The lost coast of Florida

July 2 170 Km

Today’s Points 0 Total Score 3

Money

I found $60 dollars today, a 50 and a 10 on the side of the road making it a good day. This along with the 100 from Bill Tom, and the 35 from other people plus some odd change, adds up to $200. So lately I have actually been making money. Who knew that going on tour could be a money making venture. Typically I spend less than $20 a day, mostly on food. I try to avoid restaurants as much as possible because of the poor calorie to dollar ratio although McDonald’s dollar menu is tough to beat.

More rain but I made it to Gainesville where I am staying with a friend for a few days. Hurray to be resting

July 1 170 Km

Today’s Points -1 Total Score 3

My ass is so sore

Maybe it’s the rain, maybe it’s the long miles I’ve been putting in every day, or maybe it’s my bike seat, but my but is the most sore it has ever been. Every night for the past two weeks I haven’t been able to sit down comfortably. I’m told that the wet, sweaty, dirty shorts will do this. All I know is that after Gainesville, I hope that the rest of the bike, and the smaller miles will make it more bearable. Suggestions would be appreciated.

June 30 158 Km

Today’s Points +1 Total Score 3

Bill Tom from Cut and Shoot

After a long day in the saddle, it was raining as I came into a small Florida fishing town. It was raining so I stopped underneath a hotel awning where some guys were grilling out. I got to talking with them. They were oil spill cleanup workers. They worked on boats putting out boom, sausage like buoys that are supposed to keep the oil away from the shore. They offered me a beer, then some food, and pretty soon they offered me a place to stay. Great guys, all from Texas. Very friendly warm and welcoming. Texans are really nice people. Chris and Colt let me stay in their room and this Bill Tom from Cut and Shoot Texas told some wild stories. So animated. Told stories with taking a breath spilling beer everywhere and wiping his tobacco spit on his pants. Bill Tom was a marine and loves his country. He loves his countrymen, and God. But he was a racist, that talked openly about cutting and killing people. I am not sure how much of it was true but I am glad that I was white and was on his good side. I’m not sure how friendly they would have been to me if I had been black. Bill Tom gave me $100 and I told him I would read the book of Mormon.