Orienteering 101

We had great riding conditions today.  Temps started about 12C and got up to about 28C, but with no humidity.  Clear skies.  A wind out of the north/north-west had us cursing a bit at times, but it hopefully is just making us stronger.  

We had a few route challenges.  "Straight" at mile 8.5 was meant to read "Left".  I was able to make the correction quickly, but some of the others added a few bonus miles.  Later on we encountered a "Road Closed.  Local Traffic Only" sign.  The group ahead of me were told by a local motorist that we had to make a detour.  In fact, if a few more probing questions had been asked they would have discovered that bikes could get through; really just closed to cars.  Oh well - a beautiful day for a few extra klicks and it was lovely countryside.  Our guide also had a side trip that none of them like to make.  One of our riders lost control on some rumble strips and tumbled into the ditch.  She had her head and shoulder checked out.  She's fine, but will be pretty sore for a few days.  

Not much new scenery today.  Rural, country, forest and farmland.  

We did have one 10km ugly stretch of road to negotiate.  A shoulder about 12 to 18 inches wide with a dropoff to the right and deep rumble strips on the white line to the right.  Heavy traffic including lots of large trucks just beyond that.  I had to stop for some sanity on the bridge over the Altamaha River.  

Then back on to quieter roads for the last 10km into Glennville.  Once again we're in two no-name hotels.  Internet has been a bit sketchy for me.  I had to wander down to McDonald's earlier to get a good connect.  Hopefully this will post.  

We bid farewell to one of our guides, Denise, tonight.  She's off to lead a couple of trips to France, poor girl :(

Stats for the day:  107 km from Blackshear GA to Glennville GA.  Finally had a few rolling hills.  About 1400 of uphill and 1400 of downhill.  Not sure those climbing muscles haven't completely atrophied by now!