Waking up Friday morning at South Beach, we had to make a decision to ride or not for the day. We were warned that winds would reach 70 mph so we made a group consensus to stay at South beach for another night and not ride. Luckily this state park has a hospitality center with puzzles, games, cards, and magazines. We didnt want to tent as we mifht blow away so As we waited for a yurt, we did a cathedral puzzle. A young lad walked in and asked to hang out. His name is Nick and just had cycled 90 miles. As we got to know him, we asked if he wanted to join our yurt which would make it only 10 dollars a night for a bed, heat, and electricity.
Also...Nick is a bike mechanic and has been itching to work on bikes. Sandy had been squeaking for days so nick took care of that for him, put new brake pads on and he lubed up all of our chains before we left south beach.
The typhoon winds did not settle down all weekend. We spent all weekend at south beach and our amazing camp host, Jack, drove us into town to do laundry at Newport bike shop and grocery shop. The next day he took us to art galleries and even bought us lunch. Every night but the last night we stayed there, we built a fire in the rain to cook our dinner which was mainly bean tacos every night with tortilla chips and sometimes a 6 pack.
During this time, Sarah has made the decision that it is best if she quits the tour. We must always do whats best for ourselves and follow our instincts. I wish her the best.
I ride on not alone. Sandy and Nick are my new riding team. The three of us were able to finally leave south beach-which was the best park to be held up at for a long weekend- Monday morning.
