deCycles Southeast America 2014
Journal Entry
Day 1 ... Saturday, June 21

Start: Key West, FL

End: Islamarada Island, FL

Distance: 88-miles

Speed: 16.4-mph

Terrain: Flat

Climate:Humid, low 90s, sunny & downpour at 2pm.

Departure in Key West was by double file escort through Duval and Eaton Streets.  Unity of the Keys Church treated us royally with great accommodations and serving us a lasagna dinner.  We also shared a sing-a-long.  Thanks so much Rev. Phil and the Unity of the Keys congregation.  

We are off and running.  It's hot!!  This will wilt some riders.  They need to listen carefully.  They can beat the heat, but have to be smart.  The first rest break was 33-miles down the road.  Riders not in the habit of eating breakfast are gonna have to change.  They need fuel in their tank for hot climate riding.  So a couple riders already got behind the 8-ball the first 20-miles.  Lunch was in Marathon Key and the heat was worsening.  But 20-miles from our destination, there was a huge downpour and was a major cool-off.  The rain was a welcoming relief.  

We arrived at 3:30pm, far ahead of schedule.  The group did very well getting out on the road today and most groups were pedaling at 20-21 mph speeds.  There was a lot of traffic today.  About 10-riders lost their triple crown on the very first day.  Four had bike crashes and another 6-riders had flat tires.

Tomorrow we pedal into a major metropolitan area.  Miami and Miami Beach will be a challenge and much different than today.  We hope to swim at South Beach and eat supper along the boardwalk.

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