The direct route from Ridgeland to Savannah is about 33 miles. Unfortunately that route uses I-95 or US17. My bike safe route ended up being just over 70 miles of which the first 20 were uphill and into the wind. I think I averaged around 9 mph for the first 20 miles which was a bit tedious but I knew I’d be coming back down to sea level with the wind at my back. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from running and biking, it’s to never trust a downhill early on because you have to come back up eventually. The uphills are okay by me because I know I’ll be coming back down soon enough and if I put my work in now I’ll be able to relax later.

In either case, I wasn’t upset I chose the long route because it was an absolutely gorgeous day. The early uphill was tough but there was nice scenery. I saw a colorful bird and stopped to take a picture and it promptly took a shit into this lake and the fish started eating it. Ahhh the beauty of Mother Nature.

Once I got done climbing I crossed the Savannah River and entered Georgia as trucks hauling trees continued to pass me. The Georgia sign was pretty lame on the road I crossed into Georgia on but what can ya do?

It was around this point a black lab started chasing me but only half heartedly. I haven’t been in a legit dog chase since North Carolina which has been a relief. I stopped for lunch at a gas station in Guyton which ended up being a delicious meal of chicken tenders, potato wedges, and a hot pretzel which I washed down with a Glacier Freeze Gatorade. Amazing.

After lunch I stumbled upon the “Middle of Nowhere Georgia Spyware Removal House” which I laughed it. I wonder how much business this guy gets?

I kept moving and eventually got to Savannah 70 miles later. It was a gradual down hill for a while which was great and like I mentioned the weather was perfect, mid 50s and sunny. Since I got here with some daylight left I said fuck it I’ll go into town and see some things. I started out in Forsyth Park which was full of trees and statues, very similar to the battery in Charleston.

I then headed down to the river and watched the sunset while I waited for my carriage tour to start at 6:00. I also headed into an art store which I really liked. Someone should buy me these giraffes for Christmas (only $900!)

The carriage tour was neat also and I learned Savannah has a lot of weird history. The guide also pointed out a good ice cream place that I went to after consuming a full pizza and beer for dinner.

All in all a very busy and exhausting day. I have another 75ish miles tomorrow which will be almost solely on US17 which I am not looking forward to. It looks like there’s a shoulder most of the way but it will be boring and still scary. Also my destination is Brunswick, GA which is just a stop over point before Jacksonville so there won’t be much motivation to get there. Just going to try to make the best of it and get there safely.