Inch by inch, Foot by foot, Mile by mile

Day 17
From Whiteville NC
To North Myrtle Beach SC
Mileage estimated 55
Mileage actual 55
Top speed 22 mph
Riding time 4 hrs 4 mins

The chef at the buffet restaurant last night must have been called Montezuma as he exacted his revenge on a number of the group, myself included. I got and early night in anticipation of the short day ahead and the chance to sort many things out, including a walk along a beach and in the surf - most important for foot care - but the night was interspersed with numerous bathroom visits. I told Al that I would get up when he had returned from breakfast and missed out on the meal, so when we eventually set off, I was riding with no fuel in the tank. I had called at Walgreen's for some sort of remedy but found that it didn't open until 8am and we were due to leave at 7.30am.

Today, then, was a day to follow and hope for a 'draft' from one of the others in the group. Johnnie looked after me today because as we got nearer to the coast, the winds increased and got into our faces. I just kept my eye on the computer and watched the distance go by slowly. We got to the first and only SAG stop and nearly everyone was there; there was a quietness about the group today and one or two others were suffering so the usual good spirits were not much in evidence.

We crossed another state line today, crossing into South Carolina. Hopefully that will take us away from the crazy dogs that North Carolina threw at us. There were a lot more today and most of them were a lot more aggressive than they have been in the past couple of days, with at least three chasing us down the road despite the usual shouts to deter them.

I just rode today counting down the miles to the end of the ride and eventually we got into North Myrtle Beach and along Ocean Boulevard finally arriving at the Best Western before 1pm. Shane, the group leader had driven ahead and told the receptionist about the ill ones and arranged for rooms to be ready for us. He must have done a really good job because Al and I were allocated a corner suite overlooking the Atlantic. Not that it bothered me much as I got to the room, got my bags and my bike safe, had a shower then went straight to bed and never moved until 7pm.

Al brought me some food from the dinner buffet and I have managed to retain that, so tomorrow may see me back to full health and getting that walk on the beach! I want to do a bit more than just enjoy the view!