Leaving Myrtle Beach was a bit challenging and hectic because again we had to travel on Rt. 17. However, once we crossed into North Carolina things calmed down and we had a pleasant ride to the first rest stop. After this first stop things got a lot more intense. We had about a 20 mile trek on a road named Supply Road and I have to believe it had to be the main supply road for all of the communities south of Wilmington, NC. There was a moderate to very small shoulder along this harrowing stretch. One of our riders had a complete blow out which differs dramatically from just a typical flat tire. I was riding behind my buddy Dick when we heard what we thought was a gun shot. I thought we had passed a gun range but when I looked through my mirror I saw the riders behind me had pulled over. Dick and I went back and found Jacob a little shaken and I understood immediately why. His tire was partly off of the rim. His inner tube had literally exploded. His rim was slightly damaged but he didn’t fall. We always carry spare tubes and were able to quickly get him back on the road.
No patch could save this tube!
Supply Road seemed to continue on forever and I was white knuckling it the entire stretch. Once 20 miles north on this terrifying road the endless traffic turned left and we headed straight to the ferry that transported us to the Cape Fear Area and more bike friendly people. Cape Fear and Wilmington have a large cycling community with a lot of influence. We had well marked bike lanes from Cape Fear to Wilmington and drivers were extremely courteous.
We arrived in Wilmington after pedaling 80 miles unscathed but exhausted. We have a rest day here and we’re staying in a 150 year old Baptist Church that is in the heart of the historic district. The church is spectacular and the area is bustling with tourists and locals shopping and dinning. I believe there couldn’t be a better place to have a day off after eight straight days on a bike.
My home for a day, The First Baptist Church of Wilmington
