Boca Raton, FL to Jonathan Dickinson State Park

 April 12 – 13, 2013

Miles: 120: One-Way to campsite is 60 miles (Ok, it’s only 58!)

 I talked my friend Ron into joining me. He didn’t want to do 60 miles one day and then 60 the next so we decided it would work out if he drove to the park’s campsite and rode his bike south until he met me. We planned to meet at MacArthur Park entrance – 18 miles for him and 36 miles for me. That worked out well.

This was the first time I put all panniers on and would simulate a fully loaded bicycle. Actually, I did have everything I would be taking on the tour and a little extra. Boy, did the bike feel heavy – because it was! I loaded the tent, cooking stuff, locks, some misc stuff in the front panniers (I read that someone recommends keeping 60% weight in front panniers) and I put clothes and rain gear in rear panniers. The bike weighed maybe 70 pounds fully loaded.

I started my trip at 7 am and this weekend was expected to have rainy weather. It also got warm and humid – I think highs around 85. I had my long-sleeve bike shirt on and after going outside thought better of it and put on my short-sleeve jersey. Smart move – it was a hot, humid day. I will bring my light weight long-sleeve running jerseys to protect my arms from the sun on my tour.

Intacoastal in downtown West Palm Beach Outside entrance to John D MacArthur Park

The bike rode well and I was pleased with the feel. Still not sure about putting all that weight up front though. I kept reminding myself that “this is not a race” and forced myself to go slower and with a higher cadence. This is recommended to save your legs on long trips. It works in running also – instead of stressing your legs more with longer but less strides, it is better to have less stress with shorter strides. I got into what I call my “forever” pace – the pace I feel I could basically ride all day and somewhat leisurely.

I went over a few bridges and that was when reality hit. I was dying going over the Blue Heron bridge that goes over the intracoastal waterway in Riviera Beach. What? A quarter-mile bridge is difficult? What will happen when I am on a long hill? What will happen when I am climbing into the mountains? Being from Florida, I worry most about climbing hills and mountains since I have no experience doing that on a bike. I plan to ride long distances to help prepare for the climbs. That is also why I decided to go east to west on my tour – I will have two weeks of riding to ride into shape before reaching the mountains in New Mexico.

Ron and I set up our tents, went for a hike and then for a swim during the hike. The swim was refreshing. We heard thunder and saw nasty clouds heading our way so we hiked back to our campsite. We took a different path back and I almost walked into this huge owl sitting on a branch along side of the path. It flew silently as I reached it and startled me. I never saw it. It then landed up ahead a few yards around 10 feet directly over our path and watched us as we watch him. That was cool. Owls make absolutely no noise when flying.

We drove in Ron’s car to Publix and had subs for dinner as the rain poured down. Then we returned to camp to see my tent upside down. I had all my panniers in it so I didn’t stake it thinking their weight would be sufficient. Note to self, stake down tent if leaving the area. We sat in the car while it rained for some time. Around 7:30 we headed into our tents to read and sleep. It rained lightly that night.

Riding into Johnathan Dickenson Park Morning riding out of park

Next morning I packed up and was on my way by 7:30 am. I wanted to avoid some of the southerly winds that were predicted. I stopped at a McDonalds for breakfast and coffee at the 17 mile mark. Ron met me there as I was finishing so I settled back down and visited for 30 minutes or so. It was nice to be relaxed and not worried to have to get somewhere at a certain time. I did want to make it home before the rain in the afternoon. Funny thing, I missed making it home before the rain by 15 minutes. Oh well.

Lessons learned: I can pack everything I need. The bike is heavy as expected. I will need to work on hills somehow – maybe do “repeats” up and over bridges as part of my training rides. I may try to not bring cooking gear – stove and pots. I think I can eat a hot meal on the rode and make sandwiches at camp. I will think about that.

This was a fun trip and it made me more excited about the tour because I really feel like I can do it physically now. I know I will have to work on the mental aspect of long, lonely days where some will have challenges like flats and foul weather…

Photo Op A1A across from expensive mansions