Just to let you all know I made it down and back from the Atlantic. Official Trip actually started Sunday at 5:30 PM....After 72 miles I did dip my toes in Atlantic Ocean just outside Showboat Casino. Picture to follow (when film gets developed, scanned and uploaded.) I left Atlantic City with an odometer that said 0000.....
Full details to follow.
Day 1 - August 18, 2003
On road 6:30 AM - Wawa breakfast. Nice and cool, bright, sunshiny morning.
8:10 AM 18.9 miles stopped in Hammonton for 10 minutes. Monday morning folks going about their business - off to work, etc. ... I feel like I’m now living on the fringe of reality. Thought back to this time of day 2 weeks ago. Thankfully, the wipeout on the open grate bridge flashbacks have subsided. Decided to call my radio “Nancy” from now on. What I really need to do is come up with a name for the biking move where I make a right turn, then a quick U-turn, followed by a right turn. This is the equivalent of just going straight but avoids waiting for the light to change. “R.U.R.” “Red Dodge” How about a “A Wynnefield” cause I used to do that with a car at 54th St. in Wynnefield on the way to work. OK - I decided... It’s “A Wynnefield.” Hell, I can make my own rules now!
9:18 AM outskirts of Atco, NJ 29.88 miles. Need serious breakfast. Was admiring a house from a distance, beautifully landscaped, tons of flowers, then got up close and saw sign indicating it was a funeral home :) So I order, then ask if there is a restroom (none obvious), and waitress waves me through the kitchen. I walked past my breakfast being cooked in progress and entered the most decrepit bathroom I’ve ever seen. Floor and walls falling apart, newspapers and magazines covering floor... basic filth. A sign is over toilet reminding all employees to wash hands before returning to work. Hmmm. Wonder if I really want to eat here... I’ve seen cleaner restrooms in gas stations in rural South Carolina. Otherwise the place was cool. If I get sick, I’ll know why.
Made a couple of stops on the way through NJ. Called Larry at 10:30 and he was still asleep. (That’ll be me in about 2 months when I get back.) Anyway, told Daniel to wake him up - I’ll be over in a half hour. Told him about the trip and said goodbye. On to another old friend. Called Lisa to see if she was home. She was, stopped by to say goodbye and tell her about quitting job and the trip. A few of her kids were curious about the guy who is biking across the U.S. Showed them the bike and advised always wearing helmets. (Story of accident 2 weeks ago drove home the point.) Said farewell and rode out of NJ across the Ben Franklin Bridge. Stopped in front of Art Museum and some Chinese tourists asked where the Franklin Institute was located. Gave them directions and asked if they would take a picture of me. The one picture of the day. Figured it was symbolic of the second day’s destination. Arrived home at 2:45 PM 67.33 miles 5 hours 20 minutes - actual bike time.
Took bike to Bike Line to have gearing changed. 44 - 32 - 22 chainrings. Should deliver better low/end gearing - 18 gearing inches for those mountains in West Virginia.
Home for Ryan’s 19th Birthday and last minute details, including getting buzzed so I don't need to bring a hairbrush.