September has come to a close for my cycling, but I’d like to state how grateful I am to you for your contributions, and to September on Hilton Head for providing a sunny, adventurous and flat-free month. To all the kids fighting cancer, know that you’re on our minds and to my fellow cyclists, ride on!!
Fueled by Frosted Mini Wheats, I set off cycling down Beach City Road, veering right on Dillon to Union Cemetery and 278. I encountered many walkers, joggers, cyclists and eBikers today, we must have all felt it was a great day to be out. I proudly wore the GCC jersey, and its splashy colors kept me noticed.
On a quiet Sunday morning ride, we encountered nothing too unusual. There was a spirited Little League ballgame and much fresh new sand at Fish Haul Beach, but no alligators, turtles, herons or horses today. I hit my 200 mile goal for September and plan to add a few bonus rides, hoping that helps produce a few more donations. Thanks for all the encouragement and for your generosity this month!
Another beautiful morning cycling to Squire Pope and over to Dillon Road. Returning down Dillon, a truck approached from behind with a German Shepard sticking its head out of the window. Two explosive barks scared the hell out of me, but the bike stayed on course.
The Cat Sanctuary is a curious stop on the ride to Mitchelville Park. The description says the sanctuary was purchased in 2011 by Claudia Kennedy, and is a 1.2-acre space surrounded by a high wooden fence and remains largely undeveloped. Volunteers stop by to attend to the cats daily and while the cats respond positively to their feeding, they remain indifferent to passing cyclists.
This was a relaxed ride cycling to Jarvis Creek Park, Mitchelville and on to the Fish Haul boardwalk, where we spotted a large turtle, small gator and a very large blue crab in the narrow estuary. There was also a fawn galloping alongside us as we approached the boardwalk.
The weather this time of year is spectacular, and the boardwalk at Michelville Park is a great spot to stop and take in morning views of the Salt Marsh.
There were many landscaping crews out on Marshland road today, adding the fragrance of freshly chopped pine and grass, as well as a plethora of bike path maneuvers. The route was loud and maintenance vehicle-cluttered, but once around them, it was a well-shaded and pretty cool ride.
I had a very pleasant, sunny morning ride with my friend Joe to log a few more miles. We hit Fish Haul Beach and its nearby boardwalk, as well as the boardwalk at Mitchelville park. I brought some bread to toss to the turtles, who had to fend off a wee alligator for their bites.
Cycling on down Gumtree to Squire Pope road, I called the brown horse over to the fence for a friendly pat on their head, which was greatly appreciated by both of us.
The legs are still reacclimating, but this was a nice morning ride to Coligny Plaza and back, with plenty of slips and slides on the occasionally sandy paths with my skinny, old-school road tires.
