Days 48 & 49 - Tallahassee and Dollar General

The ride to Tallahassee was a very easy 50 mile day. It was also uneventful which can be a good thing. Riding into a large city is usually harrowing as I've stated in earlier posts. Riding through a large campus such as Florida State University is even more dangerous because of the young drivers. Everyone on the road seemed in a hurry and the roads in places were narrow. 

We arrived at our destination early but couldn't really set up because we were staying in a large bike shop that didn't close until 8:00 PM. The shop owner took old bikes and restored them for disadvantaged children and adults. We've met some amazing people on this journey. 

I enjoyed exploring some of the campus while searching for ice cream. There was a fall carnival going on and we saw the FSU pep band getting ready to liven things up. From the little I saw of the campus it seemed very beautiful. Today when we rode out of Tallahassee the temperature was 36 degrees. After 10 miles our hands were frozen. We stopped at a gas station where some riders asked a motorist who just pulled in if they could warm their hands on the hood of the car. We all grabbed some type of hot drink and headed out for our first rest stop. 

Like so many of our days, our rest stop was in front of a Dollar General. There are over 14,000 Dollar Generals in the USA and I believe I've been in 7,000 on this trip alone. If a town has a population of over 10 people they must qualify for a Dollar General. I'm not complaining, I've become very appreciative of their fine collection of mega calorie food items. 

Tonight after a 77 mile day we're camping next to the Suwannee River. The girls made us delicious pancakes and we enjoyed marshmallows by the fire along with a discussion about biking the U.K. for MS next year.