Tomorrow begins my last hurrah for the year. A good friend of mine and I are going to ride across Florida from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf, finishing in St. Petersburg over five days. We will begin at Playalinda Beach, dipping in there, then riding a network of trails and roads called the “Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail”. You can see more here: https://floridadep.gov/parks/ogt/content/florida-coast-coast-trail.
My friend is Randy. We have known each other since middle school, when we met singing in a school choir. Although we don’t see each other often, it is always a great time to reconnect. He’s never done any form of bicycle touring before – this will be his first touring adventure. He lives near a part of the trail here in Florida. A few months ago, he asked if I’d like to do the ride, and of course, I said yes. This will be my last adventure for 2026. As soon as I get home, I’m scheduled for season-ending shoulder surgery.
I’ll do a little blogging along the way with some pictures. I am hopeful to get a picture with a gator (at a safe distance) at some point.
Until tomorrow… May the Lord keep you and bless you.
Peace, Dcn. Matt
