Day three (Wednesday, May 10, 2023) and I was looking forward to getting to Charlestown to stay with my coworker/friend Susan. Charlestown holds a special place in my heart because of a visit last year for my birthday with my girlfriend and my Libby.
Libby had been sick for a few months and we were very close to saying goodbye to her in January of 2022. In March, she pulled through and we all had an amazing trip exploring Charlestown. Libby left us in December but that trip is a very special memory and will forever live in my heart.
Okay, back to this trip. I was up early and on the road by 7:15 a.m. There were storms around me last night but only a little bit of rain. I broke down camp and traveled back down the dirt road from the Hidden Marina Campground to jump back on the rural roads.
As I rolled down the road, the universe talked to me again when I found Hummingbird Drive.
The first hour of my ride took me through a lovely forest road where I only saw one or two cars. It was a great way to start the day.
I moved Mr. Turtle away from the road to be sure he had a safe and happy day.
The tree canopy on many of these roads were so beautiful.
All good things must end and it was back on US 17. The shoulder was better today and the semi trucks were great about giving me space. It helped being on the road early in the morning since traffic was lighter.
When given the chance, I jumped off to parallel roads to get away from the cars and back into nature.
Around lunch I got near Mount Pleasant and took the empty sidewalk to avoid the three lanes of cars.
I picked a local hotdog spot, Jack's Cosmic Dogs, for lunch based on some reviews. It was busy but it allowed me to charge up my phone and escape the heat for a bit. A tasty meal.
When I reached the
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge I decided to take about a half-hour to relax in the park before climbing the large bridge. I've ridden the bridge before so I knew it had a great path along and really nice views of Charlestown.
I tweaked my right knee on the first day of the trip and it was causing more pain throughout the day. I took more ibuprofen after lunch and the rest helped me muster enough energy for the bridge.
It was a slow climb up the bridge loaded down with all my gear. The ride down the other side was fun and a little scary with the speed.
I through town and across the West Ashley bridge to get out to Susan's house. Traffic was backed up but I cruised past on the side and in the bike lanes. The afternoon got close to 90 and I was feeling the heat. The last two miles I had to push hard up a hill in traffic but someone behind me was nice enough to act as a blocker to allow me space. When I get to Susan's house I had to sit for about ten minutes to allow myself to recoup.
It was fun catching up with Susan. A few years ago before I switched roles at my company, I was the Marketing Specialist for Susan and her nursing programs. I really enjoyed working with her. I went to dinner with her and her husband and they were super hospitable. I also got to use their therapy machines which helped my knee feel a little better. A great end to a good day on the road!
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