Boca Raton, FL to Port Mayaca on Lake Okeechobee

 November 1^st – 2^nd, 2013

Total Miles: 140: 70 miles each way

 I didn’t know how to get to Lake Okeechobee from my house in Boca Raton, FL. It just seemed like too much high-traffic roads. I did a couple of reconnaissance rides, used Google Maps, and figured the route wouldn’t be that bad so I set a date and did it. Original plan was to ride there in December and do a 3-day trip but I was itching to just do it so I did a 2-day trip and will do another 3-day trip later.

I really enjoyed this ride. The roads weren’t nearly as bad as I thought they may be. In fact, the busy 441 in Boca Raton to Wellington, FL was nice to ride on even with the traffic. I also discovered Conner Highway which seems to be used mainly by trucks. This was a delightful road and had little traffic.

My shadow following or leading me Nice long road : Conner Hwy

More of Conner Hwy About 15 miles from destination

At the 42 mile mark, I was getting tired. I was hot, sweating, and feeling beat. So I stopped and ate. That made me feel better, but it was still hot out. The scenery was great and I just know the canal I rode next to had fish just waiting to be caught.

I was surprised not to see any stores for close to 30 miles and I bypassed a small town when I was 10 miles out. I got nervous about not having enough water and looked for someone watering their lawn so I could ask to fill my bottles. No luck. I finally crossed over the high bridge to get to the north side of Port Mayaca and saw a gentleman with a truck parked under he bridge. I asked if he had any water and he said “Wait a minute” and walked to his cooler and pulled out something. He then shoved an ice cold beer my way and said “This is better!” I said “No” but he wouldn’t have it. So, for the next 4 hours we sat around telling stories and drinking beer. I had a blast but drank too much. I hope not to do that again because it could have jeopardized my ride. His name was Jessie and he said he was from West “By God” Virginia – I think I heard that expression before. He was just traveling and enjoying life. Jessie is a cancer survivor and was a gracious host. He even gave me breakfast muffins and a protein shake for my return trip. My favorite memories have always been the people I meet. This was no exception.

Coming up to bridge going over St Lucie Waterway Photo on top of bridge at Port Mayaca

Sunset Port Mayaca Jessie from West “By God” Virginia Port Mayaca early morning in the fog

The night was nice – too hot to be in my sleeping bag but cool enough not to be sweating. I heard owls in the nearby woods.

The next morning I packed up and was disturbed to have thousands of mosquitoes and mosquitoe-like insects swarm all over me. I was miserable while packing but once done, they didn’t seem to bother me much anymore. I said goodbye and thanks to Jessie and departed in the fog.

About two miles down the road (441 going south) I was startled by a bobcat that jumped out right in front of me. I guess I startled him too because he did a very quick turn-around and leapt back into the brush. That was neat.

After the bobcat, my ride was uneventful except that it got hotter this second day and I felt spent again by mile 40. I still made it home by 2:30 pm so I felt good about my progress so far in training for my trip.

A kid I passed was holding a sign for a car wash and he said “You look like you could use a car wash!” I said “I don’t have a car!” His reply was “That thing is as big as a car!!” I took it as a compliment and laughed…

Foggy Morning as the sun rises Got hot but the road was nice and few vehicles

Lessons learned this trip: Pace yourself. Make sure your cadence is high enough so you don’t over stress your legs which could lead to cramps or injury. Better to have it in a lower gear, go slower, and peddle faster. You may need to experiment. I always have to remind myself to do this.

Cooking. I don’t think so. I have changed my mind and for long days I know I would rather get to camp and open a can of beans, etc and eat it cold than to have to cook and then clean up. I don’t plan on bringing cooking equipment on my trek across America – at least not this time when I will be going for long days.

Meeting People. I met Jessie and he was a delight. I believe in the good in people and I seem to always meet good people. Be good, honest, and expect good things and they will come.

Navigation: DO NOT rely on Google Maps Bicycle routing. It will put you on closed roads, dirt roads, mountain bike trails, etc. If I can’t get a street view of a road, I don’t put it in my route unless I have local knowledge.