12/21 Riding after dark for the first time. Miami

 

Total riding distance of the day: 163km(101 mi)

ODO: 2360km

AV: 20.9km/h

Set off at 07:15; camped at 19:30

Accumulate blowout: twice

Daily expenditure: $10 (Lunch at an Indian rest.)

Shower: Yes

Tent: No

 

 

Summary of the day:

Today, I rode after dark and ate 25 boiling dumplings for the first time.

Finally, here I come, Miami! I rode along the coast leisurely in the morning, and switch to race mode after two (riding 100km within 5 hours.)

After arriving Miami Beach this morning, I rode along on A1A road down south. A1A road is a seaside road, with bike trail and less cars.

Weather was nice, and there were country clubs and high-level residential district all the way. I met many cyclists as well.

 

 

a man with his 20 years-old bike.

There is a turtle nesting area in Miami Beach? Streetlights would be turned off for half year.

 

Around one in the afternoon, I was just too hungry. I couldn’t fine a rest. Along A1A (I supposed the area should be expensive to run one.) Therefore, I cut back to Road No. 1. Entered a shop which having “Free Wifi” outside of the restaurant. I didn’t notice it was an Indian restaurant after entering. It was not so “Indian” because they offer knife and folk instead of using hands.

Business lunch for $7.99 with soup

 

Dessert, I had the same in India.

 

Dessert tasted like flour balls boiled in syrup.

It was an important meal!!

I stayed in the shop from 12:50 till two. I asked for an extra bow of rice from the owner, used the internet found 高潔 on MSN. She found me her senior high school classmate-Pat address in Miami.

I got myself a place to stay tonight!

It was two o’clock already and I was still in Boca Raton. I had to be hurry. Pat was leaving to Orlando for Christmas at eight. It took me whole morning to reach 60km, and AV was around 16km/hr. I raced to Pat’s place after lunch, and it was 19:30 when I arrived. To me surprise, I don’t use to be so energetic in the afternoon, and today I still had AV 32km/hr in the evening. It must be the Indian lunch.

 

People are playing beach volleyball.

 

This is the navigation mentioned on tour guide. A day trip to Bahamas free port, $149, lunch included.

 

 

I was so lucky to see the whole process of raising bridge.

(because it's never happen in Taiwan,we don't have this kind bridge)

 

Landlord of the day: Pat. I supposed that I must be a postman of my previous life, having no problem to find an address.

There was not many options, I ate 25 boiling dumpling for dinner. What a nice meal!

Tomorrow I will heading to Key West, the most southerly spot of the States. I will stay there for Christmas. Hope there isn’t a journey over 100 miles a day. I prefer to ride leisurely.

Pedaling around the USA-20071122~20071131

 

        How far to cross USA? How far to make dream come true?

        The story runs as blend of “Bike” ,”USA” and ”Dream” and that might make your feet hurt to hearing about it.
       Frank pedaled his bike to cross USA

Frank:

       Go after your dreams with energy and passion or you may as well stand back and watch down the drain.

The simple idea of crossing USA, combined with the power of the human body and mind and spirit, is always fascinating me.

Listen to my heart, I hear destiny is calling me

“It takes courage and commitment to live dreams.”

Dream starts here……

Packing my stuff

Frank:
         I have been climbing mountains for many years. From my record I conquered 1^st Europe Mountain- Elbrus(5642m), 1^st North America Mountain -Mount McKinley(6194m).and so forth.

         Therefore the experience makes me become a packing expert.

See the picture , the box (22kg) was loaded up with cycling stuff and
                             yellow bag (26kg) was loaded up with camping gears.

"Yes! I'm ready."

 

Taiwan airport

My family ( Mother and young sister )took me to the airport.
I am deeply appreciated my family who support me to pursue my dream.

 

Popular tourist attraction
Statue of Liberty，Empire State Building，Times Square…and so on

 

Challenges

         It seems a wonderful journey, right? Not exactly.

         He faced the challenges that he had to overcome on this grueling journey.
        There were just a few more obstacles when he was crossing USA.

1.Catch a cold

Frank:
        I wanted to use my feet for all 8,000 kilometer of my journey on bike. But on the third day,
       I caught a severe cold so I had to slow down.
       Therefore I went to see my friend.

      Loot at the picture, I took bus to DC, my friend's place, I went there because the headache mostly drove me crazy.
      It was nice to take shower there

2. Miss Taiwanese Food

Frank :
        I can adapt easily to American food. But I know stomach is faithful to Taiwan's food.
Oh..I really miss Taiwanese food.

Taiwan lunch box (only USD 1.5) (Cheap and Yummy~)
-->This picture comes from Sophia's lunch box of Taiwan

In China Town, this meal (my dinnder food) cost me USD 7

3. Some troubles

(1) Peddle was broke.(It cost USD 18.5)

(2) Flat tire. (It cost me 13 mins to fix it)

(3) It is difficult to buy the gas after terrorist attacking USA.
Finally one gas station agreed to sell me some.
It cost me $0.59

[My journey]

Date	Places	Distance
11/22	HK airport
11/23~11/24	New York (Statue of Liberty，Empire State Building，Times Square)
11/27	Philadelphia
11/28	Philadelphia
11/28~11/30	DC

[New schedule]

12/1 DC
12/4 Richmond (Virginia)
12/12 Wimington (N Carolian)
12/20 Statesboro (Georgia)
12/27 Jacksonville (Florida)
1/7 Key west (FL)
1/12 Tallahassee(FL)

If I followed this schedule, I am afraid that I will arrive L.A in April.

Taiwan Fan-Sophia Report

[Reporter  introduction]

 

        It is a great honor to know Frank from “Iron Man” Competition.
        From my bottom of heart, Frank 's name is equal to “Iron Man” and
        his story inspires me to pursue my dream.

         I am so excited to talk about his on-going journey!!

My friend, Frank,--
             whatever happens, please just hang on.