The Southern tier. East to west.

[ray b]

Incredible..... Sorry to hear. Some of us have had similar experiences - but over the course of years, not hours. Can only hope the culprits both times were one and the same.

Should probably get back on the road just have the reassuring experience of getting to a more civilized (less crowded) area of the country.

Nonetheless - I compliment you on your start date - plenty of time, and then some, before the higher altitudes out west.

Age 70, Souther Tier next spring is on the list of possibilities..., but we'll see.

[Westinghouse]

Incredible..... Sorry to hear. Some of us have had similar experiences - but over the course of years, not hours. Can only hope the culprits both times were one and the same.

Should probably get back on the road just have the reassuring experience of getting to a more civilized (less crowded) area of the country.

Nonetheless - I compliment you on your start date - plenty of time, and then some, before the higher altitudes out west.

Age 70, Souther Tier next spring is on the list of possibilities..., but we'll see.

It was a wake-up call that--not all is well and good. The first missile in Stuart could have been lethal if it had struck the neck or an artery in the leg.  The black jeep in Fort Pierce got outsmarted. Had it been successful it would have been death there on the spot. The facts are the first one missed me, and I expected the second attempt. There was only (1) place they could make their next move. When I came pedaling up to that sort of place, I out-maneuvered them.  I completely deliberately changed my pattern of motion, and it worked.

One thing about bicycle touring. It does make you vulnerable. Bicycling roadways  across a continent brings you to the attention of thousands of people in cars. These people would not know you existed at all if you traveled by automobile. In the deranged minds of criminals, a lone person on a bicycle might seem like an easy target. Reports of gruesome crimes are in the media constantly. The first one took me by complete surprise. The second one I out-maneuvered.  I deserve a Darwin award for that one in Fort Pierce, and for the train derailment in Ireland. I survived both. I survived because I knew what was going to happen before it happened. I conducted myself according to my fore-knowledge of these events in a deliberate act for the express purpose of surviving whole and functional. Surviving these attempts was not a matter of chance, luck, timing or mere happenstance. They were foreseen and heeded.

[bobbiedobbs]

Cool that you at least give it a shot. Florida is a beast to bike. I've done various parts of it. I am doing a loop starting and ending in Del Rio in April-May. Taking 90 from Del Rio to Marfa than doubling back through Pecos, Midland, Eldorado. So is 90 still a bitch re chip seal in Texas (asking others who have ridden it). I don't want to ride I-10. cause it's no fun plus debris in the shoulder.

I am 72 1/2 . The main thing for me is worry about breakdowns without a bike shop for hundreds of miles. There are shops in Del Rio and Midland - that's it along my route. I have been trying to find someone I could pre-pay to bail my ass out (fix my bike) in the event of a level 2 problem (Level 1- easily repaired, like a simple flat, brake adjustment). Level 2 - someone with mechanical acumen could repair (broken chain, more substantial gear or brake problem. Level 3- Needs a bike shop. I would also pay actual expenses. Not a sag but an insurance policy. So far no takers. Have tried bike clubs, associations, everything. My wife is worried silly. But bike is in great shape and probably I will be fine. There is always an element of risk.

Back to you - sorry you couldn't complete it. I've gotten clipped by a sideview mirror in the Florida Keys, also practically run off the ride several times. Any possibility of another, less difficult trip?