Finally OFF the Road

Today was the first day that of my trip that went just as I imagined. This morning I cruised up US41 through Tampa, which I later found out is the seediest part of town. After being flipped off by a few cars and beeped at, I figured I would find the Suncoast Bike Trail and bike the rest of the day on a dedicated bike path. This was a great decision, even though I had to ride for about 5 extra miles to find it. It’s a ten foot wide paved bike path that runs about 45 miles. That’s the ticket! I made it about 30 miles on the trail and was planning to camp out in the woods when a couple of “folks” named Jack and Sandy (I hope I remembered your correct names) told me there were restrooms and a shelter a mile down the road. A soon as I got there, who pulled up but Jack and Sandy with an excellent sandwich and a cold beer. Man, that was just what the doctor ordered! They are in the picture with Josh (a bicycle racer) and his girlfriend. One thing I for sure; I am meeting a lot of really nice people, just like I imagined. I traveled 85 miles again, and even took my first #2 of the trip at the end of the day. I know the German’s couldn’t handle evening “business”, but for me it made the day complete. I’ll be traveling up US 19 tomorrow, which I hear is very pretty. I’ll let you know…..