September 19 Crossing America

Folkston, GA – Alma, GA a distance of 63 miles.
Total miles through today 5,320, on my bike for 4,543 of them.

Days are getting shorter and for the first time on the East Coast it was chilly riding until about 10 this morning.  For the 9^th straight day of riding I did have to contend with a headwind but I’m getting used to it.  Riding North on US1 was a piece of cake with a nice wide shoulder.  State road 121/15 didn’t have a shoulder but the road was smooth and relatively straight.  I very much enjoy reporting every motorist who passed me including a large number of logging trucks gave me a wide birth when they passed.  I rode stress free compared to the West Coast.  Palm trees have given way to Pine Forests, cotton fields and gentle rolling hills I can ride up at a reasonable speed compared to having to use my wobble and weave crawl.  This has been a very enjoyable day of riding.

At 37 miles I arrived in Blackshear where I enjoyed a good ole’ homecookin’ chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn bread and a bottomless glass of sweet tea.   Ms. Rita my waitress even brought me a blueberry biscuit drizzled with icing for desert it was scrumptious and at “no extra” charge, total cost of this meal with tip $10.00.  I got visiting with Ms. Rita regards to either going to my intended overnight town of Patterson or since it was so early in the day, not yet noon, if it would be better to go a few miles further north and overnight in Alma, Georgia.  Mr. Rita said Route 203 had just been repaved and made wider and a pretty ride.  She also said there were many more places to eat and stay in Alma compared to Patterson.  Once again, I found myself deviating from the Adventure Cycling map and headed north on State Route 203.

I covered the 25 miles from Blackshear to Alma in good time arriving here at 2:40.  My first stop to help me find lodging was the Alma Chamber of Commerce where I met an enthusiastic and helpful Cherry Rewis – Executive Assistant for the Alma/Bacon County Development Authority.  By golly, she went right to the phone and began calling folks for me.  She had to make about a half dozen calls before she found me a place to stay at the local Food Bank/VFW Post 4625.  While Mrs. Rewis was making the phone calls her husband arrived and he and I chatted while she did the calling.  I had a really fun time visiting with both of the Rewis.  Mr. Rewis gave me the directions to the Food Bank and assured me it was a short distance and I wouldn’t get lost.  I love working with Chamber and/or Community Development personnel as they know how to get a job done.  Cherry Rewis just being with you for half an hour, I’m confident you work hard for your community and they are lucky to have you.  Thank you, Mrs. Cherry Rewis for helping me with my need for a place to stay.  Anybody touring on a bicycle or otherwise would be well advised to always check with the Chamber of Commerce, churches, police/sheriff personnel and fire departments for help as one or more of these folks will most always be willing to help you out.  Final note, it’s easier to do so as far in advance as possible for best results.

Arriving at the Food Bank I first met Donna Taylor then Sgt/Major  Jerry Turner, Retired Army.  After a brief introduction and recap of my journey both of these fine folks showed me around the Food Bank and VFW post combination.  I was wondering how they could have both in the same building but unlike most VFW’s I’ve been too this one does not have a cantina/bar.  Half the building is dedicated to the Food Band serving over a hundred families each week.  The VFW half of the building is used for  meetings and rented out to groups needing a place to meet or have a banquet as this side of the building as a full kitchen with all the appliances needed to cater such.  It was decided the Ladies Auxiliary meeting room would be the easiest to cool down with the AC and offer me a little more privacy.  Even found a couple baby bed mattresses I could sleep on.  The only downside to my accommodations was that the showers had been capped off so I will have to forgo a hot shower tonight.   I think I can skip a shower as the price was right for my remaining meager budget, free.  In addition to making me as  comfortable as possible the Turners gave me some treats to snack on.  Jerry even made a donation on behalf of himself, brother who came in and the VFW.  He said to use the money to buy a burger or two.  Thank you Jerry but when I get home the money will go to the National MS Society along with other cash folks have given me on my journey.  I really do appreciate all you and the Mrs. have done for me today.  Thank you!

That’s all news from the road today.  Now, if I can ride my bike a half mile to the local McDonald’s in the dark you all will get to read yesterday and today’s journal sooner rather than later.  Hope to make it back safely, too.  Till next time!  The Wi-Fi at Micky Ds didn’t work.  Plus there were a couple shaddy characters walking back and forth in front of my bike several times and I suspectd they were looking to steal but I sat at the window next to the bike and finally gave them my meanest scowl and shook my finger at them.  Glad I didn’t have to back it up as they left.  Sorry I was unable to get this posted yesterday.

Mailboxes of the Keys. I regret not having taken pictures of some of the Manitee and Dolphin I saw

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