Day 1 (Monday, May 8) started with a lot of angst. I'd been planning this trip for months and I was NERVOUS. I got a little sleep and was up before 7 a.m. By the time everything was on the bike and I was ready to roll it was 7:30 a.m.
After a tearful goodbye with my girlfriend, I was off from Wrightsville Beach. Monday morning traffic was light and I felt good despite the strong headwind. My mind began to race as I thought of what was to come. My first goal was to reach the Fort Fisher ferry before noon. Then I thought about how I'd probably have to pay in cash. And then it occurred to me...I forgot my wallet!
I head back to our room at the Summer Sands and after some frantic searching found my wallet. It ended up being about a nine-mile detour to retrieve it and I still find myself checking for my wallet about every half-hour during my rides.
I mainly followed the East Coast Greenway (ECG) throughout the day. I'm also using an app called Komoot to help route me off the main roads. The beach towns are great because they have a very laid-back vibe and little traffic.
Even with my detour, I reached Fort Fisher before noon. I paid the $2 fee for bicycles and queued up with the cars. I immediately sought out some shade under the trees where a few women were waiting outside their cars. They asked me about my trip since my bike was loaded with bags and sticks out. They told me another rider was waiting further up the line who was also doing the ECG from Maine to Florida.
On the twenty-some-minute ride, I met and got to know Kevin. He was a really nice guy and we hung out and ate lunch at the picnic tables in Southport. After lunch, we rode for a few miles before he stopped at a gas station and I carried on. I was riding at a faster pace but we exchanged info and figured we'd see each other down the road.
As the afternoon headed up, so did the volume of traffic. There was some construction along US-17 that left a very slim shoulder and no shade. With the persistent headwind, it made for a difficult afternoon.
I took a few breaks throughout the day to escape the heat and appreciate how cool it was that I was doing this ride.
This rundown Woody's looks a lot different from the Woody's restaurant that I go to in my hometown.
When I reached the town of Shallotte I knew I was close to my destination. The clouds began to build so I felt the need to hustle.
I rolled into
Makai Brewing Company in Ocean Isle Beach, NC around 4 p.m. finishing my 74.29-mile ride in 6 hours and 14 minutes of riding time. As I found a place to park my bike a nice older couple sitting outside asked about my ride. I told them about my plans and headed into the bathroom to rinse my face and clean up before I headed to the bar. I got a delicious IPA and was told that it was already paid for by the couple outside. After thanking them I went back in and got to talking with the bartender and a staff member who was off duty and having a few drinks.
Next door to the brewery was an Italian market where I picked up a sub for dinner. I called ahead last week and got permission to camp on the brewery property. I had a few more beers and socialized with the staff and other patrons. Of course, there were a few Pennsylvania connections, including a couple sitting next to me who was from Pittsburgh, basically the next town over where I grew up. As 6 p.m. neared and the brewery closed, Melissa, a bartender there with her husband, offered their guestroom to me.
I gladly accepted their generous offer and loaded my bike into the back of Kurt's picked. They let me shower and fed me dinner and were the best hosts I could ask for. Plus they had a great dog (Gambit) and a cat (Whisky) who were super friendly. All in all a great first day!
