduction! Hope it never happens again. I remain very sorry!

Turkey Vultures  (continue to observe our progress and energy level!) "Not today my friends..."

Strawberry pickers in the fragrant fields. Couldn't stop thinking of strawberry pie!

Memorial Day honors in Duluth, GA; note that our ride is a fundraiser for BlazeSports dedicated to disabled children and disabled military veterans; thanks for considering a little donation to BlazeSports.org via this blog on this Memorial Day; too many wars, not enough peace. John Lennon will forever have it right... enough said

Last stretch... Homeward Bound!

Great to cross the Chattahoochee River into our home town - Johns Creek, GA!
There's no place like home.

Neighborhood pool-tennis parking lot finish; fine looking peddling patriots
in our Memorial Day outfits to honor the day

Judy serving up one of her famously delicious gourmet dinners! Thank you my love!

Stage 2 Report: GA Scorcher

Sunday, May 28, 2017
Start: Swainsboro, GA
End: Madison, GA
Bike Mileage: 117.6 mi
Cumulative Bike Mileage: 221.1 miles

Awoke on the morning of stage 2 wondering how recovery would be after our first century ride (over 100 mi in cycling terms) in quite awhile. I had some thigh cramping just near the finish the day prior but the night's sleep and deep tissue massaging seemed to have fixed that concern. Felt great as we headed out at 07:30am to begin Stage 2.

A little early morning adrenaline excitement as we were chased by a yard Pitbull for about 100 yards around mile 4. Not something we aren't familiar with previously from training rides back home in the GA mountains but still a source of concern periodically in unfamiliar countryside.

We turned north onto Kite Rd/Rt 57W while enjoying a slightly cooler morning with an overcast sky; at town-Kite we turned onto Montgomery St, then Gumlog Rd, a very scenic byway of farms, cattle, goats, horses, etc. "Good morning cows," I shouted as some more enlightened ones responded kindly with a staring glance and tail wag. On to Wrightsville, turned R onto Rt 15N, to Tennille, past an old barn with a University of GA mascot logo and the words: Effort-Discipline-Toughness painted in UGA red boldly on the white siding. On to Sandersville (mi50) where we stopped for lunch, met up with our van driver, Patrick Weigand and his son Jacob, at Chester Dean's on E Haynes St; great Southern All You Can Eat (AYCE) Buffet. Some items not usually on my palette's radar but we enjoyed a well-balanced meal, maybe too much. Loaded up on mashed potatoes, salad, green beans, collards and black eyed beans. Have to admit that living in GA these past 15 yrs of my life has invited a certain taste in regional favorites, at least while traveling.

Nice little break in Sandersville but a lot more miles ahead. We continued north along Rt 15 to the town of Sparta (mi75), sadly an area whose Main St has gone bust, poverty abounding. But a, magnificent and proud court house remains as the town and county's jewel. Sparta marks the transition zone of GA's geologic coastal plains as we departed and started climbing the Piedmont region taking us home to the Atlanta area. Elevation gaining in the cauldron of the afternoon subn. GA remaining in a serious late spring heat wave into the high 90's.

We veered westward from Sparta onto Rt16/Sparta Hwy, as the rollers and climbing began. Road quality was poor but we got to our first crossing of Lake Oconee at about mi80; then began a continued unrelenting series of PUDS (persistent ups and downs; in this case only brief downward reprieves as we climbed the Piedmont plateau for about 15-20 mi ahead in searing "GA Scorcher" unrelenting heat. Was about 2-4 pm during this period, temps over 90 deg and quite humid. I just about bonked from heat exhaustion. Mike pulled me up and over these PUDS. Thanks man! Reached an "oasis" gas station. Needed some rest, we were hungry and dehydrated. Tanked up on chocolate milk and a large icy Coca Cola (shout out to Barry- friend & neighbor who works for Coke, I rarelt drink it back home but this stuff works quickly to restore fluids and energy), banana and sandwich; after about 30 min we continued onward hoping the PUDS were largely behind us. I decided to turn on my Spotify App with great playlist (thank you to my son Jonah for great song downloads). With Eye of the Tiger randomly selected I suddenly had an energy surge and shot out of the rest area a new man (I remind myself to remember to take these breaks for they are essential to rehydrate and refuel our energy reserves). I just felt great, fresh legs as if I hadn't even biked yet today. Thanks again to Mike who pulled me earlier up those PUDS. Was my turn to lead us through the remaining 30mile section for the day; I raced ahead then waited for Mike as we turned R onto Old Phoenix Rd, which became Harmony Rd; mostly low rolling hills and flat straightaways for many country miles; we crossed over Lake Oconee at a few more fingers and finished strong at the country town of Buckhead (mi117.6). Patrick was waiting for us. We shuttled a few miles to our Days Inn hotel in Madison. Showered and headed to town, restaurants all closed along the scenic antebellum historic downtown aerea. Drove nearby to Dos Amigos for delicious and filling Mexican.

