Day 1 – Waves, NC to Currituck, NC

78 miles
May 27, 2006

…and I’m off!

I woke up at about 8am this morning, finished packing my bike, and cleared out the house. My family accompanied me to the beach for the obligatory “Dip the bike tire in the Atlantic Ocean” photo-op. Then it was time for hugs and goodbyes, and my teary eyed mom telling her boy to be careful!

So finally on my own at about 10am I started the big ride. The long bridge over the Oregon Inlet was an interesting cruise, with wide ocean on all sides. The uphill crest in the middle of the bridge to allow for passing ships would end up being the most climbing I’d do all day. Everything has been flat at sea level.

I followed the coastline north through Nags Head – quite a bicycle friendly little town. I saw a lot of people on bikes. There was a wide bike path along the side of the road, and a public beach restroom even had a “bicycle parking” sign.

…and there are a lot of pretty girls in Nags Head!

Speaking of which, about an hour later, I passed a Hooters restaurant with a crowded patio. There must have been a birthday party or something because they had balloons and stuff out on their front patio. Anyway, everybody at the restaurant cheered and waved at me as I rode by! I felt like a superstar.

This afternoon I discovered that the entire North Carolina shoreline is beautiful. It was pleasant to ride at sea level all day, passing large bays, inlets, farms, and Victorian homes with ancient, sprawling, shady trees. Tonight I’m at a sweet campground right next to the water. It’s a bit windy.

Life is good.