Naked Bike

The bike looked naked this morning stripped of its panniers, rack, and assorted bags—only the fenders and the small seat bag (which has the flat repair kit) the bike is pared down to is essential state. Which is much more maneuverable and fun to ride sans the extra 25 lbs of gear. 

As expected, other than a tune-up, it needed a new chain—as chains in these conditions will be at an optimum for 700 or so miles. Otherwise, after an hour, the bike was ready to go, but first I had to trash my well-worn Merrells (really hiking / backpacking shoes which I use for biking all the time) which I purposefully brought out here to use to exhaustion after two years. I also purchased another tube, at the rate I’m going through tubes—and my 650b-sized tubes being less common—I’m now carrying 4 spares.

Many thanks to Kent and Cody in the bike dept. at REI for getting me back on the road quickly, and Marisa and Sean who helped with local camping information. I’m finally using my tent tomorrow night after 1,000 miles.

At REI I also met a couple of other bike tourists—Karen and Alex—who started in St. Augustine and are going through to Virginia and Gloucester, MA, respectively. But they seemed on a tight schedule as they were in and out of the store quickly. But we all quickly agreed on one thing about the routing and US 17—Karen said it: “Are they trying to kill us?”

Finally someone who instantly, and precisely, understood exactly what we’re dealing with.

At REI I was told about the resident alligator often seen around the ponds in the area, and upon looking I found this fierce reptile:

Keep Your Distance. It will strike terror in any unsuspecting passerby.

Lunch at San Miguel Mexican restaurant featured the best Carne Asada platter I’ve ever had… there, there it is… the ribeye is below that mound of onions and jalapeño. It seriously was excellent.

Careful, more fierce reptiles about…

… bathing!

They ain’t Merrells and they sorta’ look orthopedic, but these Giros will get me through the next 1900+ miles.

Day 24
Mt. Pleasant, SC
0 Miles

A productive day despite only pedaling 5.5 (unburdened) miles to try the new tune-up out. New chain, new shoes, extra tubes, and laundry done. And I worked the logistics out for this next week. A bike trekker can’t ask for more…

… well, they can… to stay off of US 17… and I did!

What I’m Reading:

on the other end of the best steak of your life
is a cow moaning a song of agony.

— José Olivarez / “Poem with Corpse Flowers & No Corpses”