| Ride Stats |
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Distance:
45.92 miles
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Altitude Gain:
839 ft
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Avg Speed:
15.79 mph
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Route:
Palm Coast
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Avg Grade: 0 %
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Max Grade: 0 %
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Max HR: 133 bpm
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Avg HR: 111 bpm
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Terrain: Road: Flat
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Bike: Look Blade RS 795 Iconic Ltd Road
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Club: Schuyler County Cycling Club |
| Weather Conditions: Sunny 64 F NW wind @ 17 mph |
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Got to Palm Coast last night and it was seven-eight degrees. Got up this morning and it was thirty-eight as the cold wave rolled in. Wasn't what I had in mind, but as it is snowing at home guess I could be in worse shape. It did finally warm up into the fifties late in the day, but the warming was accompanied by gusty winds. It's been a few years since I have ridden in the area and it has certainly changed. Headed south on the Old Kings Road despite a steady seventeen mile an hour wind. The road used to be a two lane through a wooded area but now it is a four lane and heavily developed. Traffic was heavy and there wasn't a shoulder for a couple of miles but once I got to Volusia County there was a bike lane that made the ride a bit less stressful. Had to cross a couple of busy highways but eventual got to my goal of the state parks. Riding through the parks under a canopy of pin oaks and Spanish moss was still a thrill. The area was sheltered from the wind so didn't have to deal with it until getting close to Ormand Beach as the forest became swamp. The wind turned to have shifted to the west that was helpful as I was traveling due south. Crossed the bridge in Ormond Beach that provided the only climb of the day. Had trouble getting across the road after the bridge due to heavy traffic. Thought there might be a bike trail under the bridge but didn't look for it today. Wind plagued me as I headed north on the John Anderson Hwy that now was directly in my face. I was told Tom Petty used to live in this area and really think there should be a plaque or something. Road didn't have a shoulder but traffic was quite forgiving and had more trouble dealing with the wind as western gusts kept trying to blow me off the pavement. Didn't think leaving the pavement into the loose sand along the shoulder would be a good experience. Got back into the state forest and riding improved as the scenery was exhilarating for a northern boy. Didn't see any animals as think the winds kept the birds down and the cold kept the gators deep. Sun was dropping quickly and started to get a bit concerned about getting back before dusk but made it back okay. Shoulder was a little better going back on the highway on the eastern side. Will probably ride along the ocean tomorrow but stayed in the woods today so the blowing sand wouldn't sand blast my paint job. Not a bad ride but would have been better if it was warmer and without the wind. At least the sun was out and humidity was low.
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