Cycle 48 Miles to Abita Brew Pub

Green caboose at the Kids Playground Trail Head on our way west on Tammany Trace
Wednesday, April 14, we hit the trail by 10:55 a.m. When we get to the trail head the rest rooms are closed for repair--not a good sign. The high gets to 76 degrees after a low of 60 with 75% humidity; that is way higher than it has been. The wind helps us on the way out. We get to Mandeville in one hour and 22 minutes--a new record! I ran over a green snake, pencil size, when I didn't see it on the trail in front of me.

Partially submerged gator in a pool right next to the bike trail

At our first rest break I took my heart rate as I jumped off the bike--126 beats per minutes! Lance Armstrong said in his book that 130 is a moderate ride for him. We continue on and at last enjoy lunch at Abita Brew Pub. We split a Grilled Shrimp and Avocado Salad with Remolaude and a Turkey Sandwich. After lunch we take a break in the sun by the famous pavilion that was moved here from New Orleans. I snap some pictures. This time Bob points out the legend of the Springs healing powers. Many years ago a dying Choctow princess was brought to drink from a natural spring flowing from a cypress stump. After drinking from the spring she fully recovered. The healing properties of Abita Springs have been famous ever since.

There's nothing left to do but head back against the strongest wind yet the whole way. We saw a gator, about a four-footer, in a new spot. Bob's sharp eye spotted him at 8 miles an hour and we stopped for a picture. We got back to the truck at 5:50 after 7 hours and 47.5 miles. We're both very tired. It's 6:38 p.m. and 73 degrees with 64% humidity.