| Ride Stats |
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Distance:
83.09 miles
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Altitude Gain:
1,760 ft
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Avg Speed:
16.29 mph
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Route:
Fruit Cove St Aug
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Avg Grade: 0 %
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Max Grade: 0 %
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Max HR: 0 bpm
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Avg HR: 0 bpm
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Terrain: Road: Flat
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Bike: Look 585 Carbon Road
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Club: Schuyler County Cycling Club |
| Weather Conditions: Sunny 75 F E wind @ 13 mph |
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Parked in the lot of one of the big outlet malls off the interstate at St Augustine and pedaled to the west to the alpine region of Florida. Not sure why things here have Swiss names, perhaps it was a joke in the past that stuck. The flat area is along the St Johns River and though there are no snow peaks visible there are an abundance of live oaks and spanish moss to look at. Hit SR 16 until the river and was surprised to find at one of my rest stops in a wooded area that I was being observed. Seems like someone purchased either plastic or ceramic facial features and nailed them to some of the larger trees giving them human characteristics. Reminded me of the scene form the Wizard of Oz with the angry apple trees. These oaks appeared friendly. Hit SR 13 and headed north along the river to Switzerland and Fruit Cove. Passed a very large group of riders moving fast down 13 the opposite way. Made the turn in Fruit Cove and headed out the Race Track Road. Stayed on the bike path for the most part and was pleased when I saw dozens of small bicycles in the lot of an elementary school. Didn't think children were allowed to pedal to school anymore but I guess the backwards Floridians haven't caught up with the north in protecting there children from exercise and fun yet. Bike path ended as I got closer to Rt 1 and had to do a couple of miles out on the highway with little shoulder and poor visibility as the road twisted through some swampy woods. Crossed I-95 and headed for the beach with the intention of riding back to St Augustine on A1A. Got lost in a huge housing development that advertised itself as the country's fifth fasted growing community. Pedaled around in circles and cloverleafs for a few miles and finally had to get out the smart phone and map to navigate my way out. Took some effort to escape but got back on course and located the beach and had lunch at a McDonalds. Thought I might have a headwind as I headed south but the early south wind had moved to the east and I was protected by the dunes as I cruised back up A1A. It really is hard to beat riding in December along the Florida coast with a favorable wind and I had a good section back to St Augustine. Caught a strong tailwind out of the Ancient City back up SR 16 to complete the ride at the outlet mall.
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