The day started with pleasant temperatures around 65 and reached 80 by the end of the day. The day did however start with clouds and few raindrops here and there, but overall, we missed the big downpours that seemed to be everywhere around us. Hurray!
We bicycled into Tarpon Springs where the group split apart. I was part of a very small group of six that only rode about 28 miles. A second small group started later and they also did about 30 miles. I am trying to ease my wrist and hand back into a longer day on the bike and the others opted for less miles for a variety of reasons. The rest of the group did over 50 miles and cycled to Dunedin before they turned around.
Several of the group had lunch at Hella’s in Tarpon Springs. I had my first ever grilled octopus and it was great! Thanks to Joe for getting me to try it. When eating at Hella’s you must do their baklava, and I didn’t break that tradition! I need to work up to more miles eating like this!
One of the riders from 2018, Geepa, had come up with an idea to have a bourbon tasting night. Not everyone likes bourbon, so there was a mix of whiskey, bourbon and even one moonshine. In all, twelve of the riders brought different spirits to taste. The banana pudding moonshine was my favorite, and it was also the one with the least alcohol content. There ended up being twelve bottles – none were emptied by the end of the night. We do have to ride 36 miles tomorrow!
Part of the group at start of the ride from the hotel.
Trail art
Pastries inside Hella’s bakery.
The sponge docks in Tarpon Springs.
One of the first groups that the did the longer route today as they arrived back at the hotel. Nick, Al, Joyce, Rita, Margaret & Balt.
Another one of the longer rider groups: Fred, Janet, Dave, Sue and Mark.
The last three riders in today…and to be fair, they the started later this morning due to a previous scheduled appointment. Ellen, Sara and Gayle.
Setting up for the bourbon testing.
Some of the socializing with Van, Clark, Dave and Geepa (the mastermind of this evening).
Acting silly with Sue, Linda and Janet.
Amy and I “showing off” our scars from surgery due to our broken wrists that happened last fall. We fell within two weeks of each other. I have to say that we both had good surgeons because you can hardly see the scars!