Today's ride seemed far more possible since the distance, once thought to be in excess of 100 miles, now is in the 70's. Nevertheless, the high heat and humidity is affecting me more than I would have thought. In Ohio, the heat index was up to 105, yet I do not remember ever being as exhausted as I now feel. Temperatures were expected in the low 90's, so I determined to leave extra early, right after it became light enough to be seen by drivers. At 6:30 AM, I started out for the city of Plymouth, North Carolina.
One wouldn't think that there would be much traffic, but this town woke up early. Soon, however, I was back on country roads, where traffic was light. Using Google Maps to map out the bicycle route, it does a good job on finding safer roads, but ignores places to eat. It is hard to plan where to have lunch, snacks and re-hydrate. Today, however, there were enough stores to take care of those needs.
This part of the country has lots of agrculture, just not quite so much as Ohio, Indiana, Illinois or Iowa. It seems that corn and soybeans are popular, along with cotton. What is different is the large tracts of trees, which were less prevalent in the aforementioned states.
As in the other states, it is interesting how the people live: their houses, farms, vehicles, equipment, and toys. Manicured lawns are seen here, but not as commonly as elsewhere.
Pedalling along one country road this morning, I came across a sign that said: North Carolina State Line. Finally, I made it to my last state! After passing through 13 states, I am now in the 14th and final one.
One unusual thing about today is that I rode over some long bridges. One river, whose name escapes me, was half again as wide as the Mississippi River when I crossed it in Muscatine, Iowa. Another set of bridges were over your rivers that I think merged into one. It was hard to tell.
My hope, in starting so early was to have 50 miles completed by noon. Figuring 74 miles for the day (it ended up being 76), that would put me close to the "count down" from 20 miles out from the destination.
It seemed hotter than usual. Even after the first hour, my shirt and bike shorts were soaked with sweat. Fortunately, the woods (and a few clouds) gave occasional shade. I stopped at three places in the morning to snack, eat, and re-hydrate. Yet, I started to slow down in the early afternoon. I wanted to finish close to 3 PM, if possible, while the afternoon continued to heat up. And I did check in to a motel before 3:30 PM.
Despite drinking and drinking, I was so thirsty, checking in to the motel, that I blurted out "I need some water!". My voice must have had a tinge of desperation in it because one of the staff ran to the back and brought out a bottled water.
I am tired, but am nearing the end of this journey. Of all things, temperatures are supposed to be rising this week end into the mid-90's. Heat index warnings are being given.
My plan for tomorrow is to ride to Farmville, 61 miles away. Again, I hope to be on the road by 6:30 AM. Sunday will probably be the same. The difference for Sunday, is that my brother, Jim, may drive out of Raleigh to get me if I start to lag. We will see what tomorrow feels like.
Blessings to you all.