Two consecutive century rides! A first for us! I can sense we are getting stronger and tougher - physically and mentally. Mike earned a new nickname today - Buffalo! - for pulling me up the hills in the afternoon heat. It suits his gruff and tough personality anyway and Buffalo turn out to be his favorite beast. And so it is! Buffalo was careful managing his blood sugar levels today in the heat. He has Type I Diabetes and wears an insulin pump. He's learned that if he sips on diluted Coca Cola his sugar levels while riding remain in the "sweet spot," meaning under better control. His teeth may rot but that's another matter.

A note to change my cycle wear each day at the lunch hour. The sweating and use of cool water on my head and down my back lead to a wet/damp chamois pad inside my bib shorts-perfect storm for chaffing and inflammation. I was developing a nasty folliculitis on my bum. Stopped at a Walmart to pick up Desitin diaper cream and some non-stick pads to use tomorrow for protection and wound healing. Hope it will help.

Another note-Buffalo has been using insulated water bottles. I have the cheap bike store variety. I was amazed how effective they were to keep his water super cool for hours after refilling in rest areas despite the heat. Ice cubes still jostling around even in 90+ degree temps. I will pick up a pair when we return home to Atlanta tomorrow as well as a few new pair of better quality cycling bibs. The ones I've started with are stretched out and the chamois inside are just too worn from use. I'm realizing this is a long haul to San Francisco. Need to be better prepared.

Overall the ride lived up to its GA Scorcher appellation, that's for sure!

Stage 2 Bikeoo

Wheels spin 'long byways

Through barns and fields, sharing space

Eyes shut... I return

Stage 2 Indexes

Weather: (5)
Cooler overcast morning, then afternoon scorching!

Terrain: (7)
First real climbing of the trip. Good for the legs.

Scenic: (7)
Mostly enjoyable country roads/picturesque farmland (if you say hi to cows they wag their tails! Try it.)

Wildlife and Roadkill: (7.5)
W-Brown Hawks, usually in pairs - we bonded; Turkey Vultures, songbirds chasing alongside us, pheasants (might have been peacocks since some roads had the peacock name where I spotted them)

R-more Armadillo, a number of what I think are Turkey Vultures-see roadkill photo, opossum, skunk, crow, snakes, turtles, deer

Endurance: (8.5)
Finished really strong the last 25-30mi today after recovering from the PUDS. Builds confidence for the long haul. No cramping today.

Bike: (10)
I fixed my odometer issue in the morning before heading out and changed the sensor battery. great to have that back in working order as my iPhone stage mapping and Maps App are critical to align with my odometer.

Still Having Fun: (10)
I tend to laugh when enjoying a great ride and even when suffering a bit. Endorphin highs were flowing today!

Poor Armadillo. Too many sites like these.

Good advice to all you current and future Bulldogs! (Eliza & Abigail!)

Help me name this bird-quite a few roadkills.

Shady pull-off into a nice yard to cool down from the scorching heat.

Sparta - Hancock County Courthouse, a beauty!

Really scenic barn near Lake Oconee

Crossing Lake Oconee and a view of the PUDS ahead

Mexican dinner plates - Patrick, Mike, and David. Good refuel chow!