Blog--4/19/10 "All Muscled Up"

That's what the lady at the roadside stand selling boiled peanuts said to explain to her 11ish year old daughter why we can bike across the country--cuz we are all muscled up.  Since it was 85 miles into the day and I felt pretty used up, weak and achy, it seemed a bit off the mark!

Another 90 miles, today, gently rolling mostly,  mild headwind all day.   Should have been a few less miles but I missed a turn and we rode about 3 miles before I figured it out and backtracked.  Spent most of the day on US 90.  We are holed up in Chatahoochee,  on Lake Seminole and a mile from the Georgia state line.   In general we find the FL panhandle to be full of nice towns and nice people,  and the standard of living is higher than MS or AL.  For sure the roads are better, too.

A commenter asks how we deal with common biking problems, like saddle sores and hot feet and numb hands.   Here's our bit old folk medicine:  hot foot is really an irritated nerve and to prevent it, we use shoes with very INflexible soles and mount the cleats so that the pedal axle is at least half an inch behind the ball of the foot.   Also,  I take my shoes off anytime we are going to be stopped a while.   Numb hands-- no cure,  we just use several hand positions and good cork bar tape.  The only handlebar for long rides are drop-style take bars,  since they offer more hand positions.   Sore crotch--we stand up a lot!  Curse the saddle!!  Don't be afraid to adjust the tilt.  Go buy another saddle, (I've had dozens over the years).  We both swear by Bag Balm to prevent chafing.   It's cheap and it works.  Saddle sore--there's more than one kind, but usually they are inflamed hair follicles or clogged pores.   Right after the ride,  when they are red and angry,  I shower and wash thoroughly (also the best preventative) then sterilize a needle with heat or alcohol and pop it.  I squeeze out all the blood and crud then rub antibiotic ointment into it. Do it ASAP after the ride to give max healing and things should be much better in the morning. Whew!!  Cleanliness is next to Godliness in the crotch department.  We get out of our shorts as soon as we can and wash them after every ride.

Another writer asks about costs.   Staying in motels or B & Bs, as we do,  lodging is the big cost,  $50 - $80 per day,  more in big cities, or tourist traps.  Camping would lower this dramatically,  but the added weight would make the trip take longer.   Food-wise,  we have changed our approach as the trip has progressed and we've tired of diner food.  We are buying more food in grocery stores.  Cereal,  fruit & milk and we are all set for breakfast even if the motel has no continental breakfast.  Most motel rooms have mini-fridges and microwaves and you can use the water glasses for bowls.   Grab some plastic knives,  forks and spoons and you have lots of choices,  especially in the frozen food section.

    We do generally stop around 30 miles in at a cafe,  if possible,  for a second breakfast.   Lunches are eclectic--convenience store stuff,  Mexican cafe or Subway are best bets,  but ALWAYS ask locals for suggestions.   We got a great lunch recommendation from a chatty mailman today in Marianna.  So we figure it is costing the two of us $100 to 125 per day, but camping and buying all food at grocery stores would keep it well under 50 per day.  Bike expenses have been nil--new tires and chains before we left and a couple of extra, innertubes.

Another commenter asks if I'm planning on writing a book about the trip.   Nope,  but if anyone knows of a publisher that might be interested in a bike-racing themes novel,  I have one ready to go.

Doug