The Beginning of the Final Week - A Long Short Ways Remaining

Stats Sunday, September 12 –Collegedale, TN to Buford, GA. Day distance 126.6; ride time 7 h 48 m; ave speed 16.2; total climb 5,986; total miles 3,090.8

Sunday morning we intended to roll by 7:00. But with final downsizing (we eliminated our panniers taking only essential items for the final four days – the cycling clothing we were wearing, one set of street clothes, toothbrush, one camera only, a couple of tubes, patch kit, and a small cycling tool set) and saying good bye to my family we did not get away until 7:45.

Over the weekend the thought crossed my mind, “Bryan, you are only 3 ½ hours away from home – by CAR!” And not go from the Pacific to the Atlantic? Fool! You’re too close. Complete. Four days of cycling left. But about 400 miles (estimated) remaining.

The first 60 miles we made excellent progress with the benefit of a tailwind from the north as we pedaled toward Atlanta. In the afternoon our course took us east toward Cumming and then to Buford. Rolling hills greeted us along a two lane road with little shoulder. Sunday drivers were aware of us for the most part and compensated accordingly for our comfort. Periodically, however, we’d get the “shout out” of something from someone. We never know exactly what they say. But it seems to be non-complimentary.

We stopped for lunch at an Asian restaurant. We are tired of Subway. Interestingly, shortly after we stopped we could hear sirens from emergency vehicles. When we resumed riding 45 minutes later we quickly came upon the scene of a multi-car accident. Had we not stopped when we did, could we have been involved?

With consistent pedaling we made it to the Buford area. Considering the possibility of continuing to Winder we stopped at a small Baptist church to ask for directions, conditions, and availability of motels. I must have been a startling sight as I appeared at the rear of their sanctuary with my head sweat on along with cycling shorts and jersey. I think they were a little surprised when all I asked for were directions and information (not request for money). I’ve been on the “other side” of such a situation many times. It is very rare that a request for money does not eventually come out. I could tell their “radar” was up.

When the day was done we are one day closer to our destination – Charleston. It’s still a long-short ways.