THE GOOD TIMES STILL ROLLING ALONG!

As day five of our 2013 annual retreat to Hilton Head Island continues, the Wood-Man and I continue to enjoy the riding opportunities in this League of American Bicyclists Silver level town.

(The bike path along William Hilton Parkway)

On Wednesday, the four of us took the opportunity to ride…

the well groomed paths and trails at Palmetto Bluff, a private development that allows outside cyclists to enjoy their handiwork of paved paths leading down to the village at the May River.

(Wood-man & Sherry Shazam at Palmetto Bluff)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(The Navigator checking out the local inhabitants..)

In addition to numerous fowl populating the trees along the estuary, the following fellow and what was apparently his or maybe her clan eyed us suspiciously.

We counted 12 of these denizens of the mildly deep at one point while they observed the 4 of us. Some ventured quite a bit closer but were camera shy and would disappear under the water just as I was ready to snap an image.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Zeke and the Navigator cruising the bike path)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Zeke in his Hincapie produced Blue Ridge Breakaway 2013 jersey)

The paved path has off-shoots of packed gravel that take riders along the water ways and eventually back to the golf course and village. On this particular day, my left crank chose to separate itself from my bike, which was an interesting feeling having a loose bike part stuck to my shoe. Fortunately, it happened at a slow speed on level ground and I was able to come to a full stop without falling over. Even more fortunate was that the Navigator, riding behind me, was able to capture a second part of the crank assembly that rolled away from my bike. We were back up and running shortly after reassembling items.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(The center of the village enjoys the watchfulness of these great trees!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Beautiful chapel along the May River)

The 11 mile round trip cruise was quite enjoyable for the four of us. All that was asked for was that we register at the entry gate, sign an understanding of behavior, and affix the Palmetto Bluff pass decal to ourselves. I still had mine on my helmet from last year and only had to provide the number. Everyone we met, excepting one individual, was very friendly and greeted us pleasantly.

The eating aspects of this trip have been as good as the riding aspects. Our evening meals have consisted of grilling at “home” one night and eating out the next. On Tuesday, we enjoyed a meal at the Old Oyster Factory, a place we ran across on one of our daily rides about the island last year.

(Sunset at the Old Oyster Factory, 2012)

It didn’t look like this image this year as a serious squall traversed the island just as we sat down at our table. Serious winds driving the rain sideways limited the views of the bay this year. It did look like this however…

(Zeke and the Navigator prior to an excellent meal!)

Upon the advice of the good dudes at Road Fish bike shop, the Wood-Man and I were able to get in some climbing by doing bridge repeats on the Cross Island Parkway.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Wood-Man nearing the pinnacle of the bridge)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(The view after my first descent. Headwinds required pedaling downhill this day)

So, the annual RRR&E (rest, relax, ride & eat) adventure continues with 3 more days to enjoy island life. We’ll see what unfolds…

Until later,

-Zeke