Gator Blog: Day 7 The 2006-2007 Tour

"Ugh. I think I ate too much."

And so I whined after the lunch stop, some 57 miles into the interior of south Florida. The early-morning tailwind had shifted to the southeast, ushering in warm weather, but also putting the brakes on our speed. I recalled last year when we hit this same stretch with a roaring headwind, and recalled how it can be quite difficult, even for flatland Florida.

Fortunately, it didn't get as windy as that 3rd day of January last year. But it didn't matter. With six-and-a-half days under our belts, I was tired. Never mind the 7 days thus far of 70s and 80s, and only minimal rain. Racking up big miles like this in the dead of winter is tough no matter how you slice it.

The fact that it is January was lost on the weather today, as temps climbed well into the 80s. The humidity was high, and we were all sweating buckets. It felt more like a typical midwest summer day. The only problem is that most of us have to return to midwest-type climate in a day or so, ending our winter cycling fantasy.

Day 7 is the longest of the trip, covering about 115 miles (according to Garmin) from Bartow to South Lake Placid. As per the norm for this trip, the route did not follow a direct line from Point A to Point B. As one of our riders' t-shirts proclaimed earlier this week, "The shortest distance between two points is missing the point."

And I say a hearty "Amen!" to that!

It was balmy at daybreak, meaning that jackets and arm warmers would be left behind. And it got warm quickly as we headed south on the old road out of Bartow headed to Fort Meade, and then Bowling Green for the first stop. By 9:30 it felt like a sauna. I pity Dave B. and Tom A. who were riding with me, for I was sweating like a fountain.

A 16-mile due-south stretch after the break tested out mettle into that newly-minted southeast breeze, but we made good time of it anyway. Shortly after turning at the Limestone store we came upon Becky and Mark parked under a sprawling oak tree amid the orange groves, awaiting our arrival with lunch.

And that's where I forgot that I was riding a bike, and not headed for an afternoon siesta. So I ate far more than was advisable.

I paid dearly for that faux pas as the afternoon miles wore on, struggling to hang on to Dave and Tom at times, and continuing to splash everything within about five feet. I was elated to see the crew set up at 84 miles just before the turn onto FL Rt 66. It was 84 in the shade. That just seemed to be the number of the hour.

The three of us guzzled one soda after another trying to rehydrate, but it just didn't seem to be working. So we shoved of and decided to just get the miles done. We were pretty much bringing up the rear most of the day, except for Stan N. and Jen S., who had elected to add 10 before lunch (not intentionally, mind you).

After 6 miles, Tom A. peeled off and headed for Avon Park to pick up his van. His 5-day tour was over; he would later drive to our motel to pick up his gear, and then head off to resume life off the bike. Dave and I continued toward our destination, passing the Henscratch Winery, and then scenic Lake June.

A little traffic in Lake Placid helped wake us from our mental slumber, and then it was only another 7 or so to wrap around town to the east and south to our destination along US 27 south of town.

As dusk ensued, we held our annual cookout to bring closure to the trip. Some of our riders depart right after tomorrow's mils, so this is the last chance to hang out with everyone.

And just like at lunch, I think I ate way too much. I'm going to bed.

Nick "Belly Buster" Gerlich