Cycling Ellen

54 miles today
2862 miles total

On today’s ride, I felt like I was living one of those math problems we all struggled with in school. If you leave Wakulla Springs, riding in a pace line with Judy and Hannah, going about 18-19 mph, will you ride up to the rain clouds ahead of you before the rain clouds behind catch up with you? I’m not sure which set of clouds was which but the result was that we all got soaked on today’s ride. When I left the Inn this morning, clad in my We Can Do It jersey (always go for the psychological advantage), my raincoat, my rose colored glasses and my stylish shower cap over my helmet, I thought that maybe I would avoid the heavy rain. At the sag stop, I put away the raincoat, took off the shower cap and just got wet from the road spray. At about mile 35 though, the heavens opened up. Back on went the raincoat and the shower cap as the logging trucks sprayed us with their road spray from the side. We also had to be careful to dodge all the bits of bark and sticks along the shoulder that come off of the trucks. Today’s ride was almost all on State road 98 which goes through privately held forest. I saw the paper products plant here in Perry as we rode in.

The rain didn’t last long so at the next stop, I put away the raingear again. Inevitably, not that far down the road, the next set of clouds had their turn and this time I just decided to get wet. It wasn’t that cold and we weren’t that far from our destination. I had thought that the last time I did my laundry was it for this trip but with all the dirty, wet clothes (and I mean dirty!), I got the laundry detergent out of the trailer and we started the final, I hope, laundry list. Now, my clothes are clean and dry and the next washing machine I use shouldn’t have any lines at all. As Sandra reminded us the other night, next time I hear a neighbor say she’s doing her wash, I shouldn’t ask if I could just throw in a few things!

One other math problem I was trying to work in my head during that pace line is how many more contributions it would take to double the amount of money that I have fundraised so far. I have raised about $8,000 (although I don’t have a recent accounting) and if 100 people gave $50 that wouldn’t quite do it. If you have been reading this blog all these weeks, consider how much you have valued the chance to participate in our journey vicariously and make a donation if you can. If you were waiting to see how many miles I will have cycled and want to donate an amount per mile, it will be just over 3,000, I think. I’ll keep you posted.

Many thanks for all of your comments, contributions and e mails. I know I have a few more entries to make but since this was a short day, I have time to thank you all. I do, really do, appreciate your support!