Days 14 and 15: Myrtle Beach to Charleston, SC; Charleston to Savannah, GA -- Real Southern Hospitality!

Charleston and Savannah are two of the real southern treasures in the United States. They are filled with wonderful architecture, homes that look like museums, Civil War history (including Fort Sumpter in Charleston where the first shots of the Civil War were fired) and distinctive southern charm. You'll find these old, enormous trees in both cities -- Oak trees filled with Spanish moss that almost makes you feel relaxed just seeing it. We also looked forward to these cities because of the chance to ride with my brother, see good friends in Charleston and spend time with family in Savannah. Both rides posed some significant challenges.

As we reached the Atlantic coastline and traveled through South Carolina, we left the challenge of the hills and mountains behind. The relief we got from the flatter terrain, however, was replaced by the challenges associated with the heat of the south. With early morning temperatures in the 60s, clear skies and a cool breeze both days, we started our rides in relative comfort. But by about 10 a.m., we started to feel the press of the thermometer rising with temperatures reaching the mid-80s both days. When my brother, Jim, happened to mention that his bike's temperature guage indicated a road temperature of 95 degrees (because of the heat of the asphalt/pavement), I thanked him for his encouragement. But with his comment, I better understood the attention we needed to pay to ensure we were drinking enough fluids and taking in enough nutrition. Each time we stopped riding (and the breeze of the ride stopped cooling us), the sweat poured out. As much as I could drink, I remained thirsty. It made me realize how important it is what we eat/drink. Earlier this week riding to Myrtle Beach, I felt puny and without energy. Looking back, I realized that I didn't drink enough water, eat enough calories or take the other steps necessary for a strong ride. I was too quick to eat sugars and not the complex carbohydrates necessary to propel the ride. And I couldn't help but think about the "food" necessary for a strong journey of faith. How can I expect to develop a strong faith if I'm not eating the right things or taking in the right nutrition? Clearly, paying attention to what seem like minor and sometimes unimportant details makes a difference.

Myrtle Beach to Charleston:

A special thanks to David and Pam Cox in Charleston for their southern hospitality. There is no better thing after a long ride than to see great friends and be able to catch up a bit. Between a bit of pulled pork barbeque, okra and other southern fixings, having a chance to finish our ride with our family (including Lori, Leah and David), their family and get to see their kids and an evening tour of historic Charleston, you couldn't have asked for a better evening.

Charleston to Savannah, GA: After starting the morning with a wonderful breakfast of blueberry pancakes, bacon and juices (thanks again, Cox family), we reconnected with my brother and his colleague, Mike Lloyd, for the ride to Savannah. Our ride was filled with reminders that we were in the south. Stopping for lunch at a local cidermill, we saw such local delicacies as boiled peanuts and cowpeas. Much of our ride was through the tall Oak trees mentioned above and we saw several signs of large plantations and marshy areas. The day was warm again, so we made sure to stop on a regular basis to rehydrate, even having a mid-day picnic. Riding with Jim and Mike, we were able to draft a fair amount and save as much energy as possible. One of the real highlights today was having Leah join us out on the roads for about 8 miles at a pretty good clip (see video below). Her riding (and David's noisemakers) were a real encouragement.

Tonight we stayed with my brother, Jim, his wife Susan and their two daughters, Alexandra and Alannah. Thanks to them for all of their hospitality (as well as letting Jim join me for the last three days). With a traditional low country boil for dinner (i.e., boiled shrimp, corn on the cob and sausage) and an evening tour of historical Savannah, the day was complete.

Tomorrow we'll make our way to the southern tip of Georgia. In the meantime, the countdown is on for the 2nd Annual, Best-Ever TPCA Walk/Bikeathon. Make sure you have good meals prior to the event and plenty of water to keep you hydrated. What you eat makes a difference.

Charlie ("Growing Legs") Grandy