deCycles Southeast America 2014
Journal Entry
Day 13 ... Thursday, July 3

Start: Charleston, SC

End: Columbia, SC

Distance: 125-miles

Terrain: Flat and later light rolling hills

Climate: Low-90s, humid, cloudy, then sunny & hot.   Headwinds all day.

Clouds!!  Finally!!  This is the first day with out a glaring sun heating up to the high 90s.  It was mostly in the 80s all day with cloud cover until about 3:30pm.  Then the sun came out and it got hot again.  It was raining when we got off the USS Yorktown this morning, but soon let up after we got wet crossing the bridge.  

The riders did real well today despite a stiff headwind most of the day.  The cloud cover eased conditions and the pace of the group quickened.  As we headed inland, we encountered small rolling hills and changes in terrain.  Things are going to change considerably as we approach the heartland.  It's goodbye Atlantic Ocean, hello hills and mountains.

One female rider had a migraine headache today that took her off the road.  Two other male riders took themselves off the bike because of stomach aches.  And two remaining female riders were off the bike due to musculoskeletal conditions.  When six or more riders start using the SAG vehicles as a bailout, it can get contagious.  So we want those riders to rest, get well, and get on the bike as fast as possible.  

Most of the riders are following directions and conduct guidelines.  But there are always a few riders who persistently challenge the system.  They don't get it.  What is great about the road is that it is a strict discipliinarian.  The weather is that way also. It is difficult to argue with the road.  

This church in Columbia has been most gracious and is most spacious.  The final groups ended the day in some rain unfortunately.  All the groups pedaled past the South Carolina Capitol Building.  We didn't go inside because of the threat of T-storms.  

Up to today, we have pedaled 430-miles in 4-days this week.  The student-riders will be proud about that.  We are filling the day in the best way possible.

Images
(click to expand)