A change in the tour itinerary was made a few days back. Rather than bicycling another 50 miles directly into the wind (and riding the same trail/miles from Monday), the riders agreed with the tour director to go exploring on the Big Pine and No Name Keys. We met at 8am and were shuttled to Big Pine Key. The temperature was 80 degrees and the winds started out relatively low at 10mph out of the NE eventually reaching 17mph.
We made a stop at the Blue Hole and took a short walk to see a resident alligator. We had a SAG stop about 1/2 way through the ride. We saw very few Key Deer. We cycled to a dead end on the No Name Key and enjoyed the views.
We were on the last two miles of the ride, and unbelievably, Alan had another flat. We hoped it was due to using a CO2 cartridge to fill the new tube from the day before’s flat tire. We used a floor pump from the SAG vehicle and away he pedaled. He made it the last two miles to the No Name Pub at which point all bikes were loaded onto a truck and shuttled back to the hotel. Unfortunately, the tire went flat; fortunately we were done cycling for the tour. We cycled 22 miles for the day.
Inside the No Name Pub, the riders enjoyed a cool drink (water, soda or beer) and experienced the sight of dollar bills hanging everywhere.
The weeklong ride was everything that we had hoped for. I rode a total of 203 miles and Alan evened up to 210 miles. His extra trip over Seven Mile Bridge on Friday earned him bragging rights for the most miles of the week.
The Blue Hole was originally a limestone quarry. Over time it has filled with a “layer” of fresh water over the salt water below.
A resident alligator, just outside the trail was relaxing in the sun.
Artwork outside a local bike shop.
Our SAG stop on Big Pine Key.
Pat leading out our group of riders. Just behind him are Chris, Joyce and Alan.
Views from Big Pine Key Park.
The animal in this photo is not a dog, it is a Key Deer.
We reached a dead end on the No Name Key and captured the moment in photo.
Originally opened in 1931 as a general store, the No Name Pub opened as a tavern in 1936. We ended the week long ride here.
My friend Sue asked us to look for her dollar bill she “posted” in 2018.
More images of the dollar bills tacked up throughout the bar.
A Key Deer crossing the road and I snapped this picture from inside the shuttle van.