Today we left the hotel at 9 am and carpooled to the Good Neighbor Trail in Brooksville where the temperature was 58 and the winds were a headwind out of the N/NE at 10 mph. We started riding about 10:00 am after a few group photos.
All riders rode the length of the Good Neighbor Trail (10.1 miles) and then onto the Withlacoochee Trail. We all rode north for about 5 miles until we reached the Lake Townsen Preserve where the water/snack stop was staffed by Randy from Trek of Spring Hill. Some riders made this their turn around point, while others continued about 7.5 miles more to Floral City.
Some riders went to Ferris Groves and enjoyed an orange or strawberry milkshake and other Florida treats such as a strawberry parfait. I had the strawberry parfait.
By the time we reached Floral City it was about 12:30 pm (lunch time) so a few riders had lunch at the Shamrock Inn. The food was good, but the wait was too long as staffing was short. When it became apparent how long the wait would be, most of the group headed back to Brooksville and had lunch at the Coney Island or ice cream at Frosty Franks. Since I had lunch in Floral City, I had my dessert from Frosty Franks at the end of the ride.
It is worth noting the wind managed to change directions and was now once again a headwind from SE at 8 miles per hour and the temperature was now near 80. I rode back with Dave, John, Balt and Joyce and we were all pretty tired when we reached Brooksville. I rode about 46.5 miles.
Once back at the hotel, the evening started outside near the pool and we moved indoors when the sun went down and it cooled off. We shared wine, beer, more scotch/whiskey and pizza. Van purchased the pizza and I had convinced him that most people had eaten dinner, and we only needed two pizzas. It was probably some of the worst advice I gave all week as the pizza disappeared quickly.
As the night neared the end, one of my rider friends (Balt) told me that I should be proud of organizing the event. He said that I needed to enjoy the success, because as humans we tend to beat ourselves up when we do things wrong or make a mistake, and we forget to enjoy the wins. It made me stop and think and realize just how lucky I am to have such great friends!! I am not quite sure when the next 2018 C2C Reunion will be, but one thing I am sure of, it will be a great time!
Everyone acting just a little goofy during the photo taking.
And one photo with everyone giving the “John Shafer” thumbs up.
Randy from Trek Spring Hill, and my friend, set up the snacks and water for today, He waited until everyone came through on the way back as well.
Out on a dock along the Withlacoochee River with Linda, me, Janet and Sue.
Julie took this photo of a group of us on the same dock from the prior photo.
A gorgeous old live oak.
Rita, Nick and Joyce enjoying orange and strawberry milkshakes at Ferris Groves in Floral City.
Outside the Shamrock Inn
Frosty Franks