Day 7 of biking PA to NC

Goldsboro to Wrightsville, NC - 94 miles - 1153 ft of elevation gain

I checked the wind direction for my route today and it looked like it was going to be favorable. I’ve determined that a headwind is at the top of my do-not-like list. This might be taking it too far, but I’d take getting spat on over a headwind for 90 miles.

After an odd hotel stay, I was ready to get on the road and finish this ride. It was a brisk 50 degrees when I pulled out, so I was clad in leg and arm warmers. I even broke out the new gloves for the last ride. Let’s not talk about how many times I had to wipe my nose with the old gloves that left them less than desirable for wearing one more day.

Most of the day was on rural roads with varying shoulder widths. There was hardly any traffic until I reached Wilmington. The first part of the ride was a little slower because of the wind, but once the wind turned towards my back I was cruising. The legs felt great considering all I was demanding of them. Just don’t ask me to walk gracefully down stairs or try to run.

By the time I reached Wilmington the temps were in the 70s and I was rolling quite nicely. The map got a little squirrelly towards the end of the ride, but I managed to navigate my way with some bike carrying. I was surprised by the lack of a clear and consistent bike path or lane to the beach, because it seemed like it would be a great area to bike. They should consult with Delaware on biking in beach towns.

I had a small party waiting for me at the beach. Sue and Joel moved from Lancaster to the greater Wilmington area a few months ago, they both helped out with Lifecycles, so it was great to see them. I took the obligatory beach-bike picture and then decided to jump in the water. I kept my helmet on because it was filled with salt deposits already so I thought it could use an ocean cleansing. The water felt great. I did remark how few people were in the water and that if we had been up north so many more would have been in the water, since it was such a good temperature. We chatted on the beach and then headed to the car to drive to Sue and Joel’s home. A hot shower, dinner outside, and good conversation were just what I needed to close out this crazy bike ride.

Thank you to all that donated to Lifecycles as a result of me riding my bike far. I appreciate your willingness to help more teens ride their bikes and challenge themselves physically, mentally, and spiritually to Do Hard Things. The donation link is below in case you would like to join the effort in supporting Lifecycles.