Time to talk about some cycling for a change................ There are not many things I miss about cycling the coast. I can't go without saying that it does have it's charm from time to time. The 30A is about a 15 mile coastal road that runs through Sea Side, Watercolor, Alys Beach, and a few other highly selective Gulf front communities in the Florida pan handle. There are tons of bike lanes and tons more serious cyclist that prefer the road. More than that, are the loads of entitled drivers of Range Rovers, 7 series and M classes that think cyclist have no business on the road. Not to forget the F350 duel wheels that are constructing these beach side compounds. But, for the most part, it is a pretty nice place to ride and the quantity of cyclist keep the motorist on high alert. However, on this day, I saw one guy that was road rashed pretty hard from running up under the rear of a tour bus after a sudden stop. Most of us seasoned cyclist will have to assume that he was attempting to draft. (aero bars....need I say more?)
It was great to be back on a familiar wheel that I trust 110%. There is something comforting about hanging on a wheel that produces 23mph for 8 miles with the consistency of a Vespa with cruise control. 
It is ironic that he has earned the name "Wheel Sucker". Mostly by out smarting his competition and hanging in their draft until their legs have gone sour, then he flashes a snow white smile and rides away up the mountain to the finish. Lucky for me, on this day, it was flat and I guess he had pity on me.
It is ironic that he has earned the name "Wheel Sucker". Mostly by out smarting his competition and hanging in their draft until their legs have gone sour, then he flashes a snow white smile and rides away up the mountain to the finish. Lucky for me, on this day, it was flat and I guess he had pity on me. If you venture off the 30A, you don't have to travel very far to start finding the reminders of when this area was simply a few mosquito dominated fishing camps and plantations. We followed one shell packed road and found the nice surprise of a well preserved antebellum mansion.
And of course, the dreamer in me had to find this Volvo wagon, which sent me into a fruitless restoration fantasy. 
In the end..... I guess GK the WS pulled too much and had to be carried home.
On a day of 97 degrees and what seemed like 300% humidity, A couple of ice cold Red Stripes were a welcome sight at the end.
In the end..... I guess GK the WS pulled too much and had to be carried home. On a day of 97 degrees and what seemed like 300% humidity, A couple of ice cold Red Stripes were a welcome sight at the end. 
I would have commented earlier, but the warden just gave me computer access.....(doing 90 days for laying on valuable bronze sculpture).....I never knew a park ranger could run so fast! Other than my crimes against the state, it was a good ride.
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