Now you are asking yourself, what could be different riding from north Key West to Marathon Key from what she just did two days ago riding south from Marathon Key to Key West? Well, some things stayed the same. Like coffee at Baby’s Coffee, snacks and a refreshment at the Keys Fisheries, and crossing Seven Mile Bridge. However, I did try and snap a few different sites.
To start, there was rain at the start of the ride that provided a beautiful rainbow to begin the day’s journey.
Along the route, there was a ghost bike. For those who may not know, a ghost bike is place in the location that a cyclist lost his life due to a car/bike crash. I was able to capture a picture as I rode past. Please always keep your eyes on the road and be mindful of cyclists. Remember that they too are entitled to most road ways, so please share the road.
Along the bike trail, there are still washed out sections due to last year’s Hurricane Irma. In addition, there is plenty of washed up debris.
After we crossed Seven Mile Bridge, we stopped for lunch at the Sunset Grill and Raw Bar. I opted for a sushi hand roll that was huge and delicious. Just a few miles past the lunch stop, we passed the Keys Fisheries (for a snack right after lunch) and the Marathon Post Office.
We had the traditional farewell dinner tonight where Bubba gave out awards for various fun reasons: youngest rider (24) , oldest rider (91), rider who travelled the furthest (from Alaska), rider who travelled the least distance (from Bradenton), rider with the most spirit (Robbie who crashed, had a concussion and came back to the ride albeit travelling by car now), the rider that registered first (last January), registered last (Henry - sometime late this fall), and inspirational. The last award went to Bubba’s sister Grace who decided to try and lose 50 pounds (for her health) before the start of this year’s Bubba Fest. Well, that let to Bubba deciding to do the same for his health and to encourage his sister. They aimed for 100 pounds. They met their goal (52 pounds for Bubba and 48 pounds for Grace) and they are still working in losing more. A great goal and truly inspirational!
Tomorrow is the last day and at the conclusion, I plan to drive the almost seven hours home. That means I will likely post any last comments and new pictures one day late.
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Early morning sprinkles made way for a rainbow just as we began to bike.
A ghost bike in memory of a cyclist who was killed in a bike/car accident.
Along the trail.
The owner of this boat may not even know of its location on the side of the bike trail (remnants of Hurricane Irma)
The bike trail comes to an abrupt stop.
The trail on the opposite side of the road had caved in, likely due to storm surge during last year’s hurricane.
One more time over Seven Mile Bridge.
The riding crew from the day. Sarah, the youngest rider on the trip joined us for lunch and the remainder of the ride. The guy next to me was the raw bar chef.
The Marathon Main Post Office.
Our host Bubba and me.
Linda, Sue and me.
An example of one of the awards that Bubba gave out at the Farewell Dinner.