As some of you already know, and others may have already guessed or suspected, I’ve been thinking hard about possibly changing my destination for this adventure for some days.
I’ve worked hard to get around the (mainly) weather issues that have had such a bearing on this trip, and which have been in excess of anything I could have predicted. All of this craziness has meant making frequent changes to my itinerary in order to get to reachable motels for the night that are within my budget!
THE DAWN PATROL: As you’ve all seen from the blog, for many days now I’ve partially got around the weather problems by leaving extremely early in the morning and riding through the cooler part of the day without taking a proper meal and coffee break until I arrive. Up to a point this has worked but I have to admit, it’s exhausting. The pleasures of each day’s ride – which are always, without fail, amazing – are in danger of being ‘swamped’ by the gruelling schedule itself, which is not why I’m here. So I’m making the call.
THE PLAN: My solution is simple – I’ve decided to end this epic journey down the Eastern Seaboard of the United States at Delray Beach, home of my brother Oliver and his wife Laurice, instead of down at the Keys, and it seemed appropriate, having spent so long by the Atlantic Ocean, to make the new ‘official’ finish point the old 1929 Delray Beach Pavillion, right on the A1A, beside Delray’s Public Beach. So that’s my new target! Delray.
Please feel free to pass on your own thoughts in the comments below – you’ve all given me such incredible support, which has been such a massive help in me getting this far.
The thing is though, I’m not at Delray yet, and outside my motel room in Daytona right now thunder is rumbling and the skies over the ocean have suddenly turned turbulent and amazing!
I know from looking at the map just how much cycling there still is to do, so I’m focussed on making the next few days every bit as memorable as the last 46 have been. Thanks so much for your terrific support, and see you again vey soon.
INCIDENTSᐧOFᐧTRAVEL 
Wise decision. Gives you a first class reason to do the last teeny bit some other day. Or why not start at the Keys and head North to see it all in reverse… some day.
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Thanks Judith! Yes, the keys will have to wait. I’ve been saying that for years of visiting my brother!
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A difficult decision but the right one. The AccuWeather forecast looks equally wet which is sheer bad luck as I think Jane had great weather last year. Fort Lauderdale airport was flooded for three days in April so Burgermeister will have to wait for another trip. Safe journey.
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Thanks Amanda, I’m just working out how to divide up the remaining miles into what James Taylor called ‘doable doses’!
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Seems like a very good call! According to Google, USA Today and the Travel Channel voted Delray Beach ‘best small town in US with beautiful beaches, eclectic art spots and fantastic events. Sound like a good place to chill!
I’m reminded of that article you once posted about Mamils! Day 76 of your Canada trip. Battling against extreme weather conditions is not one of the reasons for pedalling!!
Lots of admiration from colleagues and friends here in Germany with the ECO.
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That explains the sudden German presence in my blog stats! I was wondering. Also Vietnam, but I don’t think that’s the ECO. Unless the tour routes have changed since my day…have a great time and please send my best to everyone. Is Steph there?
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Delray is a great spot, still feels like there’s some nature surviving amongst the dunes, unlike further south towards Boca and Fort Lauderdale. Popular with tennis pros too I believe.
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Thought you would be interested!
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so much for this, and sorry to have missed the day – did you watch??
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Sounds like a good call, Ben, and I’ve been wondering if you would have to cut it short. But I’ll miss the blog and will be sad when the journey finishes!
Px
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Me too Penny – but I’m sure now that Delray is a much better plan! Nothing beats being with family. X
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