Slept in a bit this morning, knowing that we anticipated a 7:00 a.m. start time. Devin was very sweet; last night, she and Mary Ann made a grocery store run and bought pre-made frozen pancakes, syrup, and some fruit for a special breakfast. Very thoughtful!

We got all the gear loaded up, and also 5 of the bikes. We had anticipated Pastor Bert Hutson from the Baldwin Assembly of God Church to arrive at 6:45 am to ride with us from Glen St. Mary to Jacksonville. However, he didn't arrive on time as was anticipated, and we got a call from his wife saying they were running late. It was decided to meet in another town up the road, MacClenny, in the parking lot of the CVS Pharmacy. Mary Ann, Sherri, and Gary rode those first couple of miles to the CVS, where we met up with Pastor Bert. Then we all rode/drove up to Baldwin where we parked the two vans in the yard of a church member of Pastor Bert's. All 9 of us then rode a short distance to the trailhead of the Jacksonville-Baldwin Trail. 14.5 miles of a smooth rails-to-trails, with tall trees creating shade for most of the way. Very pleasant. After we completed the trail, we still had about 9 miles to go to the Hyatt Regency which is hosting the HDSA National Convention. A church member had mapped out a good route for us, avoiding most traffic.

It was very gratifying to be a part of a peloton of 9 bicyclists. Pastor Bert did a great job leading us right to the entrance of the Hotel, along the riverfront of the St. John's River, which flows from South to North.

We arrived, to be greeted by a few folks. No more grand entrances any more. We screwed things up two years ago in Minneapolis when we were late and so the staged arrival was dropped.

Pastor Bert's wife arrived in their 15 passenger van to take Gary, Sherri, and me back to Baldwin to pick up the vans and drive them into Jacksonville. Many thanks to the Pastor and his wife!

Gary drove in solo (with the GPS built into his Chrysler Town and Country.) I was fortunate to have Sherri and her smart phone with a GPS that directed me. Pulled up and unloaded all the luggage, etc. but left the sleeping pads, bedding, and non-essentials in the van. Sherri, Charlotte, and Mary Ann escorted the luggage up to our room while I attempted to find a place to park the van. It has a Thule storage box on the top so it won't fit in the parking structure. It just kills me that parking is not included in rooms that cost $130/night. I ended up parking the van along the street temporarily.

Later on, Sherri and Mary Ann borrowed the van to take Mary Ann's bike to a bike shop where it would be packed up and shipped back to CA. Then they found a place to park for only $7/24 hours.

Rested some, after a shower. Checked in at the registration desk for the Convention, and looked around a bit at the Convention displays.

Went back to the room, and rested a little more before going downstairs and walking down a few blocks to a honky tonk called Maverick's at the Landing. There was a reception there, light cheese, fruit, and 1/4 sandwiches which had pretty much run out by the time we got there. Part way through, there were a few remarks by the HDSA CO Louise Vetter, the Chairman of the Board Steve Seekins, and the local chapter president. Our names were mentioned (a few mispronounced) and our fundraising effort. That took the place of the arrival greeting.

All the noise from talking (or yelling) over the loud music really became too much. Charlotte and I walked back to the Hyatt and relaxed before turning in relatively early.

Today I rode 23.63 miles in 2:35:41. Those who rode the whole way rode 35 miles, making the whole route 973 miles, just a tad under the anticipated 1000 miles. I only picked up 2 cents while riding; couldn't stop and pick up all the road change I was seeing because of riding in the peloton. Boo Hoo!

Our room is on the 7th floor, with a beautiful view of the river and buildings on the other side. Very picturesque!

Hard to believe that this year's ride is completed. There will be a few loose ends to tie up at home when I get there in a week. I will get all the donations posted on the FirstGiving website. The official announcement is now known that the 2014 National Convention will be held in Louisville KY. Hmmmm ....

With love from Jacksonville "where Florida begins,"
Marie