GCC Friends:

We had a very good ride yesterday, riding on rail trails as much as possible. We stopped for lunch with a view of the St. Johns River, but then road into a stiff headwind on SR207 with full bellies. Ugh. Luckily, we were within 15 miles of our destination by then. We arrived in plenty of time to pitch our tents, shower, and explore.
There is light drizzle now at that should clear soon, judging from the radar image. Pleasant temperatures, no bugs. Overall, excellent camping weather.
The 4 GCC cyclists who rode here yesterday have been warmly welcomed! The camping spot is nice. We have a portable shower with hot water. The organizers really have gone out of their way to make us comfortable.
Some cyclists from St. Augustine rode through yesterday and told us they attended last year and that the main festival (today's event) was great. (Last night's 4-hour entertainment and food pre-festival was a first-time experiment). Today there will be music, dancing, a bike raffle, fresh produce, and arts & crafts for sale.  Blues artist Willy Green will perform at 2 PM, and is not to be missed.
Several people have approached our GCC group very amazed that we made such a long journey by bicycle just to attend the festival! A film producer will be filming today us. Herb Hiller (Bike Florida founder) is here, too, and he is working on an article that will feature our ride from Gainesville to the Festival. Herb is very involved in preserving the cultural heritage of the Gullah Geechee Corridor communities that extend from the Carolinas to here. Herb informed me that a
State Department official (folklorist) will also be attending today's main event, along the same line of preserving the cultural heritage of these important farming communities.
Food? Last night there was grilled sausage with peppers and onions, and fried fish dinners with all the fixings, as well as boiled and roasted peanuts, and home made baked goodies available for purchase. Additional food will be available today.
We have room for more campers. Bring you folding chairs, and your bikes.

I hope you can come out!

-Ally

Sent from my iPhone