Bicycle Trip

Sunday, 12/5/10-Monday, 12/6/10. How long has it been since you’ve taken a long bicycle ride? Well, I just did it.

I rented a bike for the day with the intention of riding to the northern end Ambergris Caye. That is where there is a channel between Belize and Mexico.

Because it had been so long since I rode a bike, I was weaving all over the place. I had no sense of balance or coordination. Riding in town, I was afraid I would either run over a pedestrian or crash into a car or golf cart. But I made it out of town without incident.

On the north side of San Pedro town there is a toll bridge. Can you believe it? It cost me $2 Belize ($1 US) to buy a round trip ticket to cross the bridge.

Palapa Bar

Then I was on my way on the hard sand packed and rutted road. This is a very nice area with expensive and beautiful homes – I guess it’s where the rich people have their vacation places. I shortly reached the Palapa over the water bar and grill where Anna at the Deli had suggested that I eat lunch. It was way too early for lunch, so I decided to continue on. I was riding on the beach where there was a hard sandy trail.
I decided to give myself a time limit, so I rode until 11:30. I had not reached my goal, nor could I see it as the beach curved to the left when the time came. But I needed to turn around. I stopped for some water and when I got back on the bike, the front tire was flat. I walked along the beach until I saw a bike rental sign and asked them if I could use their tire pump.

Shortly thereafter, my handlebars suddenly slipped down, and I fell off the bike into a muddy area. I was ok, but my pants got dirty.
I rode a little further. By now I was getting really tired. I stopped to rest often and when I got back on the bike one time, my back tire was now flat. I stopped at a fishing lodge where they had a compressor and the nice gentleman there aired up both tires.

I was half dead by the time I finally reached the bar and grill. I decided I had used up enough calories to order the ½ pounder hamburger. To balance it, I had cole slaw instead of French fries and I ate it all. This lunch stop gave me a second wind and I made it back to the hotel without further incident.

It was worth it.