Greensboro to Monticello

In the morning, Kevin gave me a ride back to the casino where I took Nancy out of her sleeping quarters and headed off.  I had my eyes set on Monticello where I had been in touch with Zef and Oona of Warmshowers.  Needless to say, the legs were a wee bit tired after yesterday's mileage, but I was content to plod along and marvel at how ridiculous yesterday's events were in hindsight.  The ride into Tallahassee was enjoyably uneventful, went through some country roads that reminded me of New Brunswick's.

When I rejoined the highway just before entering the city, I noticed a giant RV pulled off on the other side of the divided highway.  As I got closer, I saw a huge logo on the side with a bicycle.  Crossing over to check it out, I was fortunate to meet Alex and Helen.  Together, with Alex cycling and Helen as an all-round-supporter, they are crossing America to raise funds and awareness for the Wounded Warrior project.  We had a great chat, along with another cyclist who happened to come by on a training ride, and Helen was even kind enough to make me a sandwich!

Check this out:  http://www.joinalex.com/

I rode into Tallahassee, awoken from my morning-long state of being in a daze of semi-sleep, and stopped by the Bicycle House.  What an awesome spot!  This community bicycle shop had all sorts of stuff going on and their enthusiasm about cycling and hearing about my trip was nearly overwhelming.  Scott, the owner, was able to give me some great route advice as well.  If you're ever passing through Tallahassee, I strongly recommend a visit.

http://bicyclehouse.org/bicycle_house/Home.html

It just so happens that Tallahassee is a very hilly spot.  Not a problem, but it was rather surprising.  After a nice rest at the Bicycle House, I headed off towards Monticello.  As I was about to leave the city, I realized that I was going to need a boost of energy and stopped by a nearby cafe to grab a few biscuits.  Crisis averted.  I was just started to get into an 'OK this is going to be less than ideal because I can't really feel my legs due to residual tiredness but I'll just get it done' mentality when I noticed a fellow cyclist up ahead.  He was just headed home a few miles down the road.  I don't think he realized it, but this fellow from the Philippines was exactly what I needed for morale boosting.  When we parted ways, I felt better in the way that only random conversations about the joys of bicycles can bring.

The bit to Monticello was certainly hilly, which was a choice I had made by deciding to stick to Route 90 rather than the much longer but flatter ACA mapped route, but it was also beautiful.  Lots of twists and turns in the road, Spanish moss, and pecan orchards.  When I got in to Monticello I gave my hosts a call from a Mexican restaurant as my cell phone had died, which may have confused Oona a bit as she saw the phone number and thought I had already eaten.  I assured her that I was nothing but hungry (as usual).

My evening at Zef and Oona's was nothing short of stellar.  They are tucked away in a beautiful spot with a guest cottage on the property that was mine for the night and stocked with snacks, though dinner with the two of them was so enjoyable that by the time I retreated to the cottage I headed straight for bed.  It was really neat to hear about their adventures and the way they are devoted to living life to the fullest.  There was delicious vegetarian fare for me and we even got onto the wonderful subjects of religion and politics!  Seriously though, even though I headed off the next day despite their open invitation to take a rest day, I left there feeling rejuvenated and excited to continue heading east.